It seems plausible to everyone that potatoes need to be watered on the balcony. But even the potatoes in the garden cannot do without the valuable water. But please use doses.
How often and how should you water potatoes?
Potatoes should be watered once or twice a week in the garden and once a week on the balcony. Use stale rainwater and water specifically at the base of the plant, preferably in the morning or evening. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot and disease.
Why?
Only a he althy, strong potato plant develops numerous, large potatoes for a rich harvest. An important factor for potato growth is sufficient moisture in the soil.
If there is enough rain, additional watering in the garden is not necessary. If there is no rain for a long time, watering must be done with a watering can. This will be used anyway if you grow your potatoes in a bucket on the balcony.
How to water?
- always water the plant base specifically
- in the garden once or twice a week
- on the balcony once a week, more often in severe droughts
- early morning or evening (retains moisture in the soil longer)
- never at midday, so that wetted leaves do not burn
- best with stale rainwater
Watering can or hose?
You should definitely use the watering can. When watering with a hose, there is a risk that the loosely piled up dams will be washed away. In addition, the leaves would get too much water.
But please not too much
You can't do the potatoes any good with too much water. Too much moisture causes roots, tubers and leaves to rot and makes them more susceptible to disease.
In the garden, let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again. You have to pay attention to drainage holes in the plant pot so that excess water can flow away.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to know whether the soil in the potato bucket is still sufficiently moist, the index finger test will help. If the soil is dry when you stick your whole finger in, it's time to water. Then wait until everything has dried before watering.
