The saying “The stupidest farmer harvests the biggest potatoes” is widespread! But firstly, this does injustice to the farmers. Secondly, there are numerous factors that influence the growth of nutritious tubers.
How can you successfully grow potatoes?
To successfully grow potatoes, you need loamy, sandy soil in a sunny location, sufficient water and warmth, crop rotation, organic fertilizer, the right timing for planting and piling up the tubers, and the right potato variety for the desired yield.
Suitable soils
Potatoes prefer loamy and sandy soils in a sunny location. Heavy soils can be loosened by digging in sand and compost. Dry soils are supplied with plenty of water. Waterlogging is avoided by laying drainage.
Observe crop rotation
Potatoes strongly leach the soil. If you have enough space in your garden, you only grow your tubers on the same bed every four years. In the meantime, medium and low eaters thrive here. In the year before growing potatoes, we recommend green manure with vetch, clover, lupins, oil radish or mustard.
Fertilizer
As a heavy eater, potatoes use up plenty of nutrients. Burying manure creates good starting conditions before sowing and preserves the typical aroma.
Avoid over-fertilization of the soil
The additional application of synthetic fertilizer promotes the growth of the tubers, but often leads to over-fertilization of the soil. Susceptibility to disease, shorter storage times and deterioration in taste are the result. It is better to use manure and horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon).
The “right” type of potato
- for a rich harvest: Linda, Laura, Agria, Belana, Solana Queen Anne, Bintje
- for the “biggest” potatoes: Bintje, Krone, Laura, Marabel
If mass and size are not important to you, then grow tasty varieties such as Bamberger Hörnchen, La Ratte, Herrmann's Blue, Pink Pine Cones or Highland Burgundy Red.
Water and heat
Warm weather and sufficient rain – these are ideal growing conditions for potatoes. Even if we can't influence the weather, a little help is possible:
- Stale rainwater from the watering can helps in cases of prolonged drought
- Straw, blankets or garden fleece protect against late frosts
- A polytunnel protects against frost, keeps you warm under the film and thus provides a growth advantage
piling up
Only piling up the potatoes prevents the formation of poisonous, green spots or potatoes. Under no circumstances should green potatoes be eaten; green areas must be cut away generously. In any case, this reduces the harvest.
Tips & Tricks
Seed potatoes from your own harvest should only be used for a maximum of 2 to 3 years in a row. They become more susceptible to disease and their yield decreases over time. It is better to buy fresh seeds every year.