Potatoes

Whether it is causing famines, french fries, potato salad or good old mash, potatoes have been a staple in our diet for hundreds of years. Growing them is easy and now is the time to start thinking about producing your own home grown potatoes.

Position

Potatoes love a sunny, well drained position in your garden. They should be planted when the potatoes start to shoot and the last frost has occurred. In Melbourne, this is generally from August to December. Potatoes can be left to sprout before planting by leaving them in a well lit, cool, dry place.

Preparation and Planting

Soil into which potatoes are to be planted should be well draining and not have had potatoes growing in that same position for a few seasons. Organic matter such as manure and compost can be added to the soil as this helps with water retention. Blood and bone and potash are also favourites of potatoes.

Seed potatoes should be planted 10cm deep and approximately 30-35cm apart, with rows 60cm apart. Avoid using any old potato that has sprouted in your pantry. They may introduce diseases to your soil. Instead, buy certified seed potatoes as then you can be sure that they are suitable. Each seed potato can be cut into several pieces before planting each one up individually: just make sure that each section has a sprouting eye on it. Allow the cut potato to dry out before planting and maybe even start sprouting by keeping it in a dark, warm place.

Watering and Hilling

Adequate water is needed for potatoes to form but do not add too much as to make the soil soggy. Do not use untreated grey water on potatoes as the water will be in direct contact with the newly forming tubers. As the potatoes grow, mound (hill) up the soil around them and mulch up to the stem so as the baby potatoes aren't exposed to the sunlight. Sun causes potatoes to become green and toxic.

Another method of growing potatoes is in old tyres, garbage bins or cylinders made from chicken wire and stakes. The same principles apply: just keep covering the potatoes as they grow with straw and manure.

Harvesting

Potatoes are ready to be dug up when the tops of the plants wither and become yellow. Potatoes should then be stored in a dark, well-ventilated spot. One seed potato on average produces approximately 10 potatoes.

Commonly stocked varieties and their uses:

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