Potatoes are a staple crop in many regions, but there are numerous myths about growing them that can confuse both home gardeners and commercial farmers. This article will address some of the most common myths and provide clarity on the best practices for growing healthy potatoes.
1. Myth: Green Potatoes Are Always Unsafe to Eat
Green potatoes contain chlorophyll, which is harmless. However, the green color often signals the presence of solanine, a toxic compound that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Solanine builds up when potatoes are exposed to light. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death in extreme cases. However, you'd need to consume a significant amount—around 200 pounds of green potatoes—to reach dangerous levels of solanine.
Fact: Peeling and microwaving green potatoes can reduce solanine levels, making them safer to eat in small quantities. While it's generally best to avoid them, a green potato or two won’t necessarily harm you, especially if prepared carefully.
2. Myth: Potato Plants Must Die Back for Proper Skin Set
In commercial farming, potatoes are stored for long periods, up to eight months, requiring them to develop a thick, protective skin. There’s a common belief that the plant must die back for this skin to form.
Fact: The skin will set even if the plant does not die back naturally. Farmers often speed up this process by cutting off the plant tops, redirecting the plant's energy toward setting the skin rather than continuing growth. Home gardeners, especially those eating their harvest fresh, do not need to wait for the plants to die.
3. Myth: Cutting Seed Potatoes Doubles Your Yield
Many gardeners believe that cutting seed potatoes increases their yield, with some claiming it can double the amount of potatoes produced.
Fact: Cutting seed potatoes can help spread out the plants and increase efficiency by using fewer potatoes to cover more ground. However, this does not necessarily double the yield. In fact, it slightly reduces it—cutting seed potatoes results in around 7-12 pounds of potatoes per half, rather than 10 pounds each if planted whole. It’s a useful technique for commercial farms that need to maximize space and seed, but the gains are marginal for small-scale home gardeners.
4. Myth: Potatoes Must Chit Before Planting
Chitting refers to allowing potatoes to sprout before planting. Many gardeners feel uncomfortable with this process because of its strange appearance and terminology.
Fact: While it’s possible to grow potatoes without chitting, allowing them to sprout before planting can lead to faster growth and reduce the risk of rotting, especially in wet climates. Farmers use controlled environments to ensure their seed potatoes are chitted for better survival rates and quicker growth. Home gardeners can benefit from this practice, especially in regions with wet weather.
5. Myth: Hilling is Optional for Potatoes
Hilling, or mounding soil around potato plants, is seen by some as an unnecessary extra step, especially for home gardeners.
Fact: Hilling is crucial for areas that receive heavy rainfall. It protects the potatoes from rotting and from turning green due to light exposure. While gardeners in dry climates may get away with minimal hilling, it’s a vital step for preventing crop loss in rainy regions. Farmers also use hilling to ensure better yields and healthier potatoes.
Conclusion
Understanding the myths and facts about potato growing can help both home gardeners and farmers optimize their potato crops. While some practices, like cutting seed potatoes or chitting, offer marginal improvements, others, like protecting potatoes from light and hilling, are essential for growing a healthy and productive crop.
