Planting Potatoes: Russets

Russet Potatoes

 

Items Needed:

Russet Potatoes (Organic, preferably)

Knife

Deep Container

Organic or Non-organic Soil

2 or 3 brick Pavers (depending on the size of the container)

Prepping the Container:

Make sure the container is at least 18" deep. If you are using a plastic tote, similar to the ones you find in your favorite mass retailer, use an opaque color. Clear totes tend to generate more heat than a tote that can't be seen through (opaque). You can use a clear tote if you are placing the container on a semi-covered patio.

Drill several small drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Use a 1/8" or 1/4" drill bit. Place the container on the brick pavers to lift the container off the surface so that excess water can drain. This is important if you have the container sitting on an uncovered patio.

Make sure you place the container in a spot that will receive 6 or more hours of sunlight. Russet Potatoes require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Prepping the Potato:

Start with an organic or non-organic Russet Potato you purchased from your local garden shop or farmer's market. It is not recommended to use potatoes from grocery stores since most potatoes sold in grocery stores have been treated with a sprout-inhibitor. (http://www.kimberly.uidaho.edu/potatoes/CIS1059.pdf)The sprout-inhibitor allows the potatoes to have a longer shelf life by not growing 'eyes' while in storage.

Cut the potato into 4 or 6 pieces (this will depend on the size of the potato). Make sure the piece has at least one 'eye' on it. The 'eyes' or sprouts of the potato will become the actual plant. Some farmers recommend to let the potato's cut to 'scab' over before planting it.

Planting the Potato Piece:

Make sure your container is sitting in its finally growing location. The container will become a little heavy. Place enough soil to fill 3/4 of the container. Lay the potato pieces with the 'eyes' facing up or another way of saying it - with the cut-side down. Cover the potato pieces with 2" of soil. Using your hands, be sure to tamp down the soil to remove the air bubbles. Do not place the potato pieces too close together because russet potatoes need alot of a space to grow. If you overcrowd the container, the result will be small potatoes.

Watering Your Russets:

Water the soil until the soil becomes moist. You will need to lightly water your plants everyday, but do not over water. Do not allow your soil to become extremely dry.

Russet Potato Crop from 2011

Within a couple weeks  you should see sprouts peeking above the surface. It will take approximately 100 to 120 days for the Russet Potatoes to mature.

Let me know how your garden grows!