Transform Your Kitchen Scraps into Bountiful Harvests: How to Grow Potatoes from Old Potatoes!

Have you ever wondered how to turn your leftover potatoes into a flourishing garden? Growing potatoes from old potatoes is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown spuds without spending a fortune on seed potatoes. This method, known as “chitting,” takes advantage of the natural sprouting ability of potatoes to produce a bountiful harvest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to grow potato from old potato, from selecting the right potatoes to harvesting your delicious crop.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The first step in growing potatoes from old potatoes is selecting the right potatoes. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to sprouting. Here are some tips to help you choose the best candidates:

• Organic Potatoes: Organic potatoes are generally less treated with chemicals that can inhibit sprouting.
• Unblemished Potatoes: Look for potatoes that are free from blemishes, bruises, or signs of rot. These imperfections can harbor bacteria and fungi that can hinder growth.
• Medium-Sized Potatoes: Potatoes that are too small or too large may not sprout as readily. Aim for potatoes that are about the size of a golf ball.
• Potatoes with “Eyes”: “Eyes” are the tiny buds on the potato that will eventually sprout into new plants. Choose potatoes with several visible eyes.

Preparing the Potatoes for Chitting

Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for chitting. This process encourages the potatoes to sprout before planting, giving them a head start in the garden.

• Cut the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into sections, ensuring each section has at least two or three eyes.
• Allow to Dry: Let the cut sections dry for a few hours to allow the cut surfaces to heal and prevent rot.
• Place in a Bright Spot: Place the cut potatoes in a shallow tray or box lined with newspaper or paper towels. Keep the potatoes in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
• Maintain Moisture: The potatoes will need a little moisture to sprout, but avoid overwatering. Mist the potatoes lightly every few days.

The Chitting Process

The chitting process typically takes two to three weeks, depending on the temperature and the variety of potato. During this time, you’ll notice small green shoots emerging from the eyes.

• Monitor Growth: Keep an eye on the potatoes and remove any that show signs of rot.
• Rotate the Potatoes: Rotate the potatoes every few days to ensure even growth.

Planting the Chitted Potatoes

Once the potato sections have developed strong, green shoots, they are ready to be planted.

• Prepare the Soil: Potatoes prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Dig Trenches: Dig trenches about 10 to 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches apart.
• Place the Potatoes: Place the chitted potatoes in the trenches, with the shoots facing upwards. Cover the potatoes with about 4 to 6 inches of soil.
• Water Thoroughly: Water the potatoes thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Your Potato Plants

Once the potatoes are planted, it’s essential to provide them with the proper care to ensure a bountiful harvest.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds, which compete with the potato plants for nutrients and water.
• Hilling: As the potato plants grow, gradually add more soil to the base of the plants, a process known as hilling. This helps to prevent the potatoes from being exposed to sunlight, which can turn them green and bitter.

Harvesting Your Potatoes

The time to harvest your potatoes will depend on the variety you planted and the growing conditions. Generally, potatoes are ready to harvest about 10 to 12 weeks after planting.

• Signs of Readiness: The foliage of the potato plants will start to yellow and die back when the potatoes are ready for harvest.
• Harvesting: Gently dig around the base of the potato plants and carefully lift the potatoes from the soil. Avoid damaging the potatoes during harvesting.

Beyond the Harvest: Storing Your Potatoes

Once you’ve harvested your potatoes, it’s important to store them properly to preserve their freshness and flavor.

• Clean the Potatoes: Brush off any dirt from the potatoes.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as a basement or garage. Avoid storing potatoes in direct sunlight or in temperatures above 70°F.
• Avoid Storing with Other Produce: Potatoes produce ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening of other fruits and vegetables. Store potatoes separately from other produce.

A Final Word: The Rewards of Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes

Growing potatoes from old potatoes is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown spuds while minimizing waste. It’s a simple and sustainable way to add a touch of self-sufficiency to your garden. With a little effort and patience, you can transform your kitchen scraps into a delicious and abundant harvest.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I use any potato for chitting?
While any potato can be used, the best candidates are organic potatoes that are free from blemishes and have several “eyes.”
2. How long does it take for potatoes to sprout?
The chitting process typically takes two to three weeks, depending on the temperature and the variety of potato.
3. Can I plant potatoes in containers?
Yes, you can grow potatoes in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide.
4. What should I do if my potatoes rot?
Remove any potatoes that show signs of rot and discard them.
5. Can I grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes?
While it’s possible to grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes, they may be treated with chemicals that can inhibit sprouting. Organic potatoes are generally a better choice for chitting.