What Are Ways To Grow Potatoes?

When it comes to growing potatoes, there are more ways than just digging trenches. Plus, when they’re homegrown, the taste and texture is automatically far superior to supermarket spuds. The best part? You’re sure to get a bounty of nutrients! Don’t believe us? Try it yourself! 

We’ve put together a plethora of information to help you start growing potatoes in your home garden. Let’s start from the basics.

Potatoes: Growing, Planting and Harvesting

The botanical term for potato is ‘Solanum Tuberosum’. This vegetable comes from the nightshade family — pepper, eggplant and tomato. 

How does a potato grow?

The edible part of a potato is what grows underneath the soil, known as a “tuber”. It fully develops five to seven weeks after planting — the plant is about six to eight inches tall around this time. 

Nutrients in potatoes

The nutritional benefits of potatoes are unrivaled. You get 45% of your vitamin C and 20% of potassium for the day just through its peel. Iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, folate and thiamin are some other nutrients you get from the peel. When it comes to the mesh itself, it’s a cholesterol-free and fat-free source of carbohydrates. 

Running low on energy before a workout? A potato-based meal before or after the session will serve you well!

Where should I plant potatoes?

Potatoes should be planted at a spot that receives at least eight hours of sunlight every day. The soil should be well-drained, loose and fertile. It should also be slightly acidic and mixing organic matter in the soil goes a long way!  

In cooler regions, potatoes are planted in April. In warmer regions, potatoes are grown as a winter crop and gardeners plant them anywhere between September to February. 

Different Ways You Can Grow Potatoes

Now that you’ve got the know-how of laying your assortment, here are a few popular ways to grow potatoes:

Easiest harvest: Grow bags

Potato grow bags are almost like plastic bags, just a bit sturdier. The idea is to grow potatoes easily and cultivate them in a snap! All you have to do is fill the bags with nutrient-rich soil and plant your potatoes. It’s probably the easiest method out there. If you’re confused, just utilize a YouTube video for help. 

For best yield: Raised beds

If you’re looking to increase your yield, grow larger potatoes and preferably sell them, this is what you must do! All you have to do is loosen the soil in a half-filled raised bed. Plant the seeds about 12 inches apart. Do this in all directions and plant at least three-inches deep. As the potatoes start growing, add more soil.

Make sure you harvest by removing the sides of the bed to simplify the process.

The DIYer-friendly method

If you don’t have access to a proper raised-bed body, you can use large wooden crates. Make sure the sides are removed so enough sunlight gets in. You can also buy wooden bottomless square boxes. For the harvest, just tip the crate or box over.

Cheapest method: Hilled rows

If you don’t have access to crates, grow bags or raised beds, you’ll need ample space in your yard. It’ll require physical drudgery but it’s the old-school way and it works! 

You’ll have to dig shallow trenches two to three feet apart in prepared soil. Plant in the same manner (12 inches apart and three inches deep). Once the roots are tall enough, shovel the soil back to partially cover the tubers. 

The Bottom Line

You can also use wire cylinders to contain the soil and grow potatoes. Another way to grow potatoes is to cover the tubers with straw mulch in hilled rows. Make sure you follow the tips we’ve shared and you’ll get used to the flow with enough tries!