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Tips for planting potatoes
By Jody G Holthaus KSU, Meadowlark District Extension Agent Kansas It's countdown to spring, even though it doesn't feel like it outside. With the passing of St. Patrick's Day many think about planting potatoes. You can plant potatoes any time from mid- to late-March. Be sure to buy "seed" potatoes, rather than those nasty ones you should have cooked. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow. Most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces, though large potatoes may yield more. Each seed piece should be between 1.5 and 2 ounces to ensure there is enough energy for germination. Each pound of potatoes should yield 8 to 10 seed pieces. Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so the freshly cut surfaces have a chance to "suberize" and form a protective coating. Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process. Plant each seed piece about 1 to 2 inches deep and 8- to 12-inches apart in rows. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece. You do not want sunlight to hit the new potatoes. Exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this. For the past few years, I've planted my potatoes in a well-drained tub. It works pretty well, although the tub needs watering more often than traditional planting. When it's time to harvest, I just dump the tub over and gather my potatoes. It seems much easier to me. Date: 9/21/07
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