24/06/2025
The Full Guide to Cutting and Planting Potatoes for a Bigger, Healthier Harvest 🥔🌱
If you want more potatoes from fewer seed tubers, cutting them before planting is the way to go. Here's how to do it right:
🌿 Why Cut Potatoes Before Planting?
1. Multiply Your Harvest:
Each piece with 1–2 “eyes” becomes a whole new plant.
2. Prevent Disease:
Let cut pieces cure for 1–2 days to form a callous that protects against rot.
3. Save Space:
Smaller pieces = more plants without overcrowding.
4. Save Money:
One bag of seed potatoes can go much further.
✂️ How to Cut Potatoes:
Choose firm, healthy tubers with sprouting eyes.
Cut into 2–3 oz pieces (golf ball size), each with at least one eye.
Use a clean, sharp knife.
Cure cut pieces for 24–48 hours in a cool, dry spot before planting.
Cut just 1–2 days before planting—no sooner.
🌞 Planting Tips:
Choose a sunny, well-drained site.
Improve soil with compost if needed.
Raised rows (8–10") help drainage and give room to grow.
Plant pieces 12" apart, eyes up, 4–6" deep.
Cover lightly with soil.
💧 Care & Maintenance:
Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Water deeply once a week (more during dry spells).
Hill soil up around growing stems to protect tubers from sunlight.
Feed with compost or a balanced fertilizer rich in potassium.
With just a bit of prep, you’ll set yourself up for a big, healthy potato harvest—and stretch your garden budget too. 🧤🌾
By Agronomist Vivian from Kilimo Faida TV
