Growing potatoes from store-bought or seed potatoes is one of the easiest gardening projects you can do. Whether you’re gardening in a backyard, raised bed, or even a container on your patio, potatoes are incredibly rewarding and low-maintenance. Here’s how to plant potatoes from potatoes in a simple, step-by-step way!🌱 1. Choose the Right PotatoesYou can plant:✔ Seed potatoesFound at garden centers; safest and disease-free.✔ Store-bought potatoesThey can work too—just pick organic, since non-organic are often treated to prevent sprouting.Look for potatoes with visible eyes or sprouts.🔪 2. Cut and Cure (Optional but Helpful)Large potatoes can be cut into smaller pieces.Cut into chunks 2 inches wide, each with at least 1–2 eyes.Let them dry and “cure” for 24 hours so the cut surfaces heal and resist rot.Small potatoes can be planted whole.🪴 3. Choose the Planting SpotPotatoes grow best in:Loose, well-draining soilFull sun (6–8 hours per day)Raised beds, garden rows, grow bags, or large containers (minimum 10 gallons)🌿 4. Plant Your Potato PiecesDig a trench or holes about 4 inches deep.Place potato pieces sprout side upSpace them 12 inches apartCover with 2–3 inches of soilThe rest of the soil will be added later as the plant grows.🌻 5. Water ConsistentlyKeep soil moist but not soggy.Potatoes need steady moisture, especially during early growth and while forming tubers.📏 6. Hill the PlantsThis step helps increase the harvest and protect potatoes from sunlight.When plants reach 6–8 inches tall, mound soil or mulch around the base, covering the bottom leaves.Repeat every 1–2 weeks.This encourages more tubers to grow upward.🧺 7. Harvest Time!Potatoes are ready when:New potatoes: Harvest when plants flower.Full-size potatoes: Harvest when plants turn yellow and die back.Use a garden fork to lift gently from the soil.🥔 8. Cure and StoreAfter harvesting:Let potatoes dry in a shaded, ventilated place for 1–2 days.Store in a cool, dark place (not the fridge!).🌟 Tips for SuccessRotate planting areas yearly to prevent disease.Avoid planting potatoes where tomatoes or peppers were grown the previous year.Mulch heavily to conserve moisture.Remove any green potatoes—they are not safe to eat.
