In the fight for big and tasty potatoes: the care and feeding of the latter in August
In the middle zone potatoes dug in September. In the southern regions, and early-maturing varieties sometimes collected earlier - in the middle or end of August. This means that we still have time to affect the quality of potatoes: make it larger, and most importantly, delicious. I will tell you the basics of care for potatoes in August and about efficient feeding. Already last in this year!
And so it will come down
The need for irrigation of potato in August eliminated completely. If we had moistened the ground, depending on its drying and the appearance of the leaves, but now do not need to even severe drought. A month before the harvest is poured tuber. In simple terms, the green part of the plant just to anything. Therefore, we can exhale and save power.
Trim the tops? Why not!
Trim the tops of potatoes - a procedure, which few people think. But research agronomists showed that it brings real benefits:
- Plant no longer "pulls" the nutrients from the soil and the tuber. They will go on pouring the potatoes, but not the operation of the leaf and stem. So there is every chance that the harvest will be bigger and tastier. Given that the green part of the plant is no longer needed, pruning seems to be very attractive.
- It reduces the risk of Phytophthora tuber, if it is the causative agent - the fungus - is on the green side. symptoms are often subtle, but it does not mean that there is no late blight on potatoes. In August, the colder and increased humidity - high risk that the tuber will be amazed. Cut the tops - and this will not happen.
- I read the information that the potato crop stalks prevents degeneration of varieties. But how does it work, have not found the information, so I will not lie.
One conclusion: the cut! Generally, the recommended time frame "cutoff" range from 10 days from the start of flowering to 10 days before harvest. So August - the best time to do this, if you still have not had time. Cut the stem, leaving a small stump.
top-dressing
Give tubers extra food. The soil is already exhausted, especially if you did not make the spring under organic potato field. Quickly cope with the task of superphosphate - 300 g per 1 sq.m. Sprinkle the granules around the bushes. Waiting for a rich harvest of potatoes from the garden or the garden, the article was useful to you? Please put "Thumbs up". Thanks! Read more: Pour-ka 4 correct ways to speed up ripening tomatoes on the windowsill