With the arrival of the new gardening season, many gardeners are already analyzing the results of the past year, identifying mistakes, and looking for effective methods for growing vegetables. Potatoes are the main vegetable on our table, grown in gardens and plots. However, sometimes the yield is not as high as desired. Are there ways to increase potato yields?
Experts recommend sprouting tubers before planting potatoes. This simple and accessible procedure allows for an accelerated growing season. The first sprouts will appear 2-3 weeks earlier than with the traditional planting method. This approach has two significant advantages. First, sprouted tubers begin to develop actively earlier, which contributes to faster plant formation and their transition to the fruiting stage. Second, sprouting allows for the culling of poor-quality tubers, which in turn increases yield. There are two methods of sprouting: potatoes can be sprouted in light by placing them in a bright and warm room (the eyes should be facing up, for example, in egg cartons). Alternatively, tubers can be sprouted in darkness by placing them in sand or on damp sawdust, with the location being dark and cool.
Before planting, potatoes can be cut, which helps to increase yield and save seed material. One large tuber is divided into several parts, allowing for more planting material. It is important that each part has at least one sprout.
Regardless of the chosen method, gardeners should start preparation a couple of weeks before planting. This will allow for the formation of a protective crust, which reduces the risks of rotting and disease occurrence during planting.
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