Tip of the Month

Spud Tip of the Month

How to care for your potato plants

  • Potatoes thrive in well-drained, loose soil.
  • Potatoes need consistent moisture, so water regularly when tubers start to form.
  • Hilling should be done before the potato plants bloom, when the plant is about 6 inches tall.  Hoe the dirt up around the base of the plant in order to cover the root as well as to support the plant.
  • Hilling keeps the potatoes from getting exposed to the sun which causes greening.  Greening produces a chemical called solanine.  Solanine gives off a bitter taste and is toxic, do not eat green potatoes.