In the spring, every gardener is faced with the question of when exactly to plant potatoes, so as not to make a mistake. It turns out that the main reference point will be the soil, which itself gives clear signals.
Why does cold soil harm potatoes?
As long as the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm does not exceed +8 degrees, the potatoes are at rest. No development of the root system occurs.
In addition, in damp and cold soil, the tuber becomes vulnerable to pathogens. If seedlings do appear, and then frosts occur, the yield is reduced by 40%.
Five natural signals for landing
- The dandelion bloomed en masse – the ground at a depth of 10 cm warmed up;
- The birch has blossomed its first leaves – the night frosts have receded;
- Apple tree in bloom – the soil at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10 degrees;
- May beetles have appeared – the soil is warm enough, and the wireworm goes deeper and does not damage the plantings;
- A palm lowered 10 cm into the ground does not feel cold – the most reliable test.
“When three or more signals out of five coincide, I go to the garden,” noted the author of the blog “About Hacienda. Country Life” (18+).
Preparation 10 days before planting
Place the tubers in a single layer in a cool, bright place. The eyes first turn green, then turn white and produce strong shoots 1–2 cm long. It is this material that ensures friendly shoots.
Important nuance: the green eye does not germinate. It needs to lighten to white, which takes 3-7 days. If you plant a tuber with green eyes, it will lose this time already in the ground.
As a result, already prepared material falls into the warm, ready soil, and seedlings appear in 14 days without losses or unnecessary hassle.
