Methods for planting potatoes in the garden: standard and new methods
Content:
Choosing a landing method
Most of us, when planting potatoes, continue the "tradition" of parents and grandparents, planting potatoes the way they did. And when the grown crop is not too happy for us, we complain about the planting material, weather conditions and other factors that have nothing to do with the method of planting potatoes.
At the same time, the agricultural technology of planting potatoes has not stood still for a long time. Planting methods are different depending on climatic conditions, area of the site, type of soil, groundwater level, etc.
For example, some gardeners, due to the poverty of the soil, completely abandoned planting potatoes in the ground, growing root crops on its surface. Others, being the owners of small plots, have mastered planting potatoes in barrels, bags, buckets. In general, as they say, there would be a desire, but there would be a way.
Habitual landing methods
Ridge, smooth and trench planting are three common potato planting methods for most.
The comb method involves planting in embankments, at least 15 cm high, which are made by hand with a hoe, or with a tractor, walk-behind tractor. The distance between the ridges should be about 70 cm. Potatoes are planted in the ridges, to a depth of 10 cm, in increments of at least 30 cm.
This planting method is suitable for waterlogged soils, for areas with a high level of groundwater occurrence, or with heavy soils where air exchange is difficult and low moisture capacity. In the event that heavy rains are a constant phenomenon, this method will significantly reduce the number of rotten tubers. For light and sandy soil, this option is not suitable.
The smooth landing method has another name - under a shovel. In this case, first a hole is dug, 10 cm deep, then a tuber is placed in it. When digging the next row, they throw in the previously dug holes. We leave the distance between the rows and between the holes the same as in the previous planting method. The fastest way is to plant potatoes under a shovel in pairs.
Despite the fact that this planting method is probably the most common, it is still more suitable for areas with loose soil and moderate humidity.
The trench method in terms of the main parameters (distance between trenches, between tubers, planting depth) and requirements for the type of soil is very similar to the previous one, with the only difference that not holes are dug, but trenches. Since this option is quite laborious, owners of agricultural machinery use it more often.
Potato planting methods: novelties in agricultural technology
The methods of planting potatoes that are unusual for most of us are, on the one hand, "forced measures", the reason for which is limited opportunities (small areas, heavy soils, etc.), and on the other hand, the unlimited enthusiasm of our gardeners in the desire to increase the potato yield.
One of the ways to get a high yield from a small area is to plant potatoes in mounds. The agricultural technology is as follows: a circle is marked on the site, about 2 meters in diameter, inside which, at a distance of 20-40 cm, small holes are made, potatoes are laid out in them and sprinkled with earth. As they grow, the potatoes are spud up, forming a mound. The tubers will form in layers. In the middle of such a hill, it is imperative to make a depression for watering.
Another method that is gaining popularity is planting tubers under straw. Although, it is, of course, difficult to call it a landing. It consists in the fact that the potatoes are laid out on the surface of the soil and covered with straw.With the growth of the tops, straw is also added.
This option is good for areas with heavy soils, since it eliminates the need to dig up the soil, and after harvesting potatoes, straw will be an excellent soil conditioner. In addition, straw growers claim that the tubers grow large, the potatoes are clean, and that harvesting them requires much less effort.
Another not very laborious way is to fit under a film or black non-woven material. The soil in the selected area must be dug up, fertilized if necessary. Next, cover the area with the selected material and secure it securely. Cuts are made on the surface of the material, holes are dug under them, tubers are placed in them and sprinkled with earth. This method excludes further weeding and hilling of potatoes. However, it should be noted that this option is not suitable for regions with a hot climate, because the soil under the black film will overheat greatly, which accordingly affects the quality and size of the tubers.
A method that practically does not require effort and, as such, the site is planting potatoes in barrels, tanks, etc. Some plant potatoes in the holes made in the container, others pour soil into the container and lay the tubers on it, thus making 2-3 tiers depending on the size of the container.
It should be noted that such "novelties" have both supporters and opponents. And, if after active spring work you still have the strength to experiment, why not try a new method, perhaps in the future it will become traditional for you.