5 Ways from Olle Garden Bed to Grow Potatoes in Winter

Winter potatoes are the perfect choice for those who want to make the most of their gardens in the cool season. Although you usually plant potatoes in the spring, you can actually use the right tools and methods to plant them throughout the winter. In the final analysis, the way you choose to grow winter potatoes depends on your preferences and the climate of your region. Potatoes planted underground or on raised garden beds are ideal for warm areas. However, if the land you live in is easy to freeze, it is better to plant vegetables in more protective places, such as containers or greenhouses.

Learn about the different ways to grow winter potatoes so you can choose the one that suits you.

When to start

When to start planting your pie depends on your climate. If winter is mild, plant plants outdoors anywhere between September and February. If it is too cold, please put them indoors or in a greenhouse. Otherwise, wait until spring to plant! Just make sure that the soil temperature does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or you will see the crops damaged.

Underground

The simplest and most affordable way to grow potatoes is on the hillside above the ground. You need a well drained soil and a space with six to eight hours of sunshine every day. Plant the tubers in 8-inch deep ditches, spaced 3 feet apart, with 10 to 12 inches between each seed potato.

Then, put 4 inches of soil on it, and continue to cover potatoes in the soil (called "hills") after the seedlings develop. Keep plants well watered and water when the top soil is dry.

Raised garden bed

If your garden is full of wintering perennials or hardy shrubs, you can plant winter crops on the raised garden bed. If the soil in your garden is heavy or poorly drained, they are also a good choice, because potatoes prefer well drained and well ventilated soil.

Install the garden bed in a sunny location (about six to eight hours a day) and fill about half with soil. Then loosen the soil with a garden rake and plant the seed potatoes 12 inches apart and 3 inches deep. As the potatoes grow, continue to add more soil and train the vines to grow upward so that the sun will not touch the potatoes.

Indoor/greenhouse

You can also grow potatoes in bags or containers indoors or in greenhouses (see below for more information on these methods). These plants like temperatures around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, although the tubers grow in soil temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Internally, they may work best in the garage or basement because the rest of your home may be too hot.

Keep in mind that Tate does not grow in soil temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is important to pay close attention to the thermostat. You may also need to add light, so consider investing in plant growth lights or LED lights to ensure that potatoes get enough light every day

Note: When spring comes, you need to put the potato outside the greenhouse, because it may become too hot. Instead, bring vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, beans and cucumbers.

Bag

Planting bags made of thick, dense polypropylene are ideal for keeping potatoes warm and protected. However, you should use these bags indoors or in greenhouses, as freezing temperatures can damage potatoes. Remember to place them in a well lit place or install growth lights nearby

Roll the edge of the bag down to a height of about 8 inches and poke holes in the bottom to drain the water. Add about 4 inches of soil to the bottom, plant five or six seed potatoes, and place them equidistant from each other. Put 3 inches of soil on it and let the plants grow.

Once the vine is about 7 inches high, unfold the top of the bag to make it about 5 inches deep. Fill the bag with soil and continue watering to keep the top inch of soil moist. Once the leaves on the plant begin to turn yellow, stop watering. Empty the bag after a week to harvest potatoes.

Although the method of planting winter potatoes is slightly different, the sheath always requires similar general care.

Whichever method you choose, watering and climbing procedures should not change much. Remember to use fertile, well drained soil, which can be mixed in compost if you prefer. Then, harvest, pickle and store potatoes as usual!