How and when to plant potatoes

Potato planting time

Potatoes are suitable for planting in spring and autumn. They like a cool environment. The formation and growth of underground tubers require a loose, fertile, well-drained and moist soil environment. The suitable temperature for tuber growth is 16 to 18 degrees, and the suitable temperature for stem and leaf growth is 15 to 25 degrees.

Planting potatoes in spring

Potatoes can be sown in spring from April to May. Pay attention to the temperature during planting. The suitable temperature for germination of seed potatoes is between 5-6 degrees in soil temperature, and the optimum temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees.

Planting potatoes in summer

Potatoes can be planted in August in summer. Timely and early sowing is the key to high yields, increasing the ground temperature during sowing and promoting early germination of seedlings.

Planting potatoes in autumn

Potatoes are usually planted in autumn from mid-to-late October to November. The soil moisture conditions should be good during planting. Potatoes like thick, loose and well-drained soil, which is conducive to the enlargement of tubers. Try to plow as deep as about 25 cm.

Planting potatoes in winter

Potatoes can be sown in winter from January to February, after the Great Cold in the twenty-four solar terms. Because their growing period is short and the fertilizer demand is concentrated, base fertilizer is mainly applied. Before plowing, 3 to 5 cubic meters of high-quality decomposed manure per mu should be spread, and chemical fertilizers should be applied in furrows during sowing.

Potato Planting Methods

When choosing a plot of land for planting, you should choose a plot with irrigation conditions, deep soil, good fertility, and avoid saline-alkali land. If you want high yields of potatoes, you must apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting. Potatoes prefer potassium fertilizer and organic fertilizer.

After planting, you can cover the ground with mulch. Check the mulch during the seedling stage. If rotten areas are found, press it tightly again. If the seedlings have not grown out, break the mulch and let the potatoes grow in time. Potatoes are sensitive to herbicides, so the concentration and dosage must be controlled.

When planting potatoes, you must apply sufficient base fertilizer. During the growth period, organic fertilizer should be the main fertilizer, supplemented by chemical fertilizer. There is a great demand for water during the flowering period, and this is also the season when the temperature rises and rainfall increases, so you can water in small amounts.