Why You Should Cut Potatoes Before Planting and How to Plant Them

Benefits of Cutting Potatoes Before Planting:

Increased Yield: More pieces mean more plants, leading to a higher overall yield.

Disease Management: Allows removal of diseased parts for healthier plants.

Cost-Effective: Cheaper than purchasing whole seed potatoes.

Enhanced Sprouting: Exposing more eyes increases the number of shoots.

How to Cut and Plant Potatoes:

Materials Needed:

Seed potatoes

Sharp knife

Containers with well-draining soil Compost/fertilizer

Watering can

Steps to Follow:

Select healthy seed potatoes with multiple eyes.

Cut into 1-2 inch pieces, ensuring each has at least 1-2 eyes.

Cure cut pieces for 1-2 days to minimize rotting risk.

Prepare a sunny, well-draining area and amend soil with compost.

Plant pieces in holes or trenches with eyes facing up; cover with soil.

Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Mound soil around growing plants to encourage tuber development.

Monitor for pests and diseases, treating as needed.

Harvest when foliage yellows and dies back, taking care not to damage the potatoes.