Mistakes that can ruin your potato harvest

Potatoes are one of the most versatile plants to grow in your garden. There are multiple varieties, and they can be baked, fried, or boiled after harvest. If you enjoy eating potatoes, you should consider adding them to your garden space.

However, you should also be aware that there are common mistakes many gardeners make when raising this crop. Don’t be discouraged. I’m going to walk you through these mistakes and share with you how they can be avoided.

If you’re ready to begin your potato-growing adventure, here are the mistakes to watch for when growing potatoes.

1. The plants didn’t sprout

You can put seeds in the ground, but it doesn’t mean they will sprout. In fact, there are certain conditions where seeds won’t sprout.

Seed potatoes have specific conditions where they won’t form plants. Be aware of these conditions and try to avoid them as much as possible.

How to avoid this mistake

Potatoes are hardy vegetables. They don’t need extreme warmth to begin sprouting. However, the soil temperature must be 45-degrees Fahrenheit or greater. If you plant them before the soil is warm enough, they won’t sprout. Also, if you plant your seed potatoes during a wet time, the plant may not sprout. Too much moisture can cause them to rot in the ground.

2. Failed to provide the basics

All plants have basic needs. If you fail to meet these needs, many times, the plants won’t prosper. Potatoes are no different. Ensure you know what potato plants need, in a growing area, and provide those needs as closely as possible.

How to avoid it

Potatoes should be planted in full sun. They also require welldraining soil. This is important because if the water can’t drain away from the plant, it’s left in a soggy state.

This can lead to rot and will ultimately reduce or stop your harvest altogether. Be sure your potato plants have what they need to provide them with every reason to thrive under your care.

3. Failing to hill the potatoes

To hill a potato means you rake the soil up and around the base of the plant to ensure the stems are supported and the potatoes are covered. It’s a vital step in growing potato plants.

How to avoid this mistake

Be sure to hill your potatoes on a weekly basis. Depending upon their growth, you may need to perform this task more frequently.

It’s important to hill potatoes to keep the sun from reaching your crop. If the sun reaches your potato crop, the potatoes will turn green, and this will have a negative impact on your harvest.

4. Failing to cure cut potatoes

Some people like to purchase seed potatoes. Instead of planting an entire seed potato, they cut it into multiple pieces.

In theory, each slice which has an eye has the potential of producing a potato plant. It’s an easy way to increase the number of potatoes you plant without spending more money.

How to avoid it

There’s nothing wrong with cutting seed potatoes and making them go further in your garden. It’s quite prudent of you. However, be sure you allow the cut potatoes to cure prior to planting. If you don’t, they’ll rot in the ground.

5. Growing store-bought potatoes

Many people assume you can purchase potatoes from the grocery store, plant them, and you’ll receive a harvest. Though this can be done, it doesn’t work as flawlessly as some might imagine. If you have the ability to purchase seed potatoes, it might be a safer option.

How to avoid this mistake

Store-bought potatoes are sprayed with a chemical which is meant to discourage them from sprouting. Therefore, they aren’t the best option for planting. However, some also feel, when you plant store-bought potatoes, you welcome more diseases into your crop because you don’t know what they’ve been exposed to. In short, seed potatoes are usually a safer option for your garden.