LEARN ABOUT GROWING YOUR OWN POTATOES
This month, we’re uncovering the secrets of what makes potatoes so amazing and how they grow
Different kinds of potatoes
Imagine that potatoes are like a big family, and just like in families, everyone is a little bit different but equally special. There are many hundreds of different kinds of potatoes, each with its own unique look, taste, and texture!
Some potatoes are small and round, like colourful marbles, while others are large and oval shapes. Some have smooth skin, while others might have bumpy textures, like little mountains.
And guess what? They come in lots of colours too. There are red potatoes, yellow potatoes, brown potatoes, and even purple potatoes!
Potatoes around the world
Potatoes are like food superheroes because they can be cooked in so many tasty ways. They can be mashed, boiled, baked,
or fried, and bring smiles to people's faces all over the world
Here are some of the ways people enjoy potatoes in different countries
– you might have heard of a few!
- The United States are famous for their French fries, often dipped in ketchup!
- In Japan, they transform potatoes into crunchy but fluffy bites called ‘korokke’
- In India, potatoes are used in samosas – tasty snacks that have a spiced potato filling inside a crispy pastry shell
- Ireland is famous for its hearty potato stew – perfect for cold winter months!
- In Sweden they make "raggmunk," special potato pancakes often served with jam and bacon – yum!
Parts of a potato
Potatoes may be simple vegetables, but they are anything but boring! In fact, these humble veggies are quite magical
Let’s learn about the different parts of a potato and what makes them so special
- Skin
The potato wears a tough coat called the skin. It's like a shield that protects the potato from the sun and other things in the soil. The potato’s skin is very good for us to eat – it helps our tummies stay healthy!
- Flesh
Inside the potato, there's a soft and yummy part called the flesh. This is where the potato keeps all its energy. Just like how we need food to grow, potatoes use their flesh to grow big and strong. The potato’s flesh even contains vitamins we need to stay healthy too!
- Eyes
Look closely at the skin and you'll find little spots called eyes. These eyes are actually like tiny plant seeds. When a potato gets planted in the soil, these eyes start to sprout and grow into new plants like magic!
How do potatoes grow?
There’s something even more amazing about these happy little root vegetables – did you know that potatoes grow from other potatoes?!
Let’s find out about how all of this works
1. Sprouting
When we plant a potato in the soil or place it in sunlight, it starts to wake up and stretch out tiny arms called sprouts. These sprouts come out of the potato’s eyes, and they want to reach up and say hello to the sun
2. Rooting
Below the sprouts, there are little roots that form and help the potato dig into the soil like anchors. These roots drink water from the ground to help the potato grow big and strong
3. Stem and Leaves
As the sprouts grow taller, they become the potato plant’s stems and leaves. The leaves love soaking up sunlight, and help the plants get all the healthy nutrients they need from the sun’s rays
4. Potato Tubers
Now – the coolest part! While the stems and leaves are growing above ground, underground, the potato is busy making other potatoes! These new potatoes, or ‘tubers’ grow from special underground stems. It’s like the potato's own secret superpower!
What does a potato need to grow well?
Just like you need food, water, and a cosy place to sleep, potatoes also need the right things to be happy and grow well
- Sunshine
The sun gives them energy to grow and become big and strong
- Water
Water isn’t just a nice drink for the potato, it helps keeps them growing!
- Good Soil
Potatoes like to grow in soft, crumbly soil, which is like their own comfy bed. This soil has lots of nutrients to keep them healthy – just like when you eat healthy food
- Air
Like all plants, potatoes need plenty of fresh air to breathe
- Love and Care
Lastly, potatoes need love and care from farmers or gardeners. It's like how your grown-ups take care of you to keep you healthy and happy!
Growing your own potatoes
Potatoes like to be planted in the spring, when the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer and sunnier – this gives the potato plants the best chance to grow nice and strong. But there’s a way we can prepare potatoes before we plant them – this is called ‘chitting’
What is chitting?
- Chitting potatoes is like giving them a head start before we plant them in the ground, it lets them start to grow sprouts which will be even stronger once they’re underneath the soil
- You can easily chit potatoes by placing them in a cosy, sunny spot – like an egg tray on a windowsill – for around 4 weeks before you’re ready to plant them
How do you plant potatoes?
- Once you’ve chitted your potatoes and sprouts have started to grow, you can plant them in pots or in the garden
- You’ll need loose, well-draining soil, making sure not to cover all of the sprouts of the potato – leave a few poking through
- Water your potato regularly and watch your plant grow!
When should you dig up potatoes?
- Once potatoes are planted in the soil, they can take a few months to grow new ones. Usually, they can be harvested from late summer onwards!
- When the leaves of the potato plant start to turn yellow and the plants look old and tired, that's a sign that the magical potatoes are ready to be dug up and enjoyed