Potatoes

This is the Potatoes section of the website where you’ll find articles about growing potatoes.

Growing your own potatoes is rewarding and never gets old!

massey ferguson 35x and grubber

Weeding and Ridging Potato Drills with a Tractor: using a Massey Ferguson 35x, with a Ferguson grubber and drill plough

Hello, fellow potato growers! Today, we’re diving into the world of mechanized weeding and ridging. If you’ve got a larger area of potatoes, using a tractor and specialized equipment can make the weeding and ridging process more efficient and less labor-intensive. In this article, we’ll explore how to use a Massey Ferguson 35x tractor, a …

Weeding and Ridging Potato Drills with a Tractor: using a Massey Ferguson 35x, with a Ferguson grubber and drill plough Read More »

leafhopper on potato leaf

What Are Potato Leafhoppers? lifecycle, effects and control

Anyone who has tried to grow a plant will know firsthand how important it is to educate yourself about the pests that can wreak havoc on our beloved plants. Today, let’s dive into the world of potato leafhoppers, tiny insects that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Identifying potato leafhoppers Potato leafhoppers are small, …

What Are Potato Leafhoppers? lifecycle, effects and control Read More »

a potato with soft rot and white mould growing on it

Top 10 Most Common Pests And Diseases In Potatoes: the most common problems for new growers

Growing potatoes can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for the most common pests and diseases that can harm your crops. In this article, I’ll share with you the top 10 most common pests and diseases that affect potatoes, as well as some helpful tips on …

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the effect of seed potato size on yield

The Surprising Impact of Seed Potato Size on Your Potato Yield

Hello, fellow growers and gardening enthusiasts! Welcome back to another informative post on growerexperts.com. Today, we’re going to explore the fascinating world of seed potatoes and how their size can impact the overall yield of your potato crop. There are several factors that contribute to the final yield, and while it might seem logical that …

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smal seed potatoes freshly dug from the soil ready to use for seed

How to Keep Seed Potatoes for Planting Next Year: tips for keeping home-grown seed

If you are an avid grower, you’ll know the importance of saving seed for the next planting season. One of the most popular vegetables to grow are potatoes. Potatoes are relatively easy to grow and can be stored for a long time in the correct conditions. However, to grow potatoes each year as efficiently as …

How to Keep Seed Potatoes for Planting Next Year: tips for keeping home-grown seed Read More »

verticillium wilt on a potato plant

Managing Verticillium Wilt in Potatoes: effective strategies and prevention techniques

Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne disease that affects a wide range of crops, including potatoes. The disease is caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, which invades the plant’s water-conducting system, leading to wilting, stunting, and reduced yield. The fungus can survive in the soil for up to 10 years, making it difficult to manage. Fortunately, …

Managing Verticillium Wilt in Potatoes: effective strategies and prevention techniques Read More »

organic potatoes growing in a field

How to Cope with Pests and Diseases in Organic Potatoes: Tips and Strategies

Organic potato farming is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to grow potatoes. However, it can be challenging to cope with pests and diseases without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic potato farmers need to be proactive in preventing and managing pests and diseases to ensure a successful harvest. One of the most important steps in …

How to Cope with Pests and Diseases in Organic Potatoes: Tips and Strategies Read More »

seed potatoes with buds in a basket ready to plant into the soil

How to Grow Organic Potatoes: A Beginner’s Guide to Cultivating Chemical-Free Spuds

Organic gardening is becoming increasingly popular as people become more conscious of the food they consume. One of the most popular vegetables to grow organically are potatoes. Potatoes are relatively easy to grow, and they are a staple in many households. Growing organic potatoes is not only good for the environment, but also good for …

How to Grow Organic Potatoes: A Beginner’s Guide to Cultivating Chemical-Free Spuds Read More »

a field with freshly planted potato drills

When Should I Plant Potatoes: a helpful guide from planting to harvest

Are you thinking about growing potatoes in your garden but not sure when to plant them? The timing of planting potatoes can have a significant impact on the yield and quality of your crop. Knowing when to plant potatoes is essential to ensure a successful harvest. The best time to plant potatoes depends on several …

When Should I Plant Potatoes: a helpful guide from planting to harvest Read More »

potato plants starting to grow

How Much Magnesium Do Potato Plants Need To Grow Optimally?

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, and potatoes require a sufficient amount of magnesium to grow optimally. The amount of magnesium required by a potato plant can vary depending on factors such as soil type, growing conditions, and potato variety. How much magnesium do potatoes need? The amount of magnesium you …

How Much Magnesium Do Potato Plants Need To Grow Optimally? Read More »

small potato plants which need fertilizer

How Much Fertilizer Should I Add To My Potato Plants?

Adding fertilizer to potatoes is an important step in the process of growing a great crop. But there are many questions about the best type of potato fertilizer to use and how much is required. This article looks at using chemical and organic fertilizers and how much you should add at different stages of the …

How Much Fertilizer Should I Add To My Potato Plants? Read More »

Grimme Gazelle 76

Grimme Single-Row Potato Harvesters: 1970s to 1980s an amazing overview with pictures

If you grew or were involved with farming potatoes in the 1970s or 1980s you would most certainly have come across Grimme single-row potato harvesters. Grimme is a German company from the city of Damme in the Lower Saxony region in North West Germany. It was established in 1861, initially as a blacksmiths forge, but …

Grimme Single-Row Potato Harvesters: 1970s to 1980s an amazing overview with pictures Read More »

How and when to prepare your garden for potatoes

Preparing Your Garden For Potatoes: what to do and when for better results

We’ve heard it all a thousand times before- preparation is the key to everything- and it is no different when it comes to preparing your garden for potatoes. Preparing your garden for potatoes The following applies if you are growing a crop of potatoes in your garden, allotment, or field. Land drainage and soil sampling …

Preparing Your Garden For Potatoes: what to do and when for better results Read More »

ransomes potato spin digger

Harvesting Potatoes Using A Spin Digger: history and operation of an amazing invention

The spin digger or spinner was the first mechanised attempt at removing potatoes from the soil in which they grew to make gathering the potatoes easier. Prior to the invention of the spin digger, someone had to manually dig the soil and potatoes with a spade or a fork and spread the crop on the …

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a potato pit

Storing Potatoes Outside: how to make an amazing potato pit

The thought of storing potatoes outside long term seems strange, but this is precisely how most people kept them for centuries in their fields and gardens. The mound they created was known as a “Potato Pit”. The funny thing about potato pits is that they are excellent at storing potatoes for a long time if …

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Underhaug superfaun potato harvester

Underhaug Superfaun UN1700 Potato Harvester: fascinating history and operation

The Underhaug Superfaun UN1700 potato harvester was first produced by Underhaug (correctly referred to as Underhaugs Fabrikk from Naerbo in Norway) and given the model name UN1700. Underhaug was bought by Kverneland ( another Norwegian company) in 1986, the most noticeable change was the machine was finished with Kverneland red paint instead of Underhaug orange …

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fertilizing potatoes

Fertilizing Potatoes: big yields 101?

If you are growing potatoes in your home garden for the first time, you may be wondering if fertilizing potatoes is a good idea. Like all living plants, potato plants need adequate nutrients to grow and produce large, tasty tubers. Namely, potatoes need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three nutrients denoted in the NPK ratio …

Fertilizing Potatoes: big yields 101? Read More »

when do potatoes flower

When Do Potatoes Flower?

Potatoes are a common staple in the American diet and are often grown in the home garden. These starchy tubers are used for fries, mashed potatoes, and in casseroles, soups, and stews. It may surprise you to learn that even though potatoes are vegetables, the potato tubers aren’t really the fruit of a potato plant. …

When Do Potatoes Flower? Read More »

a potato with the soil cleaned off it

What Role Does Phosphorous Play In Potato Production? the easy explanation

Potatoes need adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow. Each nutrient plays a role in plant growth and the quality of your potato tubers – in this article we will find out what role does phosphorous play in potato production? What is phosphorous fertilizer? Fertilizer contains the vital nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus(P), and potassium (K). …

What Role Does Phosphorous Play In Potato Production? the easy explanation Read More »

A bag of phosphorous Fertilizer being applied to potatoes in a vegetable garden

What Role Does Nitrogen Play In Potato Production? boosting your results

Nitrogen is essential to plant growth as it helps to form the building blocks of proteins and other vital plant enzymes. It is also part of the chlorophyll molecule necessary for your potato plant to perform photosynthesis and produce energy for the plant. But what role does nitrogen play in potato production? – the excess …

What Role Does Nitrogen Play In Potato Production? boosting your results Read More »

rsz_knapsack_sprayer_to_apply_liquid_fertilizer

Liquid Fertilizer For Potatoes: pros, cons, and how to choose

Fertilizing your potatoes during the growing season keeps them healthy and promotes a good yield. Many chose to apply granular fertilizer to the soil before planting them and side-dress the potatoes two weeks after planting them and then once a month up until two weeks before harvesting. But you don’t need to fuss with granular …

Liquid Fertilizer For Potatoes: pros, cons, and how to choose Read More »

potatoes growing in compost

Can I Grow Potatoes In Straight Compost: + how to increase its P and K

You may have read about growing potatoes in compost and wondered if it was really a good idea. Technically, potatoes can be grown in compost alone, but it isn’t always the best choice. Amending your soil with compost or making a potting mix with compost and soilless mix for containers may be a better choice. …

Can I Grow Potatoes In Straight Compost: + how to increase its P and K Read More »

What Is Skin Set On Potatoes? an important process for storage 

Many home gardeners enjoy growing potatoes and storing them for winter use. Potatoes are both nutritional and versatile, providing the makings for many recipes. To enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long, you will need to make sure your potatoes have a good skin set and have been appropriately cured before winter storage. …

What Is Skin Set On Potatoes? an important process for storage  Read More »

an image of potato tops cut off from the potato drills in a field

Can You Cut The Tops Off Potato Plants? big bulk problems

Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) produce leafy tops that grow to 40 inches tall, explains the International Potato Center. The tops perform photosynthesis and manufacture energy that is stored as starch in the underground tubers. Without the tops, your potato plants cannot perform photosynthesis, and tubers will not grow. However, there are times when the tops may …

Can You Cut The Tops Off Potato Plants? big bulk problems Read More »

an image of a potato cut in half showing the brown cavity of hollow heart inside

Can Potatoes Grow Too Big: why massive potatoes (tubers) should be avoided and how to keep their growth in check

Potatoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tiny fingerlings to massive baking potatoes. The size of the mature potato tubers depends primarily on the type of potato you are growing, but other factors also affect their size. While many gardeners face the challenge of potato tubers that grow smaller than expected, sometimes …

Can Potatoes Grow Too Big: why massive potatoes (tubers) should be avoided and how to keep their growth in check Read More »

a photo of The Colorado Potato Beetle on a potato plant

Identifying And Removing Colorado Potato Beetle From Potato Plants: 3 effective defenses!

The Colorado Potato Beetle, also known as a potato bug, is a common insect pest found primarily on potatoes in North America. This destructive insect devours the foliage (and blossoms) on potato plants and can strip them bare in a few days if action isn’t taken. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep potato bugs …

Identifying And Removing Colorado Potato Beetle From Potato Plants: 3 effective defenses! Read More »

crop rotation in different sections in vegetable garden

Can I Grow Potatoes In The Same Plot Every Year? the importance of crop rotation

Growing potatoes in the home garden is a great way to provide your family with healthy and nutritious potatoes all year, but it does come with its challenges. Potatoes should not be planted in the same spot yearly and must be rotated with other crops. Find out how to rotate your potatoes and what to …

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potatoes in a bag

How To Cure Potatoes After Harvest: a step-by-step guide

Growing your potatoes in the home garden and storing them for winter is a great way to provide your family with healthy and nutritious food all year. Following the best practices for harvesting, curing, and storing potatoes is essential to your success. Find out how to cure potatoes after harvest, what curing means and how …

How To Cure Potatoes After Harvest: a step-by-step guide Read More »

a field with freshly planted potato drills

The Best Soil For Potatoes: what it is and how to get it

Potatoes are easy-to-grow vegetables that will grow in nearly any soil. However, you should aim to provide the best soil for potatoes by following the steps I have outlined below. They do best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.  Providing potatoes with good soil, adequate nutrients, and plenty of water will increase …

The Best Soil For Potatoes: what it is and how to get it Read More »

a large leaf of a potato plant

Can I Eat Potato Leaves: are they extremely poisonous?

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. While the tubers are a healthy and nutritious addition to the diet, not all parts of the potato plant are edible. Like other plants in the nightshade family, some parts of the potato plant are poisonous. What are nightshade vegetables? Nightshades are …

Can I Eat Potato Leaves: are they extremely poisonous? Read More »

a potato being planted into soil with the buds facing upwards

Do You Plant Potatoes With The Eyes Up Or Down? big difference?

How many times have you forgotten about that bag of potatoes in your pantry only to find them covered in strange, bumpy growth? These growths are buds or sprouts which grow from the potato eyes, and they look rather unappetizing. Some people toss the entire potato thinking it’s no good, while others cut the small buds off before …

Do You Plant Potatoes With The Eyes Up Or Down? big difference? Read More »

potato plants falling over in a field

10 Reasons Why Your Potato Plants Have Fallen Over

Growing potatoes in your backyard or garden isn’t difficult. With proper care, you can expect to harvest two to five pounds of potatoes from each plant, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Sometimes, problems arise, like the tops of the potato plants falling over. This can happen for several reasons. Let’s look at the …

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slugs and snails eating potato plants

Slugs And Snails Eating Potato Plants: identification and removal

If you have noticed chew marks on the leaves of your potatoes in the morning but can’t identify the culprit, you may have slugs and snails eating potato plants. These garden pests come out under the cover of darkness and slip out of sight when morning arrives. Look for glistening trails on the foliage as …

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a potato showing the eyes with small buds

What Are Potato Eyes: locating big sprouts

Potatoes are a popular vegetable in the home garden as many people routinely eat potatoes with meat and poultry dishes. According to Statista, the average American consumed 29.3 pounds of fresh potatoes in 2021. While many were purchased, many were also grown in the home garden. Growing potatoes involves planting either whole or cut sections …

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how far apart to plant potatoes

How Far Apart To Plant Potatoes: big yields ahoy

Growing potatoes at home will provide you with the basis for many meals, from fluffy mashed potatoes to delicious home fries. These easy-to-grow vegetables do require plenty of room to grow. But when you know how far apart to plant potatoes, they will produce an abundance of large, fresh produce for all your family. Is …

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how many potatoes grow from one seed potato

How Many Potatoes Grow From One Seed Potato: the shocking truth!

Potatoes are a popular vegetable in home gardens. They are relatively easy to grow and produce well in average soil. How many potatoes each plant produces depends on how well their growing needs are met, the type of potato you are growing, and the weather conditions in your area. Typically, one potato plant produces 8 …

How Many Potatoes Grow From One Seed Potato: the shocking truth! Read More »

russet norkotah potatoes

Potato Variety Russet Norkotah: origin and characteristics

The potato variety Russet Norkotah is the second most popular potato in the US. They are russeted, brown-skinned early to medium maincrop potatoes. They are very attractive potatoes with excellent processing abilities. They can be boiled and mashed but their main market is for baked potatoes or processing for French fries. Origin The Russet Norkotah …

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red desiree potatoes

Potato Variety Desiree: origin and characteristics

Desiree is a red-skinned early maincrop potato. They are slightly waxy potatoes with a distinctive taste. They can be boiled, roasted, chipped and used cold in salads, they are versatile potatoes and are suitable for pre-packing and general ware. Origin Desiree was bred in the Netherlands in 1962. Yield and dry matter Expect high yields …

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Potato Variety Russet Burbank: origin and characteristics

Russet Burbank potatoes are one of the most popular potato varieties in the United States. They were bred by the US plant breeder Luther Burbank (Massachusetts) in 1902 in a bid to improve the disease resistance of Irish potato varieties being used at that time. Beginnings Russet Burbank potatoes were not an immediate success when …

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roast potatoes

Which Are The Best Potatoes For Roasting?- Top UK and US varieties revealed

Roast potatoes can go well with several dishes, ranging from barbecued chicken to pot roast, among others. While seasoning makes a tremendous difference, you should also consider the type of potato you’re using. This is especially the case since they don’t all roast the same. So, which are the best potatoes for roasting? What qualities …

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potato plants grown in the garden

Copper Sulphate As A Potato Blight Spray: what is it and is it good?

Blight is a common fungal disease that affects potatoes. It can destroy the entire crop in less than a week if left unattended. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to save your potatoes once they have been infected with blight. This makes prevention key to raising healthy potatoes. While the best prevention for potato blight …

Copper Sulphate As A Potato Blight Spray: what is it and is it good? Read More »

blight on the leaves of a potato plant

Blight Resistant Potato Varieties: background and examples

Blight is a fungal disease that can affect tomatoes, potatoes and other members of the nightshade family. Early Blight is caused by the Alternaria solani fungus while late blight is caused by the Phytophthora infestans (p. infestans) fungus. Late Blight was responsible for the Irish Potato Famine between 1845 and 1849, destroying nearly 80 percent of Ireland’s potato crop. This …

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tobacco rattle virus in potato skin

Tobacco Rattle Virus In Potatoes: 6 easy steps to prevention

Potatoes are an easy-to-grow vegetable that can be planted in the early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. They typically produce well and provide you with an abundance of tubers. While they are generally disease-free (as long as you buy certified seed potatoes) they are not immune to all diseases. Tobacco Rattle …

Tobacco Rattle Virus In Potatoes: 6 easy steps to prevention Read More »

eelworm damage on a potato

Eelworm In Potatoes: what is it and how do I remove or prevent it?

Eelworm is a parasitic nematode that lives in the soil and feeds on plant roots. Its host plants are nightshades and they particularly like potatoes and tomatoes. If you’re growing potatoes, it is extremely important to educate yourself on eelworms. If you like to grow a lot of potatoes and tomatoes, you’ll definitely want to …

Eelworm In Potatoes: what is it and how do I remove or prevent it? Read More »

planting potatoes in our garden in the month of march

What Month Do You Plant Potatoes? the best month to plant and why

There is nothing quite like the creamy texture of a homegrown potato. The difference in taste between homegrown and store-bought is so dramatic, that I try and grow most of my potatoes. What month do you plant potatoes is key to how many potatoes you can harvest. Since potatoes store easily for the rest of …

What Month Do You Plant Potatoes? the best month to plant and why Read More »

bowl of boiled white potatoes with skins on

Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins: raw or cooked answers

Eaten by cultures the world over, potatoes are a staple in most diets. They provide a plethora of important nutrients. Fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins such as C and B6 with a relatively low caloric content. Their complex carbohydrates provide plenty of slow-burning fuel for your body. But are potatoes as beneficial to our canine …

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When to harvest potatoes

When To Harvest Potatoes: dates and descriptions

Potatoes are typically categorized into three main categories according to their days to maturity. They are classed as: early, mid-season, and maincrop potatoes. They may also be referred to as earlies, second earlies, and long-season or maincrop potatoes. While early and mid-season potatoes are typically harvested and eaten as new potatoes, late-season or maincrop potatoes …

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how to hill up potatoes

How To Hill Up Potatoes: a guide using hand tools

Hello, fellow gardeners and potato enthusiasts! Today, we’ll be discussing an essential technique that can significantly improve your potato harvest: hilling. When you hill up potatoes, you’re encouraging the plants to produce more tubers, which means a bigger yield for you. This article will take you through the ins and outs of hilling, providing you …

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what to spray potatoes with to control weeds

What To Spray Potatoes With To Control Weeds

Your potato plot should be sprayed with broad spectrum herbicide 6 weeks before ploughing or digging and tilling. The planted area should be sprayed again with a broad spectrum herbicide before the potato plants come through the ground -this is known as pre emergence. The spray should have residual activity – meaning it continues to …

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the best tasting potatoes to grow

The Best Tasting Potatoes to Grow: variety selection

No matter how you slice, dice, or mash them, potatoes are delicious. A staple food for many cultures across the globe, they are a vegetable which would be difficult to live without. Although store-bought potatoes are tasty, nothing beats the flavor of a freshly-unearthed tuber from your own garden. I will help you pick the …

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homemade potato blight spray

Homemade Potato Blight Spray: make your own

In this article, I will show you how to make two homemade potato blight sprays. One is called Bordeaux formula– made with lime and Copper sulphate. The other is called Cornell formula– made with dishwashing liquid and oil. Over 150 years ago, a fungal disease unknown to scientists invaded Ireland. Potato blight destroyed crops throughout …

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