When is the right time to plant potatoes? Planting time and management

Best time to plant potatoes

Potatoes are generally best planted in spring from mid-to-late April to early May, and can also be planted in autumn from mid-to-late October to November. If potatoes are germinated at the end of December, they can be planted in February of the following year and bloom in June to July; the second season is planted in August and blooms in October to early November. The specific time varies from place to place, depending on the latitude, which essentially depends on the temperature.

How to plant potatoes

1. Potato seed selection: Potatoes are generally propagated by tubers, so you need to buy potatoes in advance for planting (if you have sprouted potatoes at home, you can use them directly).

2. Cut the potatoes into pieces: It is best not to put the purchased potatoes directly into the soil. You need to cut them into several small pieces for sowing, and don't worry about planting them after cutting.

3. Prepare for sowing: bury the potato tubers in the prepared soil (mixed with base fertilizer), with the potato eyes (buds) facing upwards, at a density of about 15-20 cm, and then cover with soil.

4. Sprouting and thinning: When the new buds grow to about 10cm, thinning (also called thinning) is required, and only two new buds are required.

5. Turn the soil: Loosen the planting soil, turn the soil down, and cover the roots of the potatoes; when the seedlings are about 10-15 cm tall, turn the soil for the first time, and when the seedlings are about 25 cm tall, turn the soil for the second time.

Potato planting management precautions

1. During the growth process, if necessary, you can restrain the wild growth or leggy growth of the seedlings by topping them, so that the seedlings can grow stronger and the potatoes can be larger.

2. When watering during the growth process, you can put your fingers into the soil to confirm the dryness of the soil (or use chopsticks instead of fingers to measure), water it after it is dry, and keep it slightly moist at other times. If it is kept too wet, the potato tubers or roots will easily rot (generally water it once every 10 days or so).

3. During the growth process, ensure good light and ventilation, otherwise the plants may grow lushly but the beans will be small.