Planting potatoes: the ash trick for higher yields

Potatoes from your own garden are literally a treasure. Of course they are, because they are completely different in taste and in terms of the substances they contain than potatoes from the supermarket. Only you know how you grow potatoes. All chemicals are eliminated and the potatoes get only the best. Your only concern is that the harvest is really worth it. There are a few interesting tricks that can help to make it happen. The ash trick we tried is an interesting one.

Potatoes deserve plenty of nutrients

It’s true. The subsoil has to be of really high quality. Potatoes can grow just about anywhere, but not in the required solid yield. Soils that are muddy and heavy are the worst for potatoes. They also have a high water table. As far as the pH of the environment for potatoes is concerned, the optimum is between 5.4 and 6.5. Potatoes take all their nutrients from the subsoil and are fertilised minimally, usually with farmyard manure in autumn.

Simple wood ash is full of necessary substances

It is a highly valued raw material that you can get at home practically for free. You can certainly make a fire now and then, or light it in the fireplace or in a wood-burning stove. Barbecue ash is also a classic. The ash contains a large amount of minerals that are ideal for potatoes. Among other things, they act as a disinfectant and insecticide. The ash keeps the soil free of pathogens. When planting, the ash is simply poured into the potato pit and lightly mixed with the soil.

Wood ash: Photo Pixabay

When to plant potatoes? The date depends on the weather

It’s true. Traditionally, a mid-March start is given. The ideal is to orient yourself according to the weather. The soil at a depth of 1 cm should be at least 7 °C. However, it is usually possible to get from the above mentioned date to the beginning of April.

Photo: Pixabay

Don’t disturb the sprouts and keep to the planting depth

Exactly. The sprouts on seed potatoes cannot be broken. If they do, expect a much lower yield. As far as planting depth is concerned, potatoes should be planted 2 cm deeper than their height. The spacing between potatoes should be approximately 30 cm. The potatoes should be well watered after planting.

FAQ – Potato Planting FAQs

What sprouts are ideal?

Short, thick and with a purple tinge.

How are sprouts unacceptable for planting?

Long sprouts that tend to break.

When to plant potatoes

Soil at 1 cm depth should be at least 7°C.

Sources of info, Author

Potato Sprouting: Preview photo Radek Stepan