Potatoes

Begin chitting potatoes in late January and plant them from mid-March to April, when soil temperatures are between 6-10°C. For chitting, place seed potatoes with eyes upward in a light, frost-free area to encourage the main sprout's growth. Plant them in a sunny location, spacing them 12 inches apart in 4-inch deep trenches. Ensure consistent soil moisture, particularly during tuber formation, but reduce watering as the leaves yellow. Regular weeding is essential for healthy growth. For pest management, be vigilant of potato beetles and aphids, using organic methods and rotating crops annually. Harvest new potatoes post-flowering, and mature potatoes once the foliage has died back. Store harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated area, and check them regularly for rot. At the season's end, enrich the soil with compost or a green manure crop. Be aware of potato blight, identifiable by brown leaf patches and reddish-brown spots on tubers.

Detailed Guide

Sowing Time

When:

In the UK, the ideal time to start sowing potatoes is typically March or April. Begin chitting potatoes from late January, aiming for planting between mid-March to April.

How:

1. Arrange the seed potatoes in egg boxes or seed trays with the 'eyes' (buds) facing upwards.
2. Place them in a cool but frost-free room with sufficient light exposure.
3. Focus on developing one main sprout by removing the lower 'eyes'.

Planting Out

When: Plant out your potatoes after the last frost, when the soil temperature reaches at least 7°C.

How: Choose a sunny, well-draining spot. Dig trenches about 4 inches (10cm) deep and plant the seed potatoes about 12 inches (30cm) apart. Cover with soil.

Watering

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during tuber formation. Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as foliage yellows.

Pest Management

Common Pests: Watch out for aphids, and potato blight. Brown patches on leaves and reddish-brown spots beneath the tuber's skin are signs of blight.

Harvesting

When: Harvest new potatoes about 2-3 weeks after flowering. For mature potatoes, wait until foliage dies back.

How: Carefully dig around the plants by hand and allow them to dry before storing.

End of Season

Storage: Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Check regularly for rot.

Soil Care: Plant a green manure crop or apply compost to replenish soil nutrients.

Growing potatoes is a rewarding experience, leading to a delicious and versatile crop. With proper care, your potato plants will thrive, providing a plentiful harvest.