How and when to water potatoes

Potato refers to crops that are sensitive to insufficient watering. To get an abundant harvest of healthy tubers, you should learn how to properly water potatoes during the season.

How to water potatoes after planting in the ground

Immediately after planting in open ground, the culture does not require watering. The earth is still quite moist after spring snowmelt and there is no need for additional moisture. Before the tops grow to 12 cm, the potato has enough moisture, which is in the soil and air.

An increased need for water in potatoes appears about 5 weeks after planting. At this time, and carry out the first watering based on the norm of 4 liters per bush. Further, the frequency of watering is once a decade until flower buds appear on the potatoes.

Watering rules before and after flowering

When the first peduncles appeared on the potato plant, it means that the formation of tubers is already actively underway. From this moment, the norm of water per bush increases and should be 10 - 12 liters. For better soil absorption of water, it is poured into previously prepared furrows along the rows of potatoes. You can organize a drip irrigation system on the field, this will save water and time spent on work. Using drip tapes, it is possible to carry out liquid fertilizing with fertilizers.

Watering rules during the active growth of tubers

At the time when the plant has finished blooming, the formed tubers begin rapid growth. It is important not to stop watering and increase the amount of moisture up to 18 liters per plant.

A signal to the beginning of the reduction in watering is the drying of the tops of potatoes. This means that the tubers begin to ripen, and excess moisture can damage them. Completely finish watering the planting is necessary for 10-14 days before harvesting.

Watering potatoes in heat and drought

In conditions of elevated air temperature, strong winds and lack of rain, the soil loses precious moisture especially strongly. Therefore, potatoes need frequent watering, at least every 5-6 days. It is advisable to carry out evening irrigation of the tops with warm water (that is, to carry out irrigation by sprinkling), this will refresh the plant, wash off the dust from the leaves and give the air the necessary humidity.

How much water does a plant need? Check the exact need of the potato bush for watering by dipping your hand in the ground near the bush. If the soil is dry at a depth of 12-14 cm, then the time to water has already come.

In the dry season, it is wise to mulch the planting. This technique will reduce soil moisture loss from evaporation and help plants more easily endure difficult times.

How to water early varieties of potatoes

If the gardener decided to plant early potatoes, he must take into account that early potatoes grow quickly and he needs special care. It reacts especially sharply to a lack of moisture - it sharply reduces the number of tubers in the bush. It is important not to miss the phase of the beginning of the formation of tubers, that is, the phase of the beginning of flowering and to give the plants the desired rate of moisture.

Creating a comfortable environment for potato growth

It is preferable to carry out watering in the evening. This will help prevent sunburn from wet potato leaves.

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In compliance with the irrigation norms, one should focus not only on the potato growing season and weather conditions, but also on the type of soil. Sandy soils, for example, require more moisture than loams.

Watering should not be cold. Only soft water, comfortable temperature. Watering breaks must not be allowed. A sharp flow of moisture to the plant after a long drought leads to the formation of cracks in the tubers.

Signs and results of improper watering of potatoes

The lack of water affects the overall development of the plant and the level of yield:

• the bushes look depressed;
• noticeably fewer tubers are formed in the nest, and they are smaller;
• in case of irregular watering, tubers grow ugly in shape, with cracks.

Excess moisture is no better than its lack.

In waterlogged soil diseases develop (phytofluorosis, rot), the roots lack oxygen, the potato crop is poorly stored.

Reviews

Marina.

I always thought that potatoes should not be watered; it would grow already. When I read the recommendations about the need for watering, especially during flowering, I was very surprised. I decided to try it all the same. The result was very pleased, she harvested potatoes by a third more than in previous years! Now I know for sure - watering potatoes is needed.

Vladislav.

I am inclined to believe that you need to focus on the climate and soil condition. For example, I live in the Astrakhan region. In our hot summer without watering, you can’t see potatoes at all. And relatives from Yekaterinburg are forced to raise potato beds 30 cm to protect the tubers from excess moisture. It rains there often, what kind of watering is there. I am against blindly following instructions!