Feeding & Fertilizing Potatoes for Big Yields
Potatoes are hungry plants, and the right feeding regime can make all the difference between a disappointing yield and a bumper crop of delicious spuds. Here’s how to give your potatoes the nutrients they crave at every stage.
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Feeding At Planting
- Compost or Manure:
Mix well-rotted compost or manure into the soil or the bottom of your trench/grow bag before planting. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause scab and burns. - Balanced Fertilizer:
Use a general-purpose fertilizer (like 10-10-10 NPK) sprinkled at planting—follow the package directions for quantities.
Ongoing Fertilization
- Starter Feed:
When shoots appear, apply a balanced granular or slow-release potato fertilizer along the rows or around containers. - During Early Growth:
Once plants are 15–20cm (6–8 in) tall, feed with a high-nitrogen fertilizer for leafy green growth. - Tuber Formation:
As potatoes begin to flower (signaling tubers are forming), switch to a feed with more potassium (K) and less nitrogen—this bulks up the potatoes.- Sulphate of potash or a tomato feed is ideal at this stage.
Feeding in Containers or Bags
- More Frequent Feeding:
Potatoes in containers need extra feeding. Use half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks after shoots appear through flowering.
Organic Feeding Options
- Comfrey or Nettle Tea:
Liquid feeds made from soaking comfrey or nettles are rich in potassium and other nutrients. - Wood Ash:
A handful worked into the soil supplies extra potassium but use sparingly and only on non-acid soils.
Signs of Nutrient Problems
- Pale/Yellow Leaves: Likely a nitrogen deficiency—give a nitrogen feed.
- Poor Tubers: Lack of flowers or small potatoes may signal potassium shortage—boost potash.
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-fertilize—especially with nitrogen late in the season, which causes lush leaves but small tubers.
- Water after feeding to get nutrients to the roots and avoid “burning” plants.