Drought is one of the reasons why you can be left without a potato crop. If saving a small landing is not difficult, then with a large one there will be difficulties. Now I will tell you several ways to save a crop in a dry summer.
Hilling
High hilling makes it possible to solve several problems at once:
- Protect tubers from overheating.
- Provide oxygen to the roots.
- Keep water in the soil for a long time.
The event is carried out at least 2 times per season. If necessary, I will bring additional.
The first time I spud potatoes when the seedlings reach 8 cm in height. Thus, I stimulate the development of the root system and protect it from recurrent frosts.
The second - after 14 days. I try to spread the stems in different directions so that the light evenly illuminates the plant, the middle of the bush is well ventilated.
After flowering, if the summer is hot and dry, I spud the planting again. In the process, I loosen the soil and carefully select plant residues.
Mulching
Allows you to retain moisture for a long time. First of all, in the morning, in the early hours, I carefully water the planting, directing the hose with water into the aisles. I do this only in the morning or in the evening, after sunset, so as not to burn the plants.
Then I loosen and make a layer of straw 20 cm thick.
Also suitable as mulch:
- peat;
- cut grass;
- compost;
- hay;
- rotted sawdust.
In addition to the fact that the layer retains moisture in the soil for a long time, it prevents the growth of weeds, gradually rotting, enriches the soil with nutrients.
Stop weeding
I am not a supporter of this method and do not allow weeds to grow in my beds. However, in a drought, grass can protect potatoes from the scorching, sultry sun by shading young plants.
In addition, weeds will retain moisture in the soil.
As soon as the weather improves and the rain moistens the soil to a sufficient depth, I recommend getting rid of the weeds immediately.
Sowing green manure
Green manure sown between rows will have the same effect on planting as weeds - they will shade potatoes.
However, plants will take at least 5 weeks to reach the required height and density. Therefore, if according to the forecast they promise a hot and dry summer, I do not recommend delaying sowing.
I draw your attention to the fact that not all plants are friends with potatoes. Therefore, on the field I advise you to use:
- mustard;
- phacelia;
- rape;
- oats.
In addition to protecting the planting from the sun, the plants will repel dangerous insect pests such as wireworms and the Colorado potato beetle.
Later, I plant the plants in the soil, rotting, they enrich the soil with useful elements. Potatoes grow large, with high taste qualities.
The appearance of pests in the heat
A dry summer is optimal for the appearance of insect pests. At this time, activity is shown:
- wire beetle;
- nematode;
- Colorado beetle.
In such weather, they multiply rapidly and can cause significant damage to the planting. In order not to be left without a harvest, I recommend inspecting the plants every week and collecting larvae and adults with your hands. I also install traps in the aisles that lure insects. I change them every 3 days.
As a preventive measure, I treat the soil with insecticides before planting.
So, there are several ways to protect potatoes from drought and heat: hilling, mulching row spacing, planting green manure and refusing to weed. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.
How do you protect potatoes from drought and pests? Share effective ways in the comments
Read also: Effective methods of dealing with the Colorado potato beetle on potatoes
Another related article: Potato Bellarosa: description and technology of growing a variety
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