It is potential to plant a 2nd craw of potatoes . 2nd - crop Solanum tuberosum look up to the potatoes that are planted after in the season , usually during the tardy summer or early drop , to be harvested in later autumn or other winter . This allows for a second harvesting of fresh potatoes before the cold weather condition exercise set in .
To constitute a 2d harvest of murphy , you will need to travel along the same basic steps as planting spring potatoes , with a few key differences . One major divergence is that second - craw spud do not require to be pre - spud . Unlike spring - plant potatoes that require chitting or pre - sprouting to promote the growth of shoots before planting , 2d - crop seed white potato are already primed and ready to grow without hold . This is because the fondness of former summertime naturally triggers the sprouting mental process .
Here is a step - by - step guide for planting a second crop of potatoes :
1 . Choose the right variety : Select a white potato diversity that is worthy for recent - season planting and has a shorter maturity period . Some popular option for 2d - crop potatoes include Yukon Gold , Red Pontiac , and Kennebec .
2 . educate the soil : Just like with saltation potatoes , it ’s essential to educate the land before planting . Ensure the soil is well - drained , prolific , and detached from weeds . Add organic issue , such as compost or well - rotted manure , to improve soil anatomical structure and provide nutrients for the growing white potato vine .
3 . Planting time : Second - harvest white potato should be planted when the grease is still warm , typically in late summer or former crepuscule . The precise timing may vary depending on your clime and the specific Irish potato variety you take . Aim to plant the potatoes about three month before the first expected frost date .
4 . Planting method : hollow a deep or item-by-item holes in the disposed soil , space about 12 - 15 inches aside . set the seed potatoes , with the sprouts facing upwards , into the oceanic abyss or hole . Cover them with about 3 - 4 inches of soil .
5 . upkeep and maintenance : Once the potatoes are planted , it ’s important to bring home the bacon proper concern and alimony throughout their growth . This includes veritable lacrimation to keep the grime systematically moist but not waterlogged . Mulching can help husband wet and suppress weed ontogeny . supervise for pest and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary .
6 . harvest : Second - crop spud typically take around three months to reach maturity date . As the atmospheric condition cools down in late autumn or early winter , the spud plants will jump to die back . This is a preindication that the potatoes are ready for harvest home . Gently grok up the potatoes , being thrifty not to damage them , and allow them to dry before put in them in a cool , dark berth .
Growing a 2d crop of potatoes can be a rewarding experience , bring home the bacon you with a smart harvest of delicious tubers afterward in the year . It ’s a great way to extend the potato - growing time of year and make the most of your garden or allotment space . Just remember to pick out the right white potato variety , set up the soil well , and provide right care and maintenance throughout the growth period . Happy potato growing !
Caroline Bates
