Growing Potatoes From Potatoes: A Complete Guide

Growing your own potatoes is a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, flavorful produce right from your backyard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right potatoes to harvesting your bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, you’ll find the information you need to successfully grow potatoes from potatoes.

Why Grow Potatoes From Potatoes?

There are several compelling reasons to grow potatoes from potatoes, often referred to as seed potatoes:

* **Freshness and Flavor:** Homegrown potatoes typically taste better than store-bought ones because they haven’t been stored for extended periods.
* **Variety Selection:** You can choose from a wider range of potato varieties than what’s typically available in grocery stores, allowing you to experiment with different flavors, textures, and colors.
* **Organic Gardening:** You have complete control over the growing process, ensuring that your potatoes are grown organically and without harmful chemicals.
* **Cost-Effectiveness:** While there’s an initial investment in seed potatoes, you can save money in the long run by growing your own supply.
* **Sustainability:** Growing your own food reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating transportation and packaging.
* **Educational Opportunity:** Gardening is a great way to learn about nature and food production.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s a unique satisfaction in harvesting food that you’ve grown yourself.

Understanding Seed Potatoes

Before diving into the growing process, it’s essential to understand what seed potatoes are and why they’re important.

* **What are Seed Potatoes?** Seed potatoes are simply potatoes that are specifically grown to be planted and produce new potato plants. They are typically certified disease-free and come in various sizes.
* **Why Not Use Store-Bought Potatoes?** While you *can* technically grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes, it’s generally not recommended. Store-bought potatoes may be treated with sprout inhibitors, which prevent them from growing. Additionally, they may carry diseases that can affect your potato crop and the soil.
* **Where to Buy Seed Potatoes:** Seed potatoes are available at most garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers. Choose reputable suppliers to ensure you’re getting healthy, disease-free seed potatoes.
* **Types of Seed Potatoes:** Seed potatoes are categorized based on their maturity time:
* **Early-season:** Mature in 70-90 days.
* **Mid-season:** Mature in 90-120 days.
* **Late-season:** Mature in 120-140 days.

Consider your local climate and growing season when choosing the right type. Popular varieties include Yukon Gold (yellow flesh, all-purpose), Russet Burbank (brown skin, baking), Red Pontiac (red skin, boiling), and fingerling potatoes (small, elongated shape, unique flavor).

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Potatoes From Potatoes

Here’s a detailed guide to growing potatoes from potatoes, covering everything from preparing your seed potatoes to harvesting your crop.

1. Choosing the Right Potatoes and Variety

* **Select Certified Seed Potatoes:** Purchase certified seed potatoes from a reputable source to ensure they are disease-free and of good quality.
* **Consider Your Climate:** Choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and growing season. If you have a short growing season, opt for early-season varieties.
* **Think About Your Preferences:** Do you prefer baking potatoes, boiling potatoes, or all-purpose potatoes? Select varieties that meet your culinary needs.
* **Inspect the Potatoes:** Make sure the potatoes are firm, unblemished, and free from signs of rot or disease. Smaller potatoes can be planted whole, while larger ones can be cut into pieces.

2. Chitting (Sprouting) Your Seed Potatoes (Optional but Recommended)

Chitting, or sprouting, your seed potatoes before planting gives them a head start and can result in an earlier and larger harvest.

* **Timing:** Start chitting 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date.
* **Process:**
1. Place the seed potatoes in a cool (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C), bright location. An unheated garage or shed works well.
2. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in egg cartons or trays, with the eyes (small indentations where sprouts will emerge) facing upward.
3. Allow the potatoes to sit for several weeks, until short, green sprouts develop. Turn the potatoes occasionally to ensure even sprouting.
* **Benefits of Chitting:**
* **Earlier Harvest:** Chitted potatoes will mature faster than unchitted potatoes.
* **Increased Yield:** Chitting can lead to a larger harvest.
* **Stronger Plants:** Chitted potatoes produce stronger, more vigorous plants.

3. Cutting Seed Potatoes (If Necessary)

If you’re using larger seed potatoes, you can cut them into pieces to get more plants. Each piece should have at least one or two eyes.

* **When to Cut:** Cut the potatoes 1-2 days before planting to allow the cut surfaces to suberize (form a protective layer).
* **How to Cut:**
1. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the potatoes into pieces that are roughly 2 inches square.
2. Ensure each piece has at least one or two healthy eyes.
3. Larger potatoes may yield several pieces, while smaller potatoes may only be cut in half.
* **Curing the Cut Pieces:** After cutting, place the pieces in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days to allow the cut surfaces to suberize. This helps prevent rot and disease.

4. Preparing the Soil

Potatoes need well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. Proper soil preparation is crucial for a successful harvest.

* **Timing:** Prepare the soil several weeks before planting.
* **Location:** Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
* **Soil Testing:** Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
* **Soil Amendments:**
* **Organic Matter:** Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. This will improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.
* **Fertilizer:** Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) according to the soil test recommendations or general guidelines. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of tuber development.
* **Tilling/Digging:** Till or dig the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to create a loose, workable planting bed. Remove any rocks, stones, or debris that could interfere with tuber development.

5. Planting the Seed Potatoes

Proper planting depth and spacing are essential for optimal potato growth.

* **Timing:** Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date, when the soil temperature reaches at least 45°F (7°C).
* **Spacing:**
* **Rows:** Space rows 30-36 inches apart.
* **Plants:** Space plants 12-15 inches apart within the rows.
* **Planting Depth:** Plant seed potatoes 4-6 inches deep. Deeper planting provides better protection from frost and promotes more tuber development.
* **Planting Process:**
1. Dig a trench or individual holes to the appropriate depth.
2. Place the seed potatoes (cut side down, if applicable) in the trench or holes, with the eyes facing upward.
3. Cover the potatoes with soil and gently firm the soil around them.
4. Water the planting area thoroughly.

6. Hilling (Earthing Up)

Hilling is a crucial technique for increasing potato yields and protecting the developing tubers from sunlight.

* **What is Hilling?** Hilling involves gradually mounding soil around the potato plants as they grow. This encourages the formation of more tubers along the stems.
* **When to Hill:** Start hilling when the potato plants are about 6-8 inches tall.
* **How to Hill:**
1. Use a hoe or shovel to draw soil from between the rows up around the base of the plants, covering the lower portion of the stems.
2. Repeat the hilling process every 2-3 weeks as the plants continue to grow, gradually creating a mound of soil around the plants.
3. Leave the top few inches of the plants exposed to sunlight.
* **Benefits of Hilling:**
* **Increased Yield:** Hilling encourages the formation of more tubers along the stems.
* **Sunlight Protection:** Hilling prevents the tubers from being exposed to sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and produce solanine, a toxic compound.
* **Improved Drainage:** Hilling improves drainage around the plants, reducing the risk of tuber rot.
* **Weed Control:** Hilling helps to suppress weed growth around the plants.

7. Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering and fertilization are essential for healthy potato growth.

* **Watering:**
* **Frequency:** Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Potatoes need consistent moisture to develop properly.
* **Method:** Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
* **Avoid Overwatering:** Overwatering can lead to tuber rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
* **Fertilizing:**
* **Side-dressing:** Side-dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a potato-specific fertilizer a few weeks after planting and again after hilling.
* **Application:** Sprinkle the fertilizer along the sides of the rows and gently work it into the soil. Water thoroughly after application.
* **Foliar Feeding:** Consider foliar feeding with a liquid seaweed extract or fish emulsion to provide micronutrients and boost plant health.

8. Weed and Pest Control

Protecting your potato plants from weeds and pests is crucial for a successful harvest.

* **Weed Control:**
* **Mulching:** Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, hay, or wood chips, around the plants to suppress weed growth, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
* **Hand-pulling:** Regularly hand-pull any weeds that emerge around the plants.
* **Cultivation:** Use a hoe or cultivator to gently cultivate the soil between the rows, removing weeds and aerating the soil.
* **Pest Control:**
* **Common Pests:** Common potato pests include potato beetles, aphids, flea beetles, and leafhoppers.
* **Prevention:**
* **Crop Rotation:** Rotate your potato crop each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
* **Companion Planting:** Plant companion plants, such as marigolds or nasturtiums, to repel pests.
* **Inspect Plants Regularly:** Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and diseases.
* **Control Methods:**
* **Handpicking:** Handpick potato beetles and other large pests from the plants.
* **Insecticidal Soap:** Spray plants with insecticidal soap to control aphids, flea beetles, and leafhoppers.
* **Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt):** Use Bt to control potato beetle larvae.
* **Neem Oil:** Apply neem oil to control a variety of pests and diseases.

9. Disease Management

Potatoes are susceptible to various diseases, including early blight, late blight, and scab.

* **Prevention:**
* **Disease-Resistant Varieties:** Choose disease-resistant potato varieties.
* **Certified Seed Potatoes:** Plant certified disease-free seed potatoes.
* **Crop Rotation:** Rotate your potato crop each year.
* **Good Air Circulation:** Ensure good air circulation around the plants by spacing them properly.
* **Avoid Wetting Foliage:** Avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
* **Control Methods:**
* **Fungicides:** Apply fungicides preventatively or at the first sign of disease.
* **Remove Infected Plants:** Remove and destroy any infected plants to prevent the spread of disease.
* **Improve Soil Drainage:** Improve soil drainage to reduce the risk of tuber rot.

10. Harvesting Your Potatoes

Knowing when and how to harvest your potatoes is crucial for maximizing your yield and ensuring the best flavor.

* **Timing:**
* **Early Potatoes:** Harvest early potatoes when the plants begin to flower and the tubers are small and tender (about 2-3 inches in diameter). These potatoes have thin skins and don’t store well.
* **Main Crop Potatoes:** Harvest main crop potatoes when the foliage begins to die back (usually 2-3 weeks after flowering). The tubers should be mature and have thick skins, making them suitable for long-term storage.
* **Harvesting Process:**
1. Gently dig around the plants with a garden fork or shovel, being careful not to damage the tubers.
2. Lift the plants from the soil and remove the tubers.
3. Brush off any excess soil from the tubers.
* **Curing Potatoes for Storage:**
1. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in a cool, dry, dark place for 1-2 weeks to allow the skins to cure and harden. This will help prevent rot and extend their storage life.
2. Discard any damaged or diseased potatoes.

11. Storing Your Potatoes

Proper storage is essential for preserving the quality and flavor of your harvested potatoes.

* **Ideal Storage Conditions:**
* **Temperature:** Store potatoes in a cool (40-50°F or 4-10°C), dark, and well-ventilated place.
* **Humidity:** Maintain a moderate humidity level (80-90%).
* **Storage Methods:**
* **Root Cellar:** A root cellar is an ideal storage location for potatoes.
* **Basement:** A cool, dark basement can also be used for storage.
* **Garage:** An unheated garage can be used for storage, but protect the potatoes from freezing temperatures.
* **Storage Tips:**
* **Avoid Sunlight:** Store potatoes in a dark place to prevent them from turning green and producing solanine.
* **Don’t Wash Before Storing:** Don’t wash potatoes before storing, as this can promote rot.
* **Check Regularly:** Check the potatoes regularly and remove any that show signs of rot or sprouting.
* **Store Away from Apples and Onions:** Store potatoes away from apples and onions, as these fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout.

Troubleshooting Common Potato Problems

Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some challenges when growing potatoes. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

* **Green Potatoes:** Green potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound. This happens when the tubers are exposed to sunlight. To prevent this, ensure that the tubers are properly hilled and covered with soil. Discard any green potatoes.
* **Potato Scab:** Potato scab is a fungal disease that causes rough, scabby lesions on the tubers. To prevent scab, maintain a slightly acidic soil pH (6.0-6.5), avoid over-liming, and choose scab-resistant varieties.
* **Early Blight:** Early blight is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves. To prevent early blight, practice crop rotation, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides preventatively.
* **Late Blight:** Late blight is a devastating fungal disease that can quickly destroy potato plants and tubers. To prevent late blight, choose disease-resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides preventatively. Monitor weather conditions and be prepared to take action if blight is reported in your area.
* **Tuber Rot:** Tuber rot can be caused by various fungal and bacterial diseases. To prevent tuber rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and cure potatoes properly after harvesting.
* **Small Potatoes:** Small potatoes can be caused by poor soil fertility, insufficient watering, or overcrowding. To improve potato size, amend the soil with organic matter and fertilizer, water consistently, and space plants properly.
* **Pest Infestations:** As mentioned earlier, various pests can attack potato plants. Implement preventative measures and use appropriate control methods to manage pest infestations.

Potato Varieties to Consider

Choosing the right potato variety depends on your climate, soil conditions, and culinary preferences. Here are some popular and widely available varieties to consider:

* **Yukon Gold:** A popular all-purpose potato with yellow flesh and a buttery flavor. It’s excellent for boiling, baking, and roasting.
* **Russet Burbank:** The classic baking potato with brown skin and fluffy white flesh. It’s also good for french fries and mashed potatoes.
* **Red Pontiac:** A red-skinned potato with white flesh that holds its shape well when boiled. It’s a good choice for potato salad and soups.
* **Kennebec:** A versatile potato with white skin and flesh that’s good for baking, boiling, and frying. It’s also resistant to some diseases.
* **Fingerling Potatoes:** These small, elongated potatoes come in various colors and have a unique, nutty flavor. They’re excellent for roasting and potato salad.
* **Purple Majesty:** A novelty potato with purple skin and flesh that adds color to your meals. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is good for roasting and boiling.

Growing Potatoes in Containers

If you have limited space, you can successfully grow potatoes in containers.

* **Container Size:** Choose a large container (at least 10 gallons) with drainage holes.
* **Potting Mix:** Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of compost, peat moss, and perlite.
* **Planting:** Plant seed potatoes 4-6 inches deep in the container.
* **Hilling:** As the plants grow, gradually add more potting mix to the container, covering the stems to encourage tuber development.
* **Watering and Fertilizing:** Water and fertilize regularly.
* **Harvesting:** Harvest potatoes when the foliage begins to die back.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes from potatoes is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that provides you with fresh, flavorful produce right from your backyard. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully grow your own potatoes and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop. Remember to choose the right varieties, prepare the soil properly, water and fertilize consistently, and protect your plants from pests and diseases. With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown potatoes.