Step 1
Site selection; Potatoes grow best in a warm, sunny position. Shelter from strong winds is preferable.
Step 2
Purchase certified seed potatoes, these will be free of virus diseases. Spread out in a warm light location, out of direct sunlight, and leave to grow sprouts (approx 3 weeks).
Step 3
Prepare the soil for planting. Remove any weeds from the area and dig over the soil to 25-30cm deep, working the soil to a fine texture. Spread both Potato fertiliser and Garden Lime over the soil and mix well so that none will come into direct contact with the potato tubers when they are planted. Add gypsum to the garden if the soil is clay and raise the bed to improve drainage if required. If the soil is very light then the addition of compost or sheep pellets will improve moisture retention.
Step 4
Plant seed potatoes approximately 10cm deep, 35-45cm apart and in rows approximately 75cm apart. This gives a good amount of space to later 'mound up' soil around each plant.
Step 5
Check weekly. When shoots have emerged and are reaching 20cm high it is time to start mounding. Mound up the soil, almost completely covering plants, continue to check regularly. Once they have grown another 20cm mound them up again. Having so much of the stem covered will ensure a decent crop as tubers form up the buried stems. Sprinkle the soil around the plants with Potato fertiliser each time before you mound the soil up. By covering the stems of the plants with soil you are also providing protection from any late frosts. Any tops remaining should be covered with frost cloth if a frost looks likely.
Step 6
Pest control and care. An insect pest called the potato/tomato psylid is a problem in this area. The symptoms often don't show up until it is too late as the insects can only be seen under the microscope. However it is easily controlled using 'Yates Mavrik' or 'Yates Success Ultra' on crops growing from November to April. If you like to avoid using sprays then I suggest planting sooner than later, as the insect problem becomes more prevalent as summer progresses (December onwards). By starting your potato crop now they will be ready for harvest around early to late December depending on the variety.
Step 7
Harvest. You know your potatoes are ready for harvest when the plants flower. There are a few varieties (such as rocket) which do not produce flowers. In this situation it can be useful to mark on the calendar when they would be due. Generally early varieties will be ready to harvest around 3 months from planting while 4 months for late and main crop varieties is more suitable. The later and main crop varieties are usually better for storing.
FREE Potato Growing Talk
There is a potato growing talk on this Sunday 22nd July, 2pm at Springvale Garden Centre. Carol Neil will share loads of great information and top tips on growing a good harvest of spuds from your garden this year. Including growing in the garden as well as in pots and containers. Following the talk Carol will offer a great deal on seed potatoes, fertiliser, pots and other items for growing potatoes.
Gareth Carter is General Manager at Springvale Garden Centre.
