How to speed up potato ripening as much as possible: these secrets your summer cottage neighbor won't tell you

Many gardeners dream of potatoes ripening faster and producing a rich harvest at the beginning of the season.

This culture requires special attention and knowledge to achieve the desired result.

What methods will help speed up the ripening of potatoes so that you can enjoy fresh tubers earlier than usual?

This question was answered by an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

Choosing the right variety

The potato variety plays a key role in the speed of its maturation. To get an early harvest, you should choose early maturing varieties such as "Zhukovsky early" or "Red Scarlett".

These varieties have a short growing season and are capable of producing the first tubers within 60-70 days after planting.

Warming up tubers before planting

Warming up tubers before planting is one of the effective ways to speed up their growth.

To do this, a month before planting, the potatoes are placed in a warm, light place, which stimulates the germination of the eyes and accelerates the growth of plants. The optimal temperature for warming up is about 15-20 degrees Celsius.

Treatment with growth stimulants

The use of growth stimulants helps to increase the rate of plant development and strengthen their immunity.

Such preparations as "Epin" or "Heteroauxin" activate growth processes and promote rapid formation of tubers. The treatment is carried out by spraying the tubers before planting or watering with a stimulant solution at the initial stages of growth.

Optimal watering regime

Potatoes require regular and abundant watering, especially during the period of active growth and tuber formation.

Lack of moisture slows down plant development and reduces yield. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not to allow water to stagnate to avoid rotting of the tubers.

It is recommended to water the plants in the morning or evening hours, avoiding water getting on the leaves, which reduces the risk of disease.

Fertilizing

Proper fertilizing significantly accelerates potato growth. At the initial stages of growth, plants need nitrogen, which promotes the growth of green mass.
During the period of tuber formation, phosphorus and potassium are of greater importance, improving the quality and size of the crop.

Complex fertilizers, such as Kemira or Agricola, will provide the plant with all the necessary nutrients.

Loosening the soil and mulching

Loosening the soil improves its aeration and stimulates the root system, which has a positive effect on potato growth. The procedure is carried out several times per season, especially after rains and watering.

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents weed growth, and protects tubers from sudden temperature changes. Straw, grass clippings, or compost can be used as mulch.

Timely hilling

Hilling stimulates the formation of new roots and tubers. It is carried out in several stages: the first time 2-3 weeks after planting, when the plants reach a height of 15-20 cm, and again every 2-3 weeks. Hilling improves the soil structure and protects plants from wind and frost.

Pest and disease control

Potatoes are susceptible to pests and diseases that can significantly slow their growth and reduce yields.

Regular inspections of plantings, timely treatment with insecticides and fungicides will help maintain the health of plants. Particular attention should be paid to the Colorado potato beetle and late blight, which cause the greatest damage to potato plantings.

Removing flowers

Flowering takes a lot of energy from the plant, which it could otherwise use to form tubers.

Removing flowers helps speed up the ripening process and increase the yield. This procedure should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the stems and leaves.

Crop rotation

Crop rotation is an important agricultural technique that helps avoid the accumulation of diseases and pests in the soil.

Potatoes should not be planted in the same place for several years in a row. It is best to alternate them with legumes, cabbage or root crops, which improves the soil structure and reduces the risk of diseases.

Earlier, summer residents were told how to care for strawberries in the heat .