Cultivating Apples of Earth at home: Easy and fun for Beginners!

Potato cultivation at home is a fun and rewarding activity for beginners in gardening. In addition to producing fresh and tasty potatoes, growing your own tubers will also help you better understand the plant growth process. Here is a step-by-step practical guide to help you get started:

Choosing Varieties of Apples of Earth

There are many varieties of potatoes from which you can choose to grow at home. The most common varieties include Yukon Gold, Russet, Red Pontiac, and Fingerling. Be sure to select varieties adapted to your region and your culinary preferences.

Prepare the ground

  • Choose a sunny location in your garden or balcony to plant your potatoes. Make sure the floor is furnished, well drained and rich in organic matter.
  • Moisten the soil by plowing it and weeding it to eliminate weeds. If the soil is nutrient-poor, add compost or organic fertilizer to fertilize it.

Plant the Apples of Earth

  • Before planting, cut your potatoes into pieces the size of an egg, each containing one or two germination eyes.
  • Dig furrows into the ground spaced about 30 cm and place the pieces of potatoes at a depth of about 10 cm.
  • Cover the pieces of potatoes and water thoroughly to ensure good soil moisture.

Maintaining Potato Plants of Earth

  • Keep the soil moist but not wet during the growing season. Water regularly, especially in dry weather.
  • Bite the seed potatoes once they reach a height of about 15 cm. This will help protect developing tubers from the sun and promote better growth.
  • Eliminate weeds regularly to avoid unwanted plant competition and ensure optimal growth of your potatoes.

Harvesting Apples of Earth

  • Potatoes are ready to be harvested approximately 2-3 weeks after flowering. To harvest, gently dig up the tubers, taking care not to damage them.
  • Allow harvested potatoes to dry in the open air for a few hours to harden their skin before storing them in a cool and dark place.

By growing potatoes at home, not only can you enjoy fresh and delicious tubers, but you will also develop new gardening skills. Feel free to experiment with different varieties and cultivation techniques to maximize your harvest and fun as a beginner gardener!