Temperature plays a critical role in the life cycle of a potato, especially during the sprouting stage. Understanding the temperature ranges at which potatoes sprout can significantly impact your growing success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various stages of potato sprouting and how temperature influences each stage. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be …
Hi there, fellow farming aficionados. If you’re still scratching your head about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, this guide’s for you. They’re both eco-friendly options, but they function in distinct ways. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details. Sustainable Agriculture What It Is Sustainability is about maintaining equilibrium. You’re keeping the existing soil, water quality, and ecosystems …
Comparing Sustainable Agriculture With Regenerative Agriculture Read More »
The growing season is a cornerstone concept in agriculture, essentially dictating what can be planted and when. It varies dramatically across the globe due to factors like climate and latitude. Let’s explore this concept, incorporating the months during which these growing seasons typically occur. What Is a Growing Season? Simply put, the growing season is …
How Long Is the Growing Season? A Global Perspective with Monthly Insights Read More »
When it comes to successful farming, the ground beneath our feet holds more power than one might think. Tilling the topsoil is common practice, but what lies beneath could be affecting your crops in ways you haven’t considered. That’s where subsoiling comes into play, a method of deep tillage that revolutionises soil structure, optimises nutrient …
The seed drill stands as one of the most pivotal advancements in the realm of agricultural technology. For individuals new to farming, understanding the significance, history, and operation of seed drills can provide a substantial advantage. This article aims to serve as an introductory guide for those interested in both U.K. and U.S. agricultural practices. …
The Seed Drill: An Indispensable Tool for Modern Agriculture Read More »
The humble potato: a staple in cuisines around the world and a versatile foundation in our diets. With over 4,000 edible varieties, potatoes are not a one-size-fits-all ingredient, especially when it comes to making the perfect salad. The choice of potato can make a significant difference in taste, texture, and overall satisfaction. In this article, …
Potatoes, a dietary staple in many parts of the world, have a rich history in European agriculture, with the continent serving as the primary site for the crop’s expansion following its introduction from the Americas. Cultivating potatoes in Europe is feasible, but farmers must take into account the specific climatic conditions of their regions, particularly …
Can Potatoes Be Planted Outside In Europe After July? beating the frost dates Read More »
Digging potatoes is a rewarding task for any gardener. The thrill of unearthing those hidden treasures beneath the soil is a delight to both experienced and novice potato growers alike. One effective and traditional method of harvesting potatoes is using a garden fork. This article will guide you through the process of digging potatoes with …
Digging Potatoes with a Garden Fork: A Step-by-Step Guide Read More »
Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that plays a significant role in the ripening and senescence (ageing) of fruits and vegetables. While it has positive effects on the ripening of some fruits, it can have adverse consequences when it comes to storing certain produce, including potatoes. Ethylene and Sprouting Ethylene acts as a signaling molecule …
In the world of vegetable growing, bedtillers play a crucial role in shaping the soil into raised beds, providing an optimal environment for crop growth. These specialized machines, which function as a combination of a rotavator and drill plough combined, are designed to match the wheel track settings of a tractor, ensuring precision and efficiency …
Embarking on the journey of growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. If you’re planning to grow potatoes, understanding seed potatoes certification is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of seed potatoes, exploring their qualifications, the seed grading system used in the United Kingdom, and why …
Understanding Seed Potatoes: classification, certification and quality Read More »
Heirloom potatoes, are traditional potato varieties that have been preserved and passed down through generations. They offer unique flavors, appearances, and a connection to the culinary heritage of different countries. Unlike modern commercial potato varieties, heirloom potatoes maintain their historical significance and provide a glimpse into the traditional cultivation practices of the past. In this …
What Are Heirloom Potatoes: are heritage varieties similar? Read More »
Potatoes are a beloved staple food enjoyed in various forms worldwide. They can be mashed, fried, roasted, or turned into comforting soups and stews. But have you ever wondered can you eat raw potatoes? In this article, we will explore whether raw potatoes are safe to consume and delve into the potential risks associated with …
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 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 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 »
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 »
Potatoes can be grown in containers, which is a great option for those with limited space or who want to grow them on a balcony, patio, or deck. Getting the potatoes to grow well is one challenge, but knowing when to harvest them is another if you haven’t grown potatoes before. Read on to find …
Small potatoes are pretty annoying to prepare for a potato-based meal – unless you cook them as baby potatoes with their skins on. Large potatoes on the other hand are great, they can be used for many different potato dishes – it can be useful to know the average weight of a large potato though, …
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 »
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 …
Storing Potatoes Outside: how to make an amazing potato pit Read More »
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 »
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 …
Can I Grow Potatoes In The Same Plot Every Year? the importance of crop rotation Read More »
Growing your own potatoes in the home garden and storing them for winter use is a great way to provide your family with healthy, nutritious food. Knowing when to harvest them and get them ready for storage is important too. Find out what the experts have to say about harvesting, washing, and storing potatoes for …
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 »
I assume by the search for the title of this article that you have found a plant growing somewhere that you have not intentionally planted. I will show you a list of images of potato plants at various stages of their lifecycle to hopefully help you identify the plant as a potato plant or not. …
What Does A Potato Plant Look Like: images and descriptions Read More »
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 »
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 …
10 Reasons Why Your Potato Plants Have Fallen Over Read More »
After months of careful planning and preparing seed, soil, and nutrients to plant your potato crop, the last thing you want to see are the potato leaves curling, stunted, and knarly. There are many things that can cause your potato plants to have curled leaves. In this article, I will discuss the possible causes and …
Potato Leaves Curling: virus, herbicide, or drought? Read More »
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 …
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 …
How Far Apart To Plant Potatoes: big yields ahoy Read More »
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 …
Potato Variety Russet Norkotah: origin and characteristics Read More »
It’s safe to say that gardeners love to watch their crops grow. We wait patiently for each sprout to mature and produce perfectly ripe fruit or vegetables. But when it comes to root vegetables, we can’t just watch and wait. We have to time the harvest just right. Pull your produce too early, and you’re stuck …
Often you’ll come across recipes that don’t state how many potatoes you need, but the weight. This can be frustrating if you don’t know the weight of a potato without using scales. It is really handy to know how many potatoes in a pound. By the end of this article, you’ll know this answer just …
Today I will show you how to get potatoes to sprout eyes. I do this a few weeks in advance of planting, which can mean your potatoes will be ready up to 2 weeks earlier than usual. So you have decided to plant some potatoes, but if you are unsure what steps to take to …
How To Get Potatoes To Sprout Eyes: preparation for planting Read More »
Choosing the best place to plant your potatoes will be different for everyone. We all have different areas available to grow things in. Some people may have fields, allotments, or a large vegetable garden. Others may only have access to growing potatoes in a raised bed, and some may choose to grow potatoes in a …