How Do You Grow Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum)?
A cool weather crop native to the highlands of Peru. This root crop produces tuberous roots that are starchy and delicious. How to Sow Potatoes: Potatoes need loose sandy soil that drains well and has full sun. Direct sow the eyes of the potatoes 2 inches deep into mounds 12 inches apart with rows 3 feet apart. Seed potatoes or eyes are just potatoes cut into chunks. Before planting make sure they have started to sprout. Don’t bother planting potatoes from big chain super markets. Most are treated with a chemical to prevent them from sprouting. How to Care for Potatoes in the Garden: Mound soil around your plants as they grow, about 6 inches of soil every 2-3 weeks. You will be covering up some leaves. This will encourage more potatoes to grow. Water regularly. Potatoes like phosphorus and potassium, so fertilize with a compost and organic ash once a month. Potatoes are closely related to tomatoes. They even produce little tomato like fruits, but don’t eat them, they contain nightshade
