The saying "The dumbest farmer harvests the biggest potatoes" is widespread. But first of all, it does the farmers an injustice. Second, there are numerous factors that affect the growth of the nutritious tubers.

Suitable soils

Potatoes prefer loamy and sandy soil in a sunny position. Heavy soils can be loosened by digging in sand and compost. Dry soils are supplied with plenty of water. Waterlogging is avoided by laying a drainage.

Observe crop rotation

Potatoes leach the soil heavily. If you have enough space in the garden, you only grow your tubers every four years on the same bed. In the meantime, medium and weak consumers thrive here. Green manure with vetches, clover, lupins, oilseed radish or mustard is recommended in the year before the potatoes are planted.

fertilizer

As a heavy feeder, potatoes consume a lot of nutrients. Digging under manure creates good starting conditions even before sowing and preserves the typical aroma.

Avoid over-fertilization of the soil

The additional application of synthetic fertilizer promotes the growth of the tubers, but often leads to over-fertilization of the soil. The result is susceptibility to disease, shorter storage times and a deterioration in taste. It is better to use manure and horn shavings.(32.93€)

The "right" potato variety

  • for a rich harvest: Linda, Laura, Agria, Belana, Solana Queen Anne, Bintje
  • for the "biggest" potatoes: Bintje, Krone, Laura, Marabel

If bulk and size aren't important to you, then grow tasty strains like Bamberger Hörnchen, La Ratte, Herrmanns Blaue, Rosa Fir Cone, or Highland Burgundy Red.

water and heat

Warm weather and sufficient rain - these are ideal growing conditions for potatoes. Even if we cannot influence the weather, a little help is possible:

  • in the event of prolonged drought, stagnant rainwater from the watering can helps
  • Straw, blankets or garden fleece protect against late frosts
  • a foil tunnel (€11.46) protects against frost, warms under the foil and thus creates a growth advantage

pile up

Only piling up the potatoes prevents the formation of poisonous, green spots or potatoes. Green potatoes must not be eaten under any circumstances, green areas must be generously cut away. In any case, this reduces the harvest.

tips and tricks

Seed potatoes from your own harvest should be used for a maximum of 2 to 3 years in a row. They become more susceptible to disease and their yield decreases over time. It is better to buy fresh seed every year.

Category:

Vegetable garden