Why do some summer residents mow potato tops: not everyone knows about this

25.07.2023 22:00

If you watch how some experienced gardeners look after their potatoes, you can pick up a lot of interesting tricks.

First of all, many novice gardeners notice the fact that the potato tops are removed.

An expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh explained why some gardeners do this.

What is the point of removing tops?

No need to fight insects

Many pests target potato tops. If you remove the plant part, you can reduce the likelihood of potato-seeking insects appearing on the plot.

However, it is worth understanding that this does not stop all insects.

garden
Photo: © Belnovosti

Diseases

As August approaches, the likelihood of potato diseases increases. Most often, we are talking about late blight. It is also worth remembering that removing the tops generally reduces the risk of developing any ailments.

Sometimes a plant may look normal, but will be a source of various harmful microorganisms.

Large tubers

It would be logical to assume that a significant part of the crop's resources is spent on maintaining the plant part of the potato. If you relieve the vegetable of the need to feed the tops, you can grow spectacular large tubers.

It is also believed that the crop grown in this way is stored excellently.

Marina Michalap Author: Marina Michalap Internet resource editor


Content
  1. What is the point of removing tops?
  2. No need to fight insects
  3. Diseases
  4. Large tubers