To ensure that the potatoes thrive undamaged until harvest, you need a certain amount of care. There are a few things to consider, especially when watering.
If you plant vegetables in your garden, you should find out in advance what special care needs the respective plant has. In this way you can specifically prevent pathogens and at the same time strengthen the plant.
When growing potatoes, for example, irrigation is extremely important. Because potato plants do not tolerate drought, as they would then close their so-called stomata too early. As a result, photosynthesis could no longer take place undisturbed and this would of course also affect the later harvest.
» Drought promotes disease
If you want to grow potatoes in your own garden, then you should be extra careful when watering. Drought can not only reduce the harvest, it also promotes the development of various diseases and an infestation with parasites.
Typical potato diseases include Rhizoctonia, powdery scab and potato scab. You can find out more potato diseases and how to recognize and control them in the article Potato diseases - recognition and control.
» Tip: It is best to plant the potatoes right after the end of winter so there is still enough moisture in the soil.
» Consider the development of the potatoes
The development of the potato begins with the so-called field emergence. So if you put the potatoes out at the end of winter, you don't need to water them anymore. In the next phase of development, the tubers are formed, during this time the potato plants need a lot of water.
It is best to water in the evening, then the water does not evaporate as much. When the tubers grow, the plants need a lot of water. With optimal watering, the potatoes will be of excellent quality and will not show any deformation or cracking.
» Water regularly
Water the potatoes every two to three days, but then with a larger amount of water. In summer you should definitely not water at midday, as thePlants could be seriously damaged by the heat. Be sure to continue this form of irrigation until the time of harvest. The months of June and July are therefore most time-consuming to water the potatoes.
Water properly
The plants are always watered directly at the roots. Keep the leaves dry as much as possible, because moisture provides the ideal breeding ground for pathogens. Even if you water regularly, waterlogging should never occur, because this also promotes various diseases.