To obtain a good potato harvest, it is necessary to properly prepare the planting material. This is one of the important stages in the growing process. And it begins during the harvest period, namely in the fall. The following tips will tell gardeners how to prepare planting potatoes in the fall in order to reap a rich harvest in the spring.
Choose suitable bushes
In summer, during the flowering period, identify and mark lush, healthy plants. Most likely, under the thick tops the harvest will be large.
Remove the tops in a timely manner
Young potatoes have quite tender skin. Therefore, two weeks before the start of harvesting, it is recommended to mow the tops. During this time, the peel in the ground will harden.
Harvest carefully
It is best to harvest potatoes using a fork: this will reduce the likelihood of injury to the tubers.
Correctly select future seeds
Planting potatoes are selected from the best bushes that are not damaged by pests and diseases. As a rule, they contain at least 6-8 potatoes, half of which are large. It is important that they have a shape characteristic of the planted variety. Their size should be approximately the size of a chicken egg. Small potatoes should not be selected, because the worst specimens contribute to the degeneration of the variety.
Green up planting material
Spread in a bright and ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight.Over the course of ten days, the required amount of corned beef is formed in the potatoes. This substance protects tubers from pests, diseases, and also promotes the healing of small wounds. The seeds must be turned over periodically to ensure they turn completely green.
Treat with chemicals
Inspect the seeds carefully and discard damaged tubers. Then, to strengthen the immune system, spray them with a product that has a fungicidal effect (for example, “Maxim”). A very weak solution of copper sulfate (2 g per 10 liters of water) is also suitable. After this, be sure to dry the potatoes.
Follow the recommendations for storage in the cellar
To maintain germination until spring you need:
- maintain the required temperature in the cellar (approximately 3°C);
- equip ventilation;
- maintain indoor humidity above 75%;
- For storage, use boxes with holes to provide air access;
- do not spread planting material in a thick layer in order to avoid untimely emergence of sprouts;
- Sort the seeds twice during the winter;
- carefully cut off premature shoots, and do not break them off;
- to slow down the development of sprouts, place dried mint in boxes (500 g per 100 kg of potatoes);
- Lay out dry wormwood or rowan leaves in thin layers to protect against pathogenic microorganisms.
These recommendations are not at all difficult to implement. If you spend time and put in a little effort, you can significantly increase your potato yield, which will pleasantly surprise you.
