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The potato originated in the Andes Mountains, where it was cultivated by Pre-Columbian Indians. It was taken to Spain by the Conquistadors, but because of its association with poisonous plants (it is a member of the nightshade family), the potato didn’t come to prominence in Europe until introduced into Ireland in the 17th century.
Being so nutritious and easily grown in poor soil, it became the country’s staple food. Left to its own devices, the potato is a perennial plant, but as the only edible part, the root, must be dug up, it is usually treated as an annual.
When to Plant Potato
Which potato variety to use is up to your taste preference. Seed potatoes are best planted between July and August in warmer areas and August to early September in cooler areas. Choose potatoes that are certified seed potatoes. These are tested to be virus free and suitable for Australian gardens. Do not plant where capsicums, eggplants and tomatoes have grown the season before.
How to Plant Potato
Potatoes need open ground with excellent drainage and acidic soil. Roughly cultivate the bed and mix in a thick layer of Searles Premium Organic Compost and well-rotted manure. Cover with sugar cane mulch and leave for two weeks before planting.
When ready to plant, cut up the larger potatoes so each piece contains at least two eyes. Allow the cut surfaces to dry before planting. Smaller potatoes can be planted whole. Remove the mulch and place the seed potatoes, with the eyes facing upward, at 50cm intervals, in rows about 80cm apart. Cover with a layer of soil excavated from between the rows and replace mulch.
Build up soil and mulch around the developing green shoots, ensuring the tubers are never exposed to light. Irrigate the depressions between the rows weekly and keep the mulch moist until the foliage has stopped growing. When the foliage begins to wilt, the crop is ready to harvest. Potatoes can take 15-20 weeks to mature. Store harvested potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place—a mesh basket in the bottom of a well-ventilated pantry is ideal.
How much to Plant Potato
Two to three kilos of certified seed potatoes (or tubers) will produce a sufficient crop for an average family. These are recommended as they have been specifically bred to be virus-free, ready to plant, and available from good garden centres.
Potato Pests and Diseases
Potatoes may be susceptible to scab. To combat this disease, keep soil moist and well drained and don’t add lime. If blight appears (purple blotches on leaves), treat weekly with Searles Mancozeb.
Potato Companion Planting
Potato like to grow with broad beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and peas.
Updated: 12.02.2015
