When to spud potatoes for the first time

Most likely, even if you have not been to the garden beds, you have heard about hilling potatoes. But few people know why, how and when to spud potatoes for the first time and thereafter. Does it really matter? Let's figure it out.

When should you huddle potatoes for the first time?

Hilling - sprinkling the plant with soil in its lower part (create a bunch of earth). This procedure is carried out with other fruits, but the meaning is the same. They do this so that the harvest is larger. The reasons for hilling are as follows:
- additional tubers begin to grow
- improved soil ventilation
- getting rid of weeds
- protection against too hot and cold temperatures
- we open access to the sun's rays
Is this whole procedure worth the so-called "ventilation"?
- roots die from lack of air
- roots do not grow deep without oxygen
- without air, the roots push the shoots to the surface
- plant diseases
So the answer is YES!
Competent hilling can increase yields.

When is it correct to spud potatoes for the first time?

The earlier the better. You need to start when the height of the shoots is 17-20 cm. It is best to carry out this procedure after rain or in cloudy weather. During the heat, you will have to do this early in the morning or after sunset. It is very important not to forget to water, as dryness is dangerous. In a hot period, you should not do this or be very careful, the roots will be damaged, and the plants may wither.
Of the tools, only the most primitive are needed: a hoe, a hoe, a hoe. We rake the earth to the bushes, making large slides.
Some people use a manual hiller. Do it yourself using a regular hoe.
The most advanced use a walk-behind tractor for this. He can huddle, and plow the land, and so on.

How many times do you need to spud potatoes?

Most often, the procedure is performed twice a season. We have already figured out when you need to huddle potatoes for the first time. But, in fact, if you do it several times additionally, it will not be superfluous. The sprinkled potatoes look nice and neat. And in the fall, the harvest will also confirm the usefulness of this action.
Over-planned hilling is not always necessary, but when you see decaying bushes and other disorder, run after the hoe.

Why do they spud potatoes?

Well, is it necessary? Let's find out.
In fact, this is not always necessary, although it is very beneficial.
In regions where the soil is very dry, there are no conditions for good watering, such a procedure is not needed. A pile of dry earth, hot earth on the plant, you get baked potatoes. It is necessary to limit loosening and remove the soil crust.
With organic mulching, this method can be dispensed with. When mulching, you cover the soil in the fall with hay or straw. This gives:

• frostbite protection
• moisture control
• keeping warm
• washout protection
• protection against diseases, pests

In winter, the flooring will melt and the potatoes are planted as usual. A little later, cover with the first layer of straw (hay), and when the sprouts reach 5-6 cm, cover with the second.
We are waiting for the harvest, watering can only be done during a drought.
This procedure is carried out as many times as you like. The layer with which you cover the potatoes should be firmly attached to the ground, protecting the fruit from the wind. In this case, we can conclude that the usual hilling may seem too difficult or tedious, in which case there are other suitable methods. You can spud potatoes with a walk-behind tractor.

How to spud potatoes for the first time correctly: video