Do you have a land wasting away and you are wondering what to do with it or the kind of crop to grow in it ; while not consider growing potatoes there, who knows, growing potatoes might just be what you are looking for.
Potato is among the most popular vegetables today. It is great for frying, boiling, mashing, for salads and for baking. There are over four hundred varieties of potatoes in the world and to start your own potato farm, you need to choose the variety that best suit your farm land. The best way to know which variety to grow on your farmland, carry out research among potato farmers within your area.
Ask questions, know what works best in their Soil and how to properly grow and cultivate potatoes. Aside from knowing which variety to grow, it will also help to know where to market your products after harvest.
Ask questions, know what works best in their Soil and how to properly grow and cultivate potatoes. Aside from knowing which variety to grow, it will also help to know where to market your products after harvest.
This article will guide you on what you need to know in order to start your own potato farm.
Read on.
Read on.
PREPARE YOUR FARMLAND
To prepare your farm, you need to clear, plough, trill and drain the soil. You can hire workers to help you in those aspects, they will assist in putting a good amount of manure which will automatically improve the soil texture.
SEEDS
Once you decide on the type of potato to plant, buy certified seeds from commercial suppliers and plant them. Make sure to space out each Seed from the other when planting them.
READ ALSO: How to Start Cucumber Farming Business
READ ALSO: How to Start Cucumber Farming Business
APPLY FERTILIZER
After planting your seeds, you can wait for about three to four weeks before applying fertilizer. Use some comfrey leaves to fertilize the soil, wilt them for a day and place them at the bottom of the trench and cover the plant with a small amount of soil.
HERBICIDE AND INSECTICIDES
One major factor that adds to successful potato farming, is the effective management control of diseases and insect infestation, using herbicide and insecticides.
Potato farmers apply insecticides when the plants starts growing to drive away flying insects and pests. Farmers apply herbicide or insecticides by sprinkling or spraying irrigation systems while making sure the liquid does not contaminate ground water.
HARVESTING
Once the potato leaf or plant starts showing brown and withering, you will know that your potatoes are ready for harvesting. Ensure to dig them up before the ground becomes hard to prevent too much hard work.
STORAGE AND SALES
After harvesting, keep your potatoes in storage and lay them out on the sun the next day, repeat this for three (3) days ; after which the potatoes will become more mature and dried. You can take them back to storage and go seek out dealers in the market place and sell to them for a profit.
