Posted: 4/2/2012 3:34:46 PM EDT
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My brother and I had a debate earlier about whether to cut or plant the whole potato. Is there a "right" way?
I bought way to many seed potatoes this year so I'm planting the whole potato. |
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The "right" way is to have a seed size of about 2oz +/- 1/2oz. Most seed potatoes are bigger than that so cutting is typically done. If you are planting in an area that may receive a frost after planting a little big bigger is good so it can regenerate if the tops get frosted. Whole seeds typically will produce more sprouts and tubers per hill than a cut seed of the same size. Whole seed of course is more resistant to rot under wet conditions.
If you have plenty of whole seed potatoes for the area you are planting, there is no problem planting the whole seed. ETA: The rule of thumb I use is 5lbs of seed potato per 25ft of planting row. |
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Quoted:
The "right" way is to have a seed size of about 2oz +/- 1/2oz. Most seed potatoes are bigger than that so cutting is typically done. If you are planting in an area that may receive a frost after planting a little big bigger is good so it can regenerate if the tops get frosted. Whole seeds typically will produce more sprouts and tubers per hill than a cut seed of the same size. Whole seed of course is more resistant to rot under wet conditions. If you have plenty of whole seed potatoes for the area you are planting, there is no problem planting the whole seed. ETA: The rule of thumb I use is 5lbs of seed potato per 25ft of planting row. That sounds about right then. I used 10lbs on 60 feet. ETA: The reason I ask is because I've seen ppl do it both ways. I thought cutting potatoes let you get more out of your potatoes and could use less pounds per row. |
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Quoted:
You cut a section where the eyes are. If sufficient eyes I usually quarter mine (depending on the size of the seed potato). Let the cut pieces set for a few days to "heal" before planting. Never heard of planting the whole potato... I cut this way––with at least two eyes (minimum is one) per piece. I have never let the potato heal. We just planted them. They grew fine. Planting a whole potato is a waste. |