Perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that the potato is one of the main vegetables on the table. Survive the winter without potatoes is much more difficult than without tomatoes or cucumbers. It is grown, perhaps, in each region, it is present in almost all cuisines of the world. Therefore, growers are interested in the rich harvest of potatoes
What determines the potato crop
It has long been for anybody not a secret is a simple truth, some seeds and a crop. From planting material it depends on many things. But there are still some secrets that can radically kill any undertaking.
• Crop rotation. Any, even the best seeds are becoming obsolete after a few years of landing on the same spot. The soil is depleted, it accumulates harmful substances that will influence the yield. It is necessary to change the place of landing every 3-4 years.
• Choosing the right predecessors. Potatoes grow well after the cabbage, beets, cucumbers, beans, squash and zucchini. You can not plant after the tomato, pepper and eggplant. These vegetables are similar in origin and usually have the same pests, pulled out of the ground the same nutrients.
• Frequent planting seeds. Do not attempt to plant more. Strongly close proximity of a negative impact on the potato crop (lack of light, moisture).
preparing seeds
On a good harvest must begin to care more in the fall. After harvesting the potatoes should be selected high-quality seed that will be used next year. Need to select the tubers the size of a hen's egg or like a little more. Selected seeds are washed to eliminate diseased tubers, then dried in air under sunlight. potato seeds should turn green. It will take 10-15 days. Tubers should be turned every 3-4 days. Green potatoes are best stored. He is not prone to diseases, it will not harm the rodents.
In the spring the seeds need to be sure to disinfect. Potatoes or soaked in the solution, or by aerosol decontaminated. Recipes solutions can be found in any reference material. Most probably common: 5 g copper sulfate + '15 boric acid + 0.5 g of potassium permanganate in 10 l. water. It is important to germinate seeds.
Before planting (day 2), the potato seeds can bathe in a nutrient - stimulating solution. Such solutions can be purchased from any agricultural product. This will reduce the time of germination and increase productivity.
The geographical position of the beds
Experienced gardeners recommend planting potatoes from north to south. This arrangement will promote uniform heating and lighting landings.
Landing
Potato planting times may vary from 25 April (southern regions) until June 10 (north). Averages - around May 1-15. If the soil at a depth of 6-10 cm warm up to +8 degrees, it's time to plant potatoes.
The optimum depth for planting potatoes 5-8 cm. if the soil is loose, the seeds can be put to a depth of 8 cm. If more dense, it is not more than 5-6 cm.
Potatoes are planted in rows. The distance between the holes - 30-40 cm. if space permits, the distance can be increased. Between the rows of 50 cm is left. (For early maturing varieties) up to 80 cm. in the hole, you can add humus and mineral fertilizers.
There are many opinions about watering potatoes. To water or not water? If you can, you can and watered, especially during the flowering period fell dry, sunny days. Such watering undoubtedly increase productivity, besides potatoes undemanding watering. During the season will be enough 2-3 waterings.
Potatoes are very fond of the air. Loosen the seedlings should be quite often, about 1 time a week. If the weather is very hot, then loosen deep should not be. Conversely, when wet moderate air temperature must loosen deeper. And of course, we should not forget about hilling.
There is no doubt that the end result pleased, will have to work hard. However, these simple tips will help in the work, and in the autumn you can gather a good harvest healthy potato.