✅ Potato consumption when planting on 1 hundred square meters, seeding rate, density

Rules for selecting potato planting material

Many inexperienced gardeners mistakenly believe that seed potatoes should be selected in the spring immediately before planting. However, experienced agronomists strongly recommend choosing it in the fall. Pay attention to the bushes when they are blooming. Mark those that bloom actively and intensely. Mark the best and most powerful plants with ribbons or dig pegs near them.

When to Harvest Potatoes

The surest sign indicating that a vegetable crop is ripe is the appearance of the tops. When the bush withers and dries, the growth of tubers will stop, so you can begin harvesting from the beds. After the tops dry, the gardener has 3 weeks to harvest the potatoes.

You can dig up one bush to check the readiness of the tubers. Their skin should be dense and not peel or peel when rubbed.

How to dig up potato tubers

You need to be very careful when digging potatoes intended for planting next spring. It is recommended to do this only with a pitchfork. This way the risk of damaging the tubers is minimized. After digging, they are inspected for rot and damage.

You need to choose those bushes that had at least seven potatoes. Of these, 4 should weigh at least 100 grams (after winter, the vegetable may shrink by 10-15 grams). If you dug up a bush with active greenery and there are 4-5 potatoes in it, it is better to discard such seed material. There is an obvious degeneration of the variety.

It is not recommended to leave potatoes that were in the bush along with rotten tubers for planting. This is fraught with rotting of healthy tubers.

Selected healthy potatoes are placed in the sun for 2-3 hours. Then they are transferred to a dry place under a canopy.

How to prepare seed material for storage

For half a month, potatoes are stored in a dry place with access to the sun. The air temperature should remain at 19-20 degrees. Every day, agronomists change the location of the tubers (it must dry and warm up on all sides).

Seed potatoes should not be eaten as they contain toxic substances - solanines. A small portion will not cause severe intoxication of the body, however, a person will feel a general malaise.

The main advantage of such planting material is that it is stored for a longer period, and rodents practically do not attack it.

Potato diseases and pests

When growing potatoes using seedlings, plantings can be damaged by various fungal and infectious diseases, as well as insects and microorganisms.

Fungal diseases

Late blight

One of the most dangerous diseases is late blight, which affects both potatoes and tomatoes. Belongs to the category of fungal diseases. The symptom is the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. In tubers, the affected areas are denser than the rest and have a brown color.

Favorable conditions for its development:

high humidity;
sudden temperature changes.

Spreads through contaminated soil.

Prevention measures:

you cannot take seed material from infected plants;
do not allow potatoes to be grown in the same place or after tomatoes;
do not plant tomatoes and potatoes nearby;
infected plants should be burned and under no circumstances composted;
spray with 1% Bordeaux mixture.

Cancer

For information! The symptom is the appearance of small tubercles on the tubers, which gradually increase in size. There is no cure for the disease yet. Affected plants are destroyed. Potatoes cannot be grown in an infected area for 3-4 years.

Potato pests

The Colorado potato beetle is one of the most common pests of potato bushes. Not only the beetles themselves are dangerous to plantings, but also the larvae, which destroy plantings with tremendous speed.

Another dangerous pest is the click beetle and its larva, the wireworm. In an area infested with wireworms, the tubers are riddled with small black holes, which spoils the quantity and appearance of the potatoes.

With the help of seedlings, you can get a quick and high potato harvest even in cold or, conversely, very hot summers.

Potato planting rate per 1 sq.m.

When selecting seed material, you need to know its exact required quantity. This value depends on several factors: the potato variety, its size, soil fertility, climate in the region and method of cultivation.

Many agronomists plant potatoes in the standard way - in rows. The row spacing ranges from 0.7-0.9 meters, and the distance between holes in a row is 25-45 centimeters.

For example, one hundred square meters can accommodate 14 rows with a distance between them of approximately 70-90 centimeters. It is possible to plant 25 bushes in one row. We can conclude that to completely plant one hundred square meters of land, a gardener will need 350 potatoes. With an average weight of one tuber of 70-80 grams, you need to prepare 27-28 kg.

It is worth noting that precisely calibrated tubers are sold only in specialized stores. Therefore, when selecting planting material from your own harvest and taking into account that it can deteriorate during winter, you should stock up on 2-5 kg of potatoes more.

Planting in single rows

When planting potatoes early, select larger tubers (weighing 80-90 g). Such planting material produces a healthy harvest that can survive the vagaries of nature. This is especially true in the Urals and Siberia - in this area small tubers simply will not survive. In warmer regions, smaller tubers are selected - 50-70 grams each. If we talk about elite tubers or growing in a botanical garden, then in this case 20 grams of potatoes are enough.

Row spacing is kept at 70-75 centimeters. This is explained by the dimensions of agricultural technology. In this case, to plant one hundred square meters of land you will need 350-390 potatoes (depending on their weight). Although some gardeners claim that with a row spacing of 0.9 meters, potatoes grow larger (but this applies to manual harvesting and caring for it).

Planting potatoes in double rows

There are several options for planting potatoes this way. The first option was developed by Dr. Mittlider - the technique is the most popular. The Dutch method of planting in ridges is also popular. The width of double beds is 40-45 cm, the distance between two beds ranges from 100-110 cm, and the distance between holes in a row is 30 cm.

If the length of a row is 10 meters, then in such a row you can plant 33 bushes, and with double beds - all 66. To completely plant one hundred square meters of land, you will need 462 tubers. With an average weight of one tuber of 70-80 grams, 37-38 kg of potatoes are consumed per 1 drain of soil.

Growing technology

To collect not only the first, but also the second harvest of the crop, you will have to follow the recommendations:

Regular watering procedures will help to grow potatoes correctly. The crop is actively watered during the growing season, when tubers are formed, then the number of procedures is reduced.
Vegetables are planted in a sunny place; they grow poorly in the shade of trees. Gardeners prefer flat surfaces that are well lit by the sun.
To harvest two crops in a season, you will have to feed the plant; humus and cow manure are used as fertilizers. Potatoes are fed when planting, the procedures are repeated after 10 days, then fertilizers are used when the crop begins to bloom.
You will have to treat the planting and eliminate pests; for this purpose, various solutions (insecticides) are used.

If a summer resident lives in Siberia, then he will only be able to harvest several potato crops if he cultivates them in greenhouse conditions. Preference is given to early and mid-ripening varieties.

When the climatic conditions in the region can hardly be called favorable, you will have to:

Choose a potato variety based on the climate.
Plant crops in a timely manner, having previously chosen a location.
Fertilize the soil, monitor the quality indicators of the soil.

Description and characteristics of the Red Scarlet potato variety, planting and care

Read

It is advisable to use green manure, they will help the soil to “rest”. The land is sown with green manure after harvesting. When the crop grows, it is mowed and then the soil is dug up. The procedure can be repeated in the spring.

Potato planting dates

Agronomists constantly argue about this and cannot decide what is better for potatoes - drought or frost.

Planting early potato varieties allows you to get an early harvest and protect it from possible pests. Usually, early potatoes are harvested before the late blight outbreak and the peak of the Colorado potato beetle activity. This happens at the end of July - beginning of August. At this time, all 4 generations spread on the land plots. However, the disadvantage of such early planting is the poor keeping quality of the resulting crop. It is very difficult to preserve planting material until next spring - the tubers begin to sprout, which is why you need to break off the sprouts. All this reduces yields.

Features of growing early potatoes

Growing early potatoes is not much different from ordinary ones. However, there are some nuances in this matter that must be followed. To grow it, you must follow the following rules:

First of all, you need to choose suitable planting material, namely early ripening zoned varieties suitable for your region

The weight of each potato must be at least 60 grams. To obtain an early harvest, it is necessary to do it 20-30 days in advance; manipulation will speed up the processes. Particular attention should be paid to fertilizing the soil before planting early potatoes. The fact is that early ripening varieties will not have time to “feast” on organic matter in the soil during their growing season

Therefore, it is rational and correct to fertilize the soil with mineral fertilizers (this is written a little higher). The scheme for planting early potatoes is almost the same, only the distance is a little less. It is recommended to maintain a gap between rows of 60 cm, and between tubers of 30 cm.

How many potatoes do you need?

How much planting material is needed for a certain area will depend on several conditions:

potato varieties;
tuber fractions;
soil fertility;
regional climate;
growing method.

When planting, use either whole tubers or segments with eyes (rudimentary shoots). In the first case, it is possible to calculate the average consumption of seed material per piece and by weight with a known sowing area. Let's try to figure out what needs to be taken into account and what the calculations depend on.

Per hundred (in kg)

Let's take a conventional square plot of 10x10 meters (one hundred square meters). It can consist of 14 rows, and usually a distance of 60 to 80 cm is left between the rows. As a rule, 30-50 cm are left between the tubers. Thus, 28 potatoes can be planted in a 10-meter row. We multiply 14 by 28, we get 392 tubers per hundred square meters.

Provided that each tuber weighs an average of 90 grams, 35 kilograms of potatoes will be required per hundred square meters.
If the weight of seed tubers is approximately 70–80 g, you need to proceed at a rate of approximately 27–29 kilograms per hundred square meters.
If the weight is less, then the consumption per hundred square meters will be about 25-30 kilograms per hundred square meters.

Per hectare (tons)

For large areas, agronomists use special tables. According to them, approximately 60-65 thousand tubers are planted per hectare. But it is worth taking into account the error in the size of planting material, damage to seeds during storage, and making calculations with a small margin.

The recommended planting quantity is 2000-2500 kilograms, that is, 2-2.5 tons of planting material per hectare with an average tuber with a diameter of 4-6 cm.
For a small tuber of 2.8–3.5 cm, it is recommended to plant 1500–1800 kilograms, that is, 1.5–1.8 tons of potatoes per hectare.
With a weight of 80 grams of each potato, the consumption rate will already be 4800 kilograms per hectare, which is 4.8 tons per hectare.

Ways to increase productivity

To exceed the average yield values and get the maximum number of potatoes per hundred square meters, you can use methods that increase this indicator. The results of crop cultivation are positively influenced by:

quality of “seed” potatoes;
proper preparation of planting material;
use of special technologies;
compliance with crop rotation;
proper organization of watering;
soil nutritional value and fertilizing volumes;
organizing activities to eliminate pests and diseases.

Special techniques

To increase productivity, several special techniques have been developed:

Mittlider method. Planting is done in beds 1.5 m wide with a distance of 1 m. Earthen mounds are organized around the planting to retain moisture. Regular watering and three-time application of fertilizers make it possible to achieve high potato yields per hectare - 55 tons.
Gülich method. 1 m2 is allocated for each plant. The planting hole is filled with humus, and a large root crop is planted in it, top down. High-quality watering is organized; when shoots appear, soft soil is poured into the center of each plant, and the stems are pulled to the sides. As it grows, the manipulation is repeated, which helps to form a multi-tiered bush that produces up to 16 kg of tubers.
Dutch technology. High-yielding Dutch varieties are used for planting; the beds are located in the North-South direction. Embankments with a height of 25 cm are organized with a distance of 80 cm, into which planting material with a diameter of 3-5 cm is planted. 2 weeks before harvesting, the tops are removed, which makes it possible to increase the size of the tubers. The technique allows you to remove 2 kg of potatoes from a bush.
Lavrov's technique. The method, which originated in the Tula region, involves harvesting 3 potato crops from 1 acre, which is ensured by repeated planting of early ripening varieties (late April, early June, early August). Subsequent batches are planted in row spacing 80 cm wide approximately 2 weeks before the planned digging of the first planting. This technique allows 100 kg of planting material to produce 450 kg of yield per 1 sq.m.

As an experiment, you can try each method in practice to find out which one will be the most convenient, least labor-intensive and productive for you.

Selection of productive varieties

To get the maximum yield from an acre allocated for potatoes, you need to choose high-quality seed, focusing on popular and productive varieties. Thus, the most popular among gardeners and professional farmers are:

early Red Scarlet (450-600 kg per hundred square meters);
early Timo (350-600 kg per hundred square meters);
early Zhukovsky (300-600 kg per hundred square meters);
early Bellorosa (320 kg per hundred square meters);
mid-early Nevsky (600 kg per hundred square meters).

Feeding and watering

The yield of potatoes is affected by the regime of watering and fertilizing. As a rule, fertilizers are applied to planting holes and mixed with compost. Good effect on potato yields:

ammonium nitrate, which serves as a source of nitrogen, which is important for the development of green mass;
Superphosphate, the granules of which gradually dissolve and supply the crop with substances important for the formation of tubers;
Super compost, which increases the nutritional value of the soil due to the work of beneficial bacteria.

If you wish, you can also fertilize during the periods of flowering and tuber formation, but at this stage you should select fertilizers without nitrogen. Otherwise, active growth of tops will occur to the detriment of yield.

You will learn clearly about the planting method and the use of fertilizers at this stage from the video:

Many gardeners believe that atmospheric precipitation is enough for potatoes and do not pay due attention to planting. However, regular watering during periods of growth and flowering has a positive effect on crop yield, tuber size and their characteristics.

What is the average consumption per 1 hectare and per 1 hundred square meters for different planting methods?

One of the decisive factors in calculating the potato norm is the planting method: single or double rows. They differ in their nuances.

Single rows

Planting in single rows is the most traditional way to grow potatoes.
In this case, the row spacing is from 70 to 90 cm (related to the dimensions of agricultural machinery), the distance between the holes will be approximately 25–45 cm. If we take a hundred square meters (100 square meters) for calculation, a conditional plot of 12.5 × 8 m, provided that the distance between the rows is 80 cm, and there are on average 10 rows in total, and their length is 125 m, we get 1250. Each seed tuber must have at least 5 eyes. Divide 1250 by 5, we get 250 tubers.

For large sown areas, calculations are also carried out. An average of 65 thousand tubers are sown per hectare of area.

If the seeds are 30-50 g , then you will need 2500-2800 kg (2.5-2.8 tons) per hectare (approximately 65-70 thousand tubers).
If the weight is 50-80 g , the consumption will be 3000-4500 kg (3-4.5 tons) per hectare (on average 55-60 thousand tubers).

Double rows

There are several techniques for planting in double rows. But in any case, the width of the double beds is approximately 40-45 cm, and the distance from bed to bed is 90-110 cm, between bushes - approximately 30 cm. To determine the consumption of seed in this case, add up the width of the bed and the distance between the beds, and divide the length of the section by the resulting number.

Provided that the width of the bed is 45 cm, and the distance between the beds is 90 cm, and 7 beds will fit on 1 acre (74 per hectare). On a 10-meter double row you can plant 66 bushes.

This means that for 1 hundred square meters you will need 462 tubers - approximately 367 kilograms.
Per hectare - 49,284 potatoes, which is equal to 3.9 tons of seeds.

Preparing the site and soil for planting

Before planting potatoes, it is very important to prepare the site and soil. Manipulation will help to obtain a harvest of higher quality and quantity.

It is recommended to prepare in advance:

It is recommended in the fall (or at least one month in advance) to dig up the area using a spade bayonet (or dig up the soil with a cultivator).
And already a week before planting in the spring you need to prepare holes or ridges.

Important! It is imperative to increase soil fertility. There are two ways to fertilize the soil:
When digging in autumn or spring.
Immediately before the procedure.

Fertilizers in autumn or spring when digging:

Potassium sulfate (25 grams) + superphosphate (20 grams) + urea (30 grams). Proportion per 1 square meter.
Or you can apply a mineral complex fertilizer that contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in equal proportions, for example, Nitroammofoska (20 grams per square meter).
Compost or humus (one bucket per sq.m.).

Important! Potatoes love the combination of organic and mineral fertilizers. Therefore, it is important to combine them.

Fertilizers before planting:

In each hole (or furrow) - 4 grams of nitroammophosphate or 3 grams of potassium sulfate and superphosphate.
Adherents of organic farming can pour wood ash (50 grams per potato), humus or compost, and onion peels into the hole (or furrows).

By the way! There are ready-made complex fertilizers specifically for potatoes. They can facilitate the preparation procedure, because you do not need to select fertilizers, but can simply use a specific preparation. For example, Fertika or Fasco for potatoes.

Does consumption depend on the variety?

Each variety has its own nuances in terms of yield and care. Some varieties are more suitable for harsh conditions, others for milder climates.
Usually they are selected depending on climatic conditions, ripening time and purpose. When calculating planting material, first of all, they are based on the mass of the tuber. And if you select medium seeds, the consumption per hundred square meters will be approximately the same for any variety. But the calculations still depend on the potato variety.

For earlier combs, large tubers of 70–80 g or more are better suited. They will better withstand weather fluctuations and produce stronger shoots.
In regions with milder weather conditions, you can choose tubers 50-70 grams. Among the elite varieties, you can safely select 20-40 gram potatoes.

What is the potato yield per 1 hectare?

First, let’s determine what the average potato yield is.

Average figures in Russia

For Russia, the norm is considered to be a yield of approximately 150-200 c/ha. However, these are extremely average data. Depending on the variety, climatic conditions in the region, and soil composition, indicators can vary greatly.

We are talking about industrial cultivation with inevitable losses and reduced labor intensity of operations for economic reasons. How many potatoes can you harvest from a regular garden plot? Gardeners who spare no effort sometimes get a harvest on their acres that, calculated per hectare, amounts to 600-650 c/ha.

In other countries

The average potato yield by country is approximately:

in the USA and New Zealand - 490 c/ha;
in Germany and Denmark – 440 c/ha;
in Holland – 420 c/ha;
in Australia – 400-404 c/ha.

Leaders in the post-Soviet space:

Uzbekistan – 225 c/ha;
Latvia – 213 c/ha;
Armenia – 211 c/ha;
Turkmenistan – 206 c/ha.

However, there are countries where the yield is much lower than in Russia. For example, among the post-Soviet countries, Moldova is one of them - on average, they manage to grow only 104 c/ha. In non-CIS countries, the “failing students” in growing potatoes are:

China – 170 c/ha;
Canada – 126 c/ha;
Tanzania – 81 c/ha;
Bolivia – 60 c/ha;
Nigeria – 38 c/ha.

However, low yield does not mean low production. For example, although China is inferior to Russia in terms of the number of potatoes per hectare, it confidently holds about 25% of the world production of this crop.

Record figures

The absolute record for potato yield during large-scale cultivation in Europe was recorded in 2011 in Belgium. There this figure was 501 c/ha. The world record was recorded in 2010 in New Zealand: there, several farms managed to achieve a yield of 880 c/ha. As of 2022, this record has yet to be broken.

How to calculate it yourself?

There is a special formula to calculate the average consumption of potato planting. Everyone can independently calculate the necessary data from it, depending on the mass and density of planting.

Do not forget to take into account that tubers of different varieties and different sizes have different numbers of eyes. Consequently, the rate of planting material by weight can be from 2.2 to 5.0 t/ha. Planting density can also vary from 40 to 70 thousand tubers per hectare. This means that each batch requires determining the planting rate (N) individually.

The consumption rate of planting material per hectare is calculated as follows:

N – consumption rate of planting material (kg/ha).
G – planting density (thousand tubers/ha).
M – average tuber weight (g).

To determine planting density (D) (thousand tubers/ha), as a rule, established standards for optimal planting density are used, depending on regional characteristics.

In the Northern and Northwestern regions this is usually 50-55 thousand bushes.
In the Central and Southern regions there are approximately 45 bushes on sandy loam and sandy soils, and about 55 thousand bushes on loamy soils.

With a planting density of 55 thousand bushes per hectare and an average tuber weight of 80 g, the consumption rate is obtained: (G)55 x (M)80 = (N)4400 kg/ha or 4.4 tons per hectare.

Example #2:

With a planting density of 45 thousand bushes per hectare and an average tuber weight of 50 g, the consumption rate is obtained: (G)45 x (M)50 = (N)2250 kg/ha or 2.25 tons per hectare.

How to prepare grape leaves for dolma for the winter

Compound:

grape leaves - how many will be needed;
water - how much will it take;
salt – 40 g per 1 liter of water.

Place the prepared grape leaves in stacks of 15 pieces and roll them into a tube.
Place tubes of grape leaves in a barrel, laying them horizontally.
Boil water, dissolve salt in it, cook for 5 minutes.
Pour hot brine over the grape leaves and place a weight on top.

Compound:

grape leaves - how many will go into the jar;
water - how much will it take;
salt – 20 g per 1 liter of water.

Prepare the grape leaves, roll them into tubes, folding them in 10 pieces.
Sterilize the jar and boil the plastic lid.
Place tubes of grape leaves vertically into a jar.
Boil water and pour into a jar.
After 10 minutes, drain the boiling water from the jar. Pour boiling water into it again.
Drain the water from the jar into the pan after 10 minutes, measure the volume of water, add the required amount of salt.
Boil the brine for a minute and pour it over the grape leaves.
Close the jar with a lid.

As soon as the jar has cooled, it must be put in the refrigerator and stored there.

Composition (per 1 l):

grape leaves - how many will be needed;
water - how much will it take;
salt – 40 g per 1 liter of water;
table vinegar (9 percent) - 10 ml per 1 liter jar.

Prepare a brine from salt and water, cool it to room temperature.
Sterilize the jar.
Place the grape leaves in stacks of 20 and roll them into rolls.
Place in jars and fill with brine. Place in a cool place for 48 hours.
Pour vinegar into the jar. Place in a saucepan, filling it with water so that it reaches the “shoulders” of the jar. Sterilize 20 minutes after the water boils.
While sterilization is taking place, boil the metal lid.
Remove the jar from the pan, roll it up and turn it over.
Cover with a blanket and leave until completely cool.

Grape leaves pickled according to this recipe can be stored at room temperature.

There are different ways to prepare grape leaves for the winter, and none of them can be called too labor-intensive. So dolma can be prepared all year round.

Cooking time: 40 minutes. Number of servings: 90 leaves. Calories: 93 kcal per 100 g of product. Kitchen appliances and utensils: jar, seaming lid and machine, saucepan and hob.

Water	3 l
grape leaves	90 pcs.
Salt	1 tsp.

Step by step recipe

Clear 90 pcs. grape leaves from debris, trim the tails.
Fold in packs of 10 pieces and wrap with a tube. Wrap along, not across, the fibers to avoid breaking.
Tie the tubes with thread and place in a liter jar. Do this with each pack and fill the jar tightly with them.
Fill with cold water, slightly higher than the “hangers” of the jar, add 1 tsp. salt. Cover with a lid for preservation.
Place the jar in a high saucepan and fill it with water just below its shoulders. Cover with a lid, boil and sterilize over low heat for 15 minutes.
Roll up the jar, let cool, cover with a blanket and store in a dark place.

Planting density: what is it and how to determine what it affects?

When the potato rhizome has enough nutrition and space, we can talk about optimal planting density. At high density, the tubers receive a minimum of nutrients and grow small and deformed.

There are standards for optimal planting density for regions:

For the Northern and Northwestern regions - 50-55 thousand bushes per hectare.
For the Central and Southern regions - from 45 to 55 thousand bushes per hectare.

For mid-season potatoes, a density of 30-40 cm is recommended, for early varieties - 20-35 cm, for late varieties - 40-50 cm.
Accordingly, the planting density will also affect the planting rate. With small planting material and an interval of 20 cm, the consumption per hundred square meters will increase significantly. With an average rate of 25-30 kg per hundred square meters, you will need 35 kilograms (approximately 700 pieces). When planting the same tubers at intervals of 30 cm, approximately 20 kilograms will be required.

The optimal planting density for potatoes is considered to be planting at a distance of 35 cm. This will provide the so-called nutrition area - about 70x20 cm. It allows root crops to receive maximum nutrition with sufficient free space, which means, with proper care, a decent harvest.

If you know how to calculate the average consumption rate of planting material, you can learn to use the available land as productively as possible. If there is a shortage of seeds, you can use the method of planting in shares. In this case, calculations will be made according to the principle described above, but in pieces.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

Prevention from diseases and pests

When planting small tubers, the background of organic and mineral nutrition should be 15-20% higher. Before planting potatoes, it is necessary to pre-designate the rows where the tubers should be planted. Marking is usually done with a special marker that resembles a rake with wooden teeth. The first pass of the marker is made along a stretched cord from the edge of the area. The outermost tooth of the marker is led along the cord. During the reverse stroke, the outermost tooth follows the track marked by the opposite tooth. Planting can also be done under the cord, but this is less convenient and takes more time. To maintain the correct distance in the row, pre-measured sticks are used.

Potatoes are considered an unpretentious crop. But, like any plant, it certainly needs care. The main components of care: hilling, fertilizing and weed control. It is recommended to hill this vegetable when it reaches a height of 20 centimeters.

Basic information about the culture

Potatoes are a versatile vegetable. Tubers are one of the most popular food products; they are used in folk medicine and for cosmetic purposes. Many dishes are prepared from them. Potatoes are processed into starch, potato flour, and molasses. Alcohol is obtained from it. Potato juice treats gastritis and has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

The potato bush consists of several leafy stems. Plant height is from 30 to 160 cm, depending on the variety. The average number of stems is 6-11. Leaves are dissected and wrinkled. The color of the stems and leaves is green. Flowering begins 25-35 days after planting. Lasts 5-8 days. Flowers are white, purple, golden, pinkish. They are located at the very tops of the stems. The petals grow together. There are varieties with flowers and without flowers. After the potatoes have flowered, green berries appear on them. They are poisonous.

Additional Information. Vitamin C, present in tubers, improves immunity and protects the body from the negative effects of the environment. Nourishing vegetable masks refresh the skin, whiten it, and eliminate fine wrinkles.

During flowering, tubers form on the underground part of the plant. They grow not on roots, but on stolons. Stolons are shoots that develop from buds on the underground part of the stems. Tubers form on the stolons. The tubers themselves are thickened and short stems. They have eyes that contain buds. New stems can grow from the buds.

The tubers are covered with a corky elastic skin. It protects potatoes from drying out, impacts, and pests. Next comes a layer of cells where there is the most starch. Then the pulp begins. Tubers can have brick, yellow, white, or purple skin. This characteristic depends on the variety.

Potatoes reproduce vegetatively. Gardeners use whole tubers or parts with eyes for planting. Stems sprout from the buds and form potato bushes. Tuber germination occurs at temperatures from +8 degrees. Therefore, it is recommended to plant potatoes in May.

Description of culture

Potatoes are a perennial tuberous crop. Most often it is grown as an annual plant, since its entire life cycle fits within one growing season.

Any potato variety propagates vegetatively - using tubers. In addition, the plant can be propagated by sprouts, cuttings and parts of tubers. In the practice of breeders, propagation by seeds is often used.

Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae family. The stems of most varieties are erect, in some cases they may deviate slightly to the sides. The color of the stems of the predominant number of varieties is green. The leaves are simple, entire. As the culture grows, discontinuous, unpaired pinnately dissected leaves begin to form. Each of these leaves has several pairs of lateral lobes, which are located one against the other, intermediate lobes and a terminal lobe.

Potato

Important! The structure and degree of dissection of potato leaves are often one of the most significant varietal characteristics. Potato flowers grow in inflorescences that look like radiating curls

Potatoes are a self-pollinating plant, but most of their varieties are sterile. Only a Few Remain Fertile

Potato flowers grow in inflorescences that look like radiating curls. Potatoes are a self-pollinating plant, but most of their varieties are sterile. Only a few remain fertile.

The fruit of the potato is not a root tuber, but a two-lobed green oval or spherical green berry. After ripening, the fruit turns white and acquires a aroma reminiscent of strawberries. Potato berries are not eaten.

The root system of the crop (provided that it is grown from a tuber) is fibrous. The tuber is a thickened short stem. Ripe potatoes are covered with a thin skin that prevents the tubers from drying out. It also protects the culture from many diseases. The starch content in potato tubers can vary from 12 to 29%.

Potato planting rate per 1 sq.m.

In the spring, when a summer resident is preparing for the gardening season, he resolves several issues. They concern how to properly prepare for planting potatoes. First, you need to select high-quality planting material. You can buy seed potatoes at a specialty store or take one that has been stored in the cellar since the fall. Healthy potatoes are taken: without defects, rot, or signs of disease. It is best if they are medium in size. Suitable weight of seed potatoes is 40-90 g. Secondly, before you start germinating the material, you need to determine exactly how many potatoes are needed per hectare of land.

There is a consumption rate for potatoes when planting on 1 hectare. It is taken into account that the crop will be grown in rows:

A plot of 1 hectare is a square of 10 meters by 10 meters. It can be a rectangle. Then its sides, for example, will have a length of 8 meters and 12 meters;
Usually a distance of 60-80 cm is left between the rows. Tubers are planted every 30-50 cm;
Thus, on a plot that is a square of 10 meters by 10 meters, there will be 14 rows. Each is 10 meters long. 14 rows are obtained if you leave a distance of 60-70 cm between them. In this case, rows are made with small indents from the boundaries;
In one row, the tubers are placed at a distance of 35 cm from each other;
Then in a 10-meter row you will be able to lay 28 potatoes;
There are 14 rows. Therefore, 14 needs to be multiplied by 28. It turns out that 392 tubers are required per hundred square meters of land;
If one piece of planting material weighs 90 grams, then approximately 35 kg of potatoes are needed per hundred square meters. If the weight is taken as 60 grams, then it will be 23.5 kg. When rounded, it turns out that from 25 to 30 kg are spent on 1 hectare of land;
One 10-liter bucket holds an average of 7 kg of potatoes. This means that the summer resident will have to prepare 3.5-4.5 buckets of planting material;
If you have to sow on 2 acres, you will need 9 buckets of potatoes or one thousand pieces. tubers.

Growing potatoes in a bucket

This method is suitable for people who do not have a garden. Let's look at growing potatoes in a bucket:

A plastic bucket with a volume of 8-10 liters is best suited. It should be washed and dried. After which it is worth making 4-5 holes at the bottom.
You can line it with hay for drainage. Sprinkle some soil mixed with compost on top.
Place a medium-sized potato, cover it with dry grass on top and wait for it to sprout.
As the hay settles, it should be added little by little.
You need to water and feed potatoes once a week.

If you follow these tips, the harvest will be 13 tubers from one bucket. This method will protect potatoes from soil pests, and is also suitable for growing seed potatoes.

Calculation for large areas

The rate of planting potatoes for the fields of agricultural enterprises or farms is calculated in a similar way. However, generally accepted measures are used to simplify calculations. There are tables compiled by employees of agricultural enterprises. So, approximately 60,000-65,000 tubers are planted per hectare. If the weight of one tuber is 80 g, then the consumption rate is 4800 kg/ha. If converted to centners, then this is 48 centners per 1 hectare.

Potato planting rate

Potatoes in fields measured in hectares are planted in rows with a large distance between them (from 70 to 100 cm). This is necessary so that equipment, such as a tractor, can pass through. It is used to plant and harvest crops.

Fertilizer for potatoes - increasing the yield | Manor

Like all garden plants, potatoes respond noticeably to the application of fertilizer and at the same time give a significant increase in yield.

When using fertilizers, not only does the potato yield increase, but the quality of the tubers also improves, and the taste improves. We invite you to learn more about

When harvesting the previous year's potato crop, nutrients are removed from the soil. Since the potato root system is poorly developed, the annual decrease in soil nutritional value is critical for it.

Experiments conducted by breeders and scientific institutes show that with the correct application of fertilizers, the yield of this crop can be increased by two or more times. What fertilizers are recommended for potatoes? Let's consider this issue in more detail.

Planting density of seed potatoes

The planting density of seeds at a potato planting rate of 25-30 kg is taken at 35 cm. It is believed that such a density is optimal. This distance allows the root system to receive enough nutrition for development. Each bush with such a planting density has enough free space. Plants get enough sunlight.

Some summer residents are sure that to get a good harvest, you need to plant potatoes as often as possible. However, in practice this option turns out to be unfavorable. If the density is too high, then the bushes receive a minimal amount of nutrition, and they are uncomfortable growing close to each other. After a short time, the tops begin to close. As a result, the dense patch produces small, painful tubers.

Typically, a planting depth of 30-40 cm is used for mid-season potatoes. Early - planted at a distance of 20-35 cm from each other. For late varieties with a growing season of more than 3.5 months, it is ideal to plant tubers every 40-50 cm.

Planting potatoes. Scheme

The density of planting seed potatoes also depends on the size of the tuber. If the planting material is large, more than 110-140 grams, then it needs a little more space than usual, for example, 40-50 cm. Small seeds are planted at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other.

Important! Soil fertility also affects planting density. It is believed that the more fertile the soil, the denser the potatoes can be planted. But you shouldn't overdo it. The bushes still need space to grow properly.

Usually, identical tubers for planting can only be purchased in a store. If planting material is taken from last year's harvest, then the tubers have different sizes. Therefore, before sowing potatoes, you should sort them. Fractions, divided by size, are planted in different places on the site. For example, large tubers are placed in the ground first, followed by medium and small ones. Parts of large potatoes, which have been previously cut, are planted together with small ones.

How much potato is consumed at different planting densities? Planting density directly affects potato consumption. We are talking about one hundred square meters of land, on which 14 rows were dug. So, if you plant potatoes every 20 cm, then for one 10-meter row you will need 50 tubers. Accordingly, for 14 rows you need 700 pieces. For example, small potatoes were taken (50 grams - one piece). Then you will need 35 kg of potatoes per hundred square meters. The same volume is required when planting 80 grams of tubers every 35 cm per 100 square meters.

On a note. If planting is carried out every 50 cm, then 20 potatoes can be laid in a 10-meter row. There are 280 pieces in 14 rows. Usually large potatoes (weighing 100 grams) are planted at this distance. Then 280 tubers of 100 grams each will weigh 28 kg.

How to plant as much as possible with minimal seed consumption? It is believed that the optimal amount of potatoes for planting per acre is 25-30 kg. If the planting material is small and one piece weighs about 50 grams, then 25 kg contains about 500 tubers. Potatoes with this weight are planted every 30 cm. The minimum amount of potatoes per one hundred square meters of land is 20 kg. Depending on the size of the potatoes, the planting density is selected. If it is small, about 50 grams, then 20 kg will contain approximately 400 pieces. There are 35 tubers for each of the 14 rows. It is best to plant planting material every 30 cm.

Note! To increase the yield of such a plot, fertilizing is necessary. Before planting, humus is added to the soil. During planting - ash, mineral fertilizers. If there is a strong wind outside, then the ash is pre-mixed with water. Otherwise, the fly ash will fly away.

In order to plant a potato plot as much as possible and at the same time waste a minimum of tubers, you can use the method of planting in shares. It consists of dividing the tuber into parts. Thanks to it, the cost of planting material is significantly reduced.

Planting potatoes in sections

Large, healthy potatoes are suitable for dividing tubers. You can cut it in autumn and spring. It is believed that tubers cut in the autumn months are better able to resist infections. Over the winter, a strong crust will appear at the cut site. If the gardener chose to divide the tubers in the spring, then this should be done before vernalization of the potatoes. That is, before germination.

Can be cut longitudinally and transversely. It is necessary to leave eyes on the slices, from which stems will develop. You need to cut with a sharp knife. After each tuber it is washed with manganese. Potato slices are dipped in ash. Ash disinfects tubers and strengthens their immunity.

It is important for a gardener to know how many seed potatoes are needed per 1 hectare of land. With such information, he will purchase the required amount of planting material. However, he should immediately resolve the issue of planting density. This is easy to do, since the distance between the tubers depends on the size of the material, soil fertility, and the growing season of the variety.

How to increase your harvest

The most pressing question among all gardeners is how to increase the yield. Let's look at the basic principles of increasing it.

Selection of planting material

One of the first and basic principles is the selection of planting material. It is worth taking a responsible approach to the matter - your harvest directly depends on it.

The first rule of seed selection is that tubers of sick and weak plants are not left for propagation.

Potatoes are selected for seeds during harvest. If you dug up a bush and all the vegetables are approximately equal, you can safely put them aside for planting, there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s much more difficult to select from the general heap

It is very important not to mix varieties under any circumstances.

Powerful plants are noticeable during flowering; it is worth highlighting them with an identification mark. Then select potatoes from the marked areas. If the tubers are laid from one bush, all of about the same size, smooth and even - in the future, they will produce a better harvest, due to strong genes.

Calculation of the volume of planting material

Using the formula presented above, you can easily determine the amount of sowing potatoes you need. But, you are unlikely to be able to calculate by the weight of the vegetable how much harvest you will get, since this is fully influenced by growing conditions, soil fertilization and proper care.

Planting density

Planting density and planting rate are determined by the potato variety, the properties of the seed tubers and the weather.

It would seem that the denser we plant, the more we will collect, but no. In fact, if you plant too often, the feeding area of one plant will decrease, which will lead to fewer tubers.

But if the feeding area is 70*20 cm, the harvest will be decent.

When to plant?

The time for planting potatoes directly depends on the region. In the southern regions, planting is carried out at the end of March - beginning of April; the further you go north, the later the earth warms up and sowing occurs.

When planting potatoes in unheated soil, there is a high probability of tubers freezing and, as a result, slow germination and development.

Increased yield

Due to genetic characteristics, some varieties can form up to 16 tubers, while others only 7-10, but do not forget about the importance of fertilizers. Any potato needs complementary feeding during the period of tuber formation

Below are some effective ways to increase potato yield.

Bark

Rotted bark

To use bark as fertilizer, it must be rotten, because the process of its decomposition in the ground can take a long time. With the help of bark, you can not only fertilize potatoes, but also protect them from pests, for example, by mixing bark, ash and compost in equal proportions.

Ash

Wood ash is a natural fertilizer

Ash is an excellent potassium fertilizer; in addition to potassium, it contains phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and a large set of microelements. It is suitable for plants sensitive to chlorine, because it lacks this element. It also loosens the soil and changes its structure, in addition, it can be used to deoxidize the soil on the site. If you use ash as a top dressing, you will need only 150-300 grams per square meter. Bring it dry into the holes when planting.

Onion peel

The benefit of onion peel is that it contains a large amount of minerals.

Onion peels will not only serve as an excellent fertilizer, but will also protect your plants from wireworms and other soil pests. It should be placed in the hole before putting in the potatoes. The husks should come exclusively from healthy bulbs to avoid infections and fungi. You can also steep the onion peel in water for three days, then dilute it with 10 liters of water and water it.

Recommendations from scientists

Potato yields are negatively affected by soil acidity exceeding 7 pH. The most favorable values are in the range from 4.5 to 6.3.
The application of manure significantly increases potato yields only if mineral fertilizers are also applied at the same time. This is due to the fact that with a lack of nitrogen, potato tubers are not able to absorb all the phosphorus and potassium.
During the experiments of scientists from Germany, it was noted that for early potatoes the best result was observed when applying 20 tons of manure per 1 ha, and for late potatoes this figure was 30 t/ha.
When using mineral fertilizers together with the application of manure, the result will be better than when using them separately. Scientists explain this fact by the fact that mineral fertilizers quickly dissolve and are absorbed by plants in the early stages of development. The effect of manure begins to be felt in the second half of the growing season.
If the area for potatoes is small, then you can significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer applied if you do not fill the entire area with them, but only the holes with potatoes.

For reference : 1 hectare is equal to 10,000 sq.m (square area 100 m x 100 m) 1 weave is equal to a square 10 m x 10 m 1 hectare contains 100 hectares.

20 tons of manure per 1 hectare is equivalent to 200 kg of manure per 1 hectare (10 m x 10 m). 200 kg of manure is approximately 6 polypropylene bags of 40 liters each.

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