Potatoes are a habitual and integral part of our diet, and a fairly significant part of it. In this regard, the problem of potato yield during planting is particularly acute. But, unfortunately, very often the results do not justify expectations and labor, and the volume of grown potatoes is not much higher than the amount planted. We bring to your attention the general recommendations on how to plant potatoes for a good harvest.
When to plant potatoes?
It is a well-known fact that this vegetable culture comes from America, that is why it by definition is accustomed to a milder climate and does not tolerate the harsh winters of the middle belt. Of course, the sooner you plant, the faster you will harvest, but in this case this principle does not work. Potatoes begin to show activity when the temperature of the earth reaches 8 ° C, so do not rush. The best option is to plant after the birch is green - a kind of indicator of warming up the soil.
How correctly to prepare potatoes for planting?
The best planting material is potatoes with little eyes the size of a small chicken egg. Less is not worth taking, because the bushes will be weak, more too - this is not rational from the economic point of view.
The procedure for preparing potatoes for planting consists of the following stages:
- stratification - finding the planting material at rest in a dark, cool place;
- processing potatoes before planting - it is desirable to wash it, in order to simultaneously identify and reject substandard and rotten tubers;
- the germination of potatoes before planting is a known fact that it is best to plant potatoes with already sprouted sprouts, 1-1.5 cm long, but no more, otherwise they can break. For germination, potatoes are laid out for a few days in a thin layer in a warm place. Another option is to fold it into plastic bags, filling them approximately halfway and leaving a little air.
Ways of planting potatoes
The technology of planting potatoes should vary depending on the region and type of soils. So, for example, in arid regions it is best to plant it in trenches, in wet areas, on the contrary - on ridges. We present to your attention some of the most interesting schemes for planting potatoes:
- From autumn it is necessary to prepare trenches 40-60 cm deep in the direction from the south to the north, laying the soil on both sides of the canals and filling them with grass, weeds or any other greens. In spring, over the green, you need to lay out the land left after excavating trenches, a dense layer 15-20 cm thick. The tubers should be decomposed at a distance of 30 cm from each other, fertilize and sprinkle with soil. This option is not suitable for clayey viscous soils.
- This method will be optimal for clay soils. In the ground, small ones are dug out - about 15-20 cm wide, with a shovel, and the distance between each of them should not be less than a meter. Then in each hole spread on the potato and fall asleep all the garden with hay. Re-hay is introduced after the first hilling. This helps fight weeds.
- Growing potatoes from the peel - you can start when the air temperature reaches 0 ° C. Peel spread in
heated (poured hot water) soil, covered with several layers of newspapers, sprinkled with thawed soil, and on top - with snow. When the soil warms up to 12 ° C, the peel will begin to produce sprouts.
Fertilizers for potatoes at planting
Nest fertilizer of potatoes at planting is much more effective than the introduction of the same substances "continuous". Nitrofosca in the amount of one tablespoon per hole and bone meal will not only help increase the yield of each bush, but also have a positive effect on the quality of the tubers themselves, making them more starchy. Wood ash not only gives all the substances necessary for growth, but also protects against many diseases and pests.