Growing early potatoes is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, crisp, and flavorful potatoes before the main harvest. Early potatoes tend to mature quickly, usually within 10 to 14 weeks, allowing gardeners to get a head start on the season. Proper planning and preparation are essential for a successful crop. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plant early potatoes effectively.
Selecting the Right Seed Potatoes
The first step in planting early potatoes is choosing high-quality seed potatoes. Opt for certified disease-free tubers from a reputable supplier. Early potatoes come in varieties like Arran Pilot, Swift, and Rocket, known for their quick growth and good flavor. Select healthy, firm seed potatoes with no signs of sprouting or disease. If necessary, cut larger seed potatoes into smaller pieces, each containing at least one or two ‘eyes,’ and allow them to callous over for 24-48 hours before planting. This helps prevent rotting.
Timing for Planting
Timing is critical for early potatoes. You want to plant them as soon as the soil can be worked, usually 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. In most temperate regions, this means planting in early to mid-spring, typically between late March and April. Check local weather forecasts and soil conditions; the soil should be warm (at least 45°F/7°C) and not too wet to avoid rotting and poor growth.
Preparing the Soil
Early potatoes thrive in well-drained, loose, fertile soil. Before planting, prepare your bed by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This enriches the soil and improves its structure. Aim for a slightly raised bed to improve drainage and warmth, which boosts early growth. Clear stones and large clumps for a smooth planting surface.
Planting the Seed Potatoes
Plantting depth generally ranges from 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm). Space the seed potatoes about 12 inches (30 cm) apart in rows, with rows spaced 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) apart to allow for hilling and maintenance. Place each seed potato cut-side down, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Cover them with soil, firming lightly to ensure good contact and press down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Hilling and Care
Once the shoots emerge, usually within 2-3 weeks, mound soil around the base of the plants. This process, called hilling, helps protect the developing tubers from sunlight, which can turn them green and inedible, and encourages tuber growth. Continue to hill as the plants grow taller, maintaining a mound around the stems. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as early potatoes require steady moisture for optimal growth.
Protection and Pest Control
Early potatoes can be vulnerable to pests like slugs, aphids, and Colorado potato beetles. Use organic barriers, slug pellets, or hand-picking to manage pests. Mulching with straw or bark helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and deter pests. Covering the plants with fleece or netting offers additional protection from late frosts and pests.
Harvesting
Early potatoes are usually ready to harvest once the plants flower or when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Gently dig around the plants using a fork or spade, taking care not to damage the tubers. For the freshest taste, harvest on a dry day and store potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.
Conclusion
Planting early potatoes requires timely action, proper soil preparation, and attentive care. By selecting the right variety, planting at the appropriate time, and maintaining healthy growing conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful early harvest of tasty potatoes. Starting early potatoes is a rewarding gardening activity that’s accessible to both beginners and experienced growers, providing a delightful bounty to start your season.
