You can plant sprouted potatoes that you buy from the store. In fact, it’s a great way to grow your own potatoes without having to wait weeks for them to sprout from seed potatoes. Not only is it convenient, but it can also be a fun and rewarding gardening experience.
When you see sprouts forming on your store-bought potatoes, it indicates that they are ready to grow. These sprouts, often referred to as “eyes,” are the potato’s way of reproducing. Each eye has the potential to develop into a new potato plant.
To get started, you’ll need a few supplies:
1. Store-bought potatoes: Look for ones that have sprouts or eyes already forming. While any type of potato can be planted, it’s worth noting that some varieties are better suited for different growing conditions and purposes. For example, russet potatoes are known for their versatility in cooking, while Yukon Gold potatoes are prized for their buttery flavor.
2. A container or garden bed: You can grow potatoes in a variety of containers, such as pots, grow bags, or even old buckets. Alternatively, if you have a garden bed or raised bed, you can plant them directly in the ground. Just ensure that the container or bed has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
3. Soil: Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil. If you’re planting in a container, you can use a mix of potting soil and compost. In a garden bed, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
Now, let’s dive into the process of planting sprouted potatoes:
1. Prepare the potatoes: If your store-bought potatoes have large sprouts, you can gently twist or cut them off to create smaller sections. Each section should have at least one or two sprouts. This will allow you to multiply the number of plants you can grow from a single potato.
2. Pre-sprout the potatoes (optional): Although your store-bought potatoes may already have sprouts, you can further encourage growth by pre-sprouting them. To do this, place the potatoes in a warm, well-lit area for a couple of weeks. This will help the sprouts grow longer and stronger, giving them a head start when planted.
3. Prepare the container or bed: If you’re using a container, fill it with the prepared soil mix, leaving a few inches of space at the top. If you’re planting in a garden bed, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or rocks.
4. Plant the potatoes: Place the sprouted potatoes on top of the soil in the container or bed. Ensure that the sprouts are facing upward. If you’re using a container, you can plant multiple potatoes, spacing them a few inches apart. In a garden bed, you can create rows with about 12-18 inches of spacing between them.
5. Cover and water: Gently cover the potatoes with a layer of soil, leaving the sprouts exposed. Water the soil thoroughly, ensuring it’s evenly moist but not waterlogged.
6. Maintain and care for the plants: As the potatoes grow, it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Additionally, you can add a layer of mulch around the plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
7. Harvesting: Depending on the variety, potatoes typically take around 70-120 days to mature. You can start harvesting “new” potatoes when the plants have flowered and the tubers are about the size of a golf ball. For larger, mature potatoes, wait until the plant’s foliage has turned yellow and died back. Carefully dig up the potatoes using a garden fork or shovel, being mindful not to damage them.
It’s worth noting that store-bought potatoes may not always produce the same quality or quantity of potatoes as seed potatoes specifically bred for planting. However, it can still be a fun and educational gardening experiment. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of growing your own food from something as simple as a sprouted grocery store potato.
So, the next time you spot sprouts on your store-bought potatoes, don’t toss them out. Instead, give them a chance to grow and enjoy the process of cultivating your own homegrown potatoes. Happy gardening!