Generally it is not very relevant to mulch Potato fields but the process is possible and laborious. The mulching method is usually practiced in cold temperate regions and takes advantage of the soil-enhancing properties of mulch to grow potatoes in a way that requires little care or maintenance. Straw is used as the mulch material and works to both enrich the soil and protect your potatoes. Using the mulching method to grow potatoes is not difficult, but there are some drawbacks to consider in addition to the benefit
Process
The process involves preparation of the planting area by thoroughly mixing in some garden compost or clean grass clippings to create a loose, well-drained soil. This keeps the soil from compacting after planting. Then dig a trench about 10cm deep and 30cm wide. Then plant the seed pieces into your trench with the cut side down, or place whole potatoes into the trench so that the eyes face up. Space the seeds or potatoes about 30cm apart. Whole potatoes should be pressed about 7.5cm into the soil and seeds about 1.5cm deep. Fill your trench with a 15cm-deep layer of clean, weed-free straw. When the potato plants grow large enough to emerge from their straw beds, add another 10cm-thick layer of straw to cover them. Water the potatoes as needed, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You don’t have to remove the straw to water them.
Benefits
Using straw as mulch smothers weeds, keeps the soil moist and protects the potatoes from turning green. This method of growing potatoes makes harvesting simple and eliminates the risk of damage to the potatoes because you don’t have to dig through the soil. To harvest, you need only pull back the straw, remove what you need and replace the straw in an even layer.
Disadvantages
If you’ve experienced problems with rodents and slugs, the mulching method may not be ideal unless you can plant your potatoes in raised or isolated beds. Field mice and voles can use the camouflage provided by the straw to raid your crop, and the moisture may create an ideal environment for slugs.
Growing Tips
To ensure the best results from growing potatoes with the mulching method, begin with well-loosened soil. Instead of rows, which are the usual method of planting potatoes, prepare your planting site in squares. These are easier to mulch and result in less wasted straw. Your choice of potato is also important to successful growth with this method. Choose an early-maturing variety certified seed for this method.
Answers
Generally it is not very relevant to mulch Potato fields but the process is possible and laborious. The mulching method is usually practiced in cold temperate regions and takes advantage of the soil-enhancing properties of mulch to grow potatoes in a way that requires little care or maintenance. Straw is used as the mulch material and works to both enrich the soil and protect your potatoes. Using the mulching method to grow potatoes is not difficult, but there are some drawbacks to consider in addition to the benefit
Process
The process involves preparation of the planting area by thoroughly mixing in some garden compost or clean grass clippings to create a loose, well-drained soil. This keeps the soil from compacting after planting. Then dig a trench about 10cm deep and 30cm wide. Then plant the seed pieces into your trench with the cut side down, or place whole potatoes into the trench so that the eyes face up. Space the seeds or potatoes about 30cm apart. Whole potatoes should be pressed about 7.5cm into the soil and seeds about 1.5cm deep. Fill your trench with a 15cm-deep layer of clean, weed-free straw. When the potato plants grow large enough to emerge from their straw beds, add another 10cm-thick layer of straw to cover them. Water the potatoes as needed, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You don’t have to remove the straw to water them.
Benefits
Using straw as mulch smothers weeds, keeps the soil moist and protects the potatoes from turning green. This method of growing potatoes makes harvesting simple and eliminates the risk of damage to the potatoes because you don’t have to dig through the soil. To harvest, you need only pull back the straw, remove what you need and replace the straw in an even layer.
Disadvantages
If you’ve experienced problems with rodents and slugs, the mulching method may not be ideal unless you can plant your potatoes in raised or isolated beds. Field mice and voles can use the camouflage provided by the straw to raid your crop, and the moisture may create an ideal environment for slugs.
Growing Tips
To ensure the best results from growing potatoes with the mulching method, begin with well-loosened soil. Instead of rows, which are the usual method of planting potatoes, prepare your planting site in squares. These are easier to mulch and result in less wasted straw. Your choice of potato is also important to successful growth with this method. Choose an early-maturing variety certified seed for this method.