Watering Advice for Potatoes?

by Diana
(Boise, Idaho)

My potatoes evidently had too much or too little water last year.


How deep should they be planted? Is it really a "hill" of potatoes, i.e., above ground in a hump? (ps. Sorry to admit: I live in IDAHO!)

ANSWER:

Potatoes can be planted on top of the ground, and covered with layers of straw or compost. This is a good way to grow potatoes if you have hard clay-like soil.

As the plant foliage grows, continue adding layers of straw, leaving the top 3-6 inches of foliage exposed. Using this method, it is possible to harvest baby potatoes without disturbing the plant.

If your soil is loose and workable, you can plant the potatoes in the ground. After the plant foliage turns brown and dies back at the end of the season, dig the potatoes from the ground. Use care, as it is easy to cut, poke, or damage the potatoes as you are harvesting them. Use any damaged potatoes immediately, as they will not store well.

Potato plants should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week during hot weather. The soil should be kept damp, but not soggy for best results.