Growing your own potatoes at home in is easier than you think – and it doesn’t even required big farm or backyard. Weather you live in a flat or small town with limited space, this step by step guide will tell you how to grow chemical free and organic potatoes in bag, buckets or pots.
Let’s dig in!
Step by step guide:
Step 1: Selecting the right potatoes
Potatoes with eye!
Choose a sprouted kitchen potatoes works well if they have small eye or sprouts. Try to avoid the potatoes which are chemically stored or waxed.
Step 2: Sprout your potatoes
If you don’t have a potato with eye, don’t worry! Main hoo na!
Place a potato in cool place for 7-8 days until small sprouts or eye comes in.
Step 3: Preparing soil mixture
To grow potatoes you can choose grow bag of 10-15 litres, color bucket or large pot. Keep in mind that, before filling soil mixture make 4-5 drainage holes.
For preparing soil mixture add 50% garden soil + 30% compost + 20% cocopeat. If your base is strong then the amount of yield will be large.
Step 4: Plant the Potatoes
Firstly, cut the sprouted potato into two equal parts. Place the 2-3 potatoes in container or grow bag where sprouts facing up. Don’t overcrowd the potatoes. Cover them with soil and water gently.
Step 5: Proper Care
Hey, if you care me I will care you!
Potatoes needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily . Keep the soil moist not soggy. Don’t overwater it can leads to rotting.
Step 6: Wait and watch
Patience is key!
When leaves are turning yellow then your potatoes are ready!
Potato plant requires 60-90 days to grow leafy and give ample amount of potatoes.
Step 7: Harvest Time
Hey, I am ready! grab it.
Dig soil with hand or tools. Pick your potatoes and dry them for a day.
Key Highlights
- In India, best time to plant potatoes is in winter (rabi) season.
- Avoid chemical fertilizer for best homegrown results, instead go with organic compost or cow dung.
- Don’t do waterlogging, make drainage hole in pots.
- Prepare well-drained and good soil mixture.
Conclusion:
You don’t need lot of space to grow your food. Just bucket, some soil, and sprouted potato are enough to bring farming in your balcony.
What are you waiting for, Start Today!
FAQ
Can potatoes reproduce without seeds?
Yes, they can. Potatoes can be reproduce without seeds if you cut sprouted potato in half and plant in the pot. Then you will get another one!
How long do potatoes take to grow from seed?
Potatoes are ready to harvest after 70-120 days of transplant.