Potato
Potatoes are often regarded as only being
suitable for large gardens but a space 4 m square can accommodate about
3 kg seed potatoes, and produce at least 50 kg new potatoes, or more,
under good growth conditions. One plant grown in a 20-25 L drum can
produce surprising results. People wishing to plant only a small area
need not buy seed potatoes. Healthy-looking eating potatoes that have
begun to sprout can be used; the eyes (sprouts) removed with a thick
section of peel will soon make plants if covered lightly with moist
soil.
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Requirements to Grow Organic Potato
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Potatoes need a well-drained position and
at least half a day's sun, preferably more. They adapt to a wide range
of soils and are frequently used to break up heavy soil. A slightly
acid soil is best because fungus diseases are more prevalent in limey
soils. Only add lime if the soil is known to be very acid then only use
about half a cup of dolomite or garden lime per sq. m.
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Planting time for Growing Organic Potato
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In comparatively warm frost-free areas,
plant from June-August; elsewhere planting should be delayed until 3-4
weeks before frosts are expected to end. (Will normally stand up to 4-5
frostings after initial growth shows.) They can also be planted in
February. If seed potatoes are not available, sprouting of mature ones
can be induced by storing them in a plastic bag in a dark place.
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Cultivation for Organic Potato
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Vigour of the tubers is improved if they
are spread out a week prior to planting, in a brightly lit position,
but not in direct sunlight. Turn them after a few days to green them
evenly. Tubers less than 8 cm in diameter are planted whole. Larger
ones are cut with an even distribution of eyes on each section by
halving them cross-wise between the root and the tip end where the
largest numbers of eyes are. Cut through again. Compost the soil and,
if necessary, lime.
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Dig the soil deeply about 1 month prior
to planting, partly turning the clods and leaving them in a loosely
packed state so that air can circulate freely through them. About 1
week prior to planting, dig the soil over again to break down the clods
and add one-third cup of plant food per sq. m. Make furrows 50-70 cm
apart and 15 cm deep. Space the seed potatoes or cuts 30 cm apart along
the furrows and cover with 2-5 cm of soil. As shoots progress, fill in
soil around them. About 6 weeks after planting give another light
sprinkling of complete plant food (quarter-cup per sq. m) and chip this
lightly into the soil. As growth progresses use soil from between the
furrows to hill up around the base of the plants to encourage more
roots and so more potatoes.
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Be careful not to expose already formed
potatoes as they then turn green and become toxic. If the rows must be
spaced more closely apply a mulch of straw around the plants and during
dry periods give the ground a good gentle soaking about once a week.
Allow the surface soil to dry out before watering again.
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Harvest Organic Potato
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Dig potatoes from the time the lower
leaves begin to yellow. Plants are allowed to die down prior to digging
if potatoes are to be stored. Do not leave dug potatoes exposed to
light as this causes toxic greening.
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Special problems in Growing Organic
Potato
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Leaf-eating ladybirds which skeletonise
foliage, and caterpillars, can be controlled by spraying or dusting
with Carbaryl. Do not use B.H.C. on potatoes as this causes tainting of
the tubers. Brown spotting or water-soaked areas of the foliage
indicate need to spray with copper oxychloride or Zineb.
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