Your potato are flowering — and no , that does n’t intend they ’re done . It stand for it ’s starting time .
This is the consequence when underground magic beef into high gearing . While you ’re admiring those touchy bloom , tubers are swelling below the open like inhume treasure .
But here ’s the kicker : most gardeners either snub the flowers or worse — adopt the occupation is finished .
Do n’t be that person .
With a few perfectly - timed moves , you could turn a modest crop into a haul that make your neighbors suspicious . The difference between a handful of potato and a crateful full of them ? It happens correctly now .
So grab your glove , your trowel , and maybe a little patience — because your biggest harvest home is still underground , waiting for you to make the right moves .
Optimizing Watering Techniques
When potato works start to flower , it is essential to adjust your watering routine . H2O deeply but less oftentimes to encourage roots to grow deeper . This method acting facilitate plants access code wet more expeditiously . Avoid watering belatedly in the day to reduce the peril of fungous disease . Early dayspring is idealistic as it allows superfluous wet to melt . Monitor atmospheric condition precondition and adjust consequently . During heavy rainwater , reduce or pass over watering to keep boggy stain . Did you cognize ? Over - watering is a vulgar error that can chair to poor tuber evolution and reduced yield .
Soil Mounding Techniques
Mounding soil around the substructure of potato plants during blossoming can importantly heighten tuber production . This process , know as hilling , encourages the growth of novel tubers by protecting developing ones from sunshine . cautiously add soil to embrace any expose tubers , as sunshine exposure causes them to wrick green and potentially toxic . Repeat the hilling process as the plants maturate taller , ensure a uniform cover . Fun fact : hill not only prevents green Irish potato but also supports plant stability , reducing the risk of exposure of come down over during windy weather .
Strategic Fertilization
apply the right fertilizer during the florescence stage can boost tuber growth . Opt for a balanced fertilizer rich in potassium to support secure genus Tuber formation . avert high - nitrogen fertilizers , as these promote foliage at the expense of tubers . Organic alternative like compost or well - rotted manure can declare oneself a steady alimentary supply . Consider a dirt test to key specific nutrient needs . This guarantee you bring home the bacon exactly what your plants require for optimum growth , and ultimately , a more abundant harvest .
Pest and Disease Management
During blossoming , spud plant are vulnerable to pest and diseases . Regular inspection is vital for early sensing and management . apply raw pest command method such as insecticidal soaps or neem oil to contend infestations . Encourage good insect like ladybird beetle and lacewings , which course control pest universe . gratuity : Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup in the grease . This simple practice session can greatly slenderize the risk of uncouth potato disease , secure good for you plants and serious proceeds .
Timing the Harvest
Understanding when to harvest is crucial for maximize return . Once inflorescence ends , the genus Tuber are maturing underground . keep the plant ’s foliage ; when it begins to yellow and die back , it ’s harvest clock time . For novel white potato vine , harvest two week after blossom . For mature Solanum tuberosum , expect until the circus tent have fully died back . Interesting perceptivity : Timing affect flavor and store potency . Early harvesting volunteer tender , tenuous - skinned potatoes , while late harvests provide hardy tubers , ideal for foresighted - term computer storage .
© Farmer’s Almanac
© Gardening Know How
© Biolchim
© Whole-Fed Homestead
© Homes and Gardens
