So, you've unearthed a forgotten bag of potatoes lurking in the darkest recesses of your cupboard, and they've sprouted little green tentacles. Before you toss them in the bin, hold on! That's a sign of life, and a potential for your own home-grown potatoes. The answer, in a nutshell: yes, you absolutely can plant potatoes that have sprouted, but there's more to it than just throwing them in the ground.
This guide will take you through the nitty-gritty of turning those kitchen castaways into a bountiful harvest. We'll cover everything from "chitting" to choosing the right variety, and even touch on the common pitfalls to avoid. Get ready to dig in (pun intended)!
Before you get your hands dirty, it's essential to understand what's happening with those sprouted potatoes. The sprouts are essentially the "eyes" of the potato, which contain the potential for new plants. When a potato sprouts, it's drawing on the stored energy within the tuber. It's a bit like a seed - except the seed is the whole potato.
The first step is often "chitting," which is simply the process of encouraging the sprouts to grow strong and healthy before planting. This typically involves placing the potatoes in a cool, bright, and well-ventilated space for a few weeks. This allows the sprouts to develop before planting. You're aiming for short, sturdy sprouts, not long, spindly ones that are searching for light.
Once the sprouts are ready and the ground is warm, it's planting time! Be careful as the process can be a bit more nuanced than simply throwing the spud in the earth and hoping for the best. We'll cover the best techniques later in the article.
Not all potatoes are created equal, and neither are their sprouting capabilities. Consider the type of potato you have. Some common varieties like Yukon Gold, Russet Burbank, and Red Pontiac are widely available and relatively easy to grow from sprouted tubers. However, you can absolutely plant any potato that has eyes!
Before planting, examine your potato. It should be firm, not soft or overly wrinkly. If the potato is starting to decay, it's best to discard it. Select the healthiest-looking potatoes with strong sprouts. If the sprouts are already long and weak, you might want to clip them back a bit to encourage new, stronger growth.
Preparing the ground is crucial. Potatoes thrive in well-drained, loose soil. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and provide nutrients. Potatoes don't like to sit in wet soil, which can lead to rot. Also, determine if you will be planting in a raised bed, container, or directly in the garden soil.
Now for the fun part: getting those potatoes in the ground! Here's a simple step-by-step guide to planting your sprouted potatoes:
After a few weeks, you should see shoots emerge from the soil. Once the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, start "hilling" the soil around the stems. This involves drawing soil up around the plant, burying the lower stems. This promotes the growth of more potatoes and protects the developing tubers from sunlight, which can turn them green and bitter.
Even experienced gardeners can stumble when growing potatoes. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them:
By avoiding these mistakes, you'll significantly increase your chances of a successful harvest. Happy gardening!
The time between planting and harvesting varies depending on the potato variety. Early potatoes (like fingerlings) can be harvested about 70-80 days after planting, while main-crop varieties may take 100-120 days. You'll know they're ready when the plants start to flower and then the foliage begins to die back.
When harvesting, carefully dig around the plants with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the tubers. Once harvested, allow the potatoes to dry for a few hours in a shady spot. This will help the skins toughen up, making them store better. Remember to store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.
With a little care and attention, your sprouted potatoes can transform from kitchen scraps into a delicious and satisfying harvest. Enjoy your homegrown spuds!