spud can be fried , boiled , mashed , baked , roasted , and used in a variety of dishes to add tone and texture . But , what ’s better than growing tasty spud in your own garden ?

The most common method acting ofgrowing potatoesinvolves planting them in the terra firma and ' hilling ' the soil around them as they grow . This process can be time - consuming and ho-hum , specially for those with limited space or mobility issues . ripe thing there are other methods !

Learn how to rise potatoes in a pile of leave-taking and enjoy fresh , delectable spuds decent from your own backyard !

farmer holding fresh harvested potatoes

Materials You’ll Need

From seed potatoes to leaves and rakes

Before you get started , make certain you have the follow materials on hand :

Step 1: Prepare the Pile of Leaves

Gather leaves up to 6 inches deep

If you have a yard full of leave , you have the staring chance to put them to good work !

Step 2: Determine the Quantity of Seed Potatoes

Buy just what you need

The amount of cum potatoes you ’ll need directly correlates with the size of your garden .

Step 3: Prepare the Seed Potatoes

Ensure each seed potato has an eye

For smaller tubers , typically quantify 1 to 2 in in diam , plant them whole . However , for larger ones , you will necessitate to sheer them into little , pulley - regulate piece of music , weighing around 2 to 2 ½ ounces .

Step 4: Prepare the Area for Planting

Prepare the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches

pick out an area that receives full sun ( six to eight hours daily ) and has well - drain soil . Before planting your potatoes , it ’s all-important to also properly develop the soil to allow for the respectable environment for growth . And since potatoes are a nerveless season craw it is authoritative to bulge out work the soil in give .

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

Potatoes meet the ground

Take your seed potatoes and lay them on top of the prepared soil , with the eyes facing up . Each patch should be space about 12 column inch apart in quarrel that are 3 foot apart .

Planting

Conditions and Importance

Gardening tools for plantig

Soil Temperature

Soil temperatures should be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit . Planting in colder weather increase the risk of seed piece decay .

Soil Moisture

Raking leaves into a pile

Avoid planting in wet soil . Wet conditions at planting time also increase the risk of germ decay .

Soil Dryness

Do n’t plant in cool , dry soils . These condition can stay the sprouting of the potatoes .

seed potatoes in a sack

Temperature for Crop Growth

During the day , idealistic temperatures for crop growth are65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit . At night , the temperature should be55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit .

Once you have placed the seed potatoes , encompass them with approximately 3 inches of shredded leaves . you could put down some cane or temporary interlock over the leafage to keep them in place . Once this is done , water the area soundly to deaden the leaves and soil .

Prepared seed potatoes for planting

Step 6: Maintain Proper Growing Conditions

Optimize conditions to achieve healthy growth

Step 7: Harvesting

Enjoy the fruits of your labor

tater are usuallyready to harvestin three to four months after planting , depending on the variety . Learn how to tell when they are quick .

Growing your own Solanum tuberosum in a mass of farewell is a rewarding process . From graze leaves and preparing the soil to the satisfaction of harvest , each step add to the joy of your horticulture journeying .

Take the plunge , engraft your first potato , and get the delight of growing your own food .

soil prepation for planting

planting potatoes

watering plants with hose

harvesting ready potatoes