Growing Potatoes From Old Potatoes – Turn Sprouted Spuds Into

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever opened your pantry to find a forgotten bag of potatoes, only to discover they’ve started growing strange, pale sprouts? Don’t toss them! Many gardeners see these “old” potatoes not as waste, but as a golden opportunity. You’re holding the key to a fresh, homegrown potato crop right in your hands!

Here at Greeny Gardener, we understand that feeling of wanting to make the most of what you have. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our expert guide on growing potatoes from old potatoes. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about embracing a truly sustainable, eco-friendly gardening practice that yields delicious rewards.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the best sprouted spuds to enjoying your very own harvest. We’ll share invaluable growing potatoes from old potatoes tips, tackle common challenges, and empower you to turn those humble, forgotten potatoes into a thriving, productive part of your garden. Let’s dig in!

Why Grow Potatoes from Old Potatoes? The Sustainable Choice

The beauty of growing potatoes from old potatoes goes beyond just saving a few bucks. It’s a powerful statement about sustainability, reducing waste, and connecting more deeply with your food source. It’s truly one of the most rewarding gardening experiences.

Benefits of Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes

There are so many fantastic reasons to embark on this potato-growing adventure:

  • Eco-Friendly Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes: You’re diverting food waste from landfills, giving those sprouted spuds a second life. This reduces your carbon footprint and promotes a more circular economy in your own backyard.
  • Cost-Effective Gardening: Why buy expensive “seed potatoes” when you might already have perfectly good ones in your kitchen? This method is incredibly budget-friendly.
  • Reduces Waste: It’s a simple, effective way to combat food waste. Instead of discarding potatoes that are past their prime for eating, you transform them into future meals.
  • Deep Satisfaction: There’s an immense sense of accomplishment that comes from harvesting food you’ve grown yourself, especially when it started from something you might have otherwise thrown away. It’s a wonderful example of eco-friendly growing potatoes from old potatoes.
  • Learn and Grow: For beginner and intermediate gardeners alike, this is a fantastic project to learn about plant propagation, soil health, and basic crop care.

It’s a win-win for your wallet, your garden, and the planet!

Prepping Your Spuds: The Art of Chitting for Success

Before your old potatoes can become new potatoes, they need a little encouragement. This crucial first step is called “chitting,” and it makes a huge difference in your success rate when growing potatoes from old potatoes.

Choosing the Right ‘Seed’ Potato

Not every old potato is a good candidate. Here’s what to look for:

  • Firmness: Your potato should still be firm to the touch, not soft or mushy. A soft potato often means it’s rotting, which can introduce disease to your soil.
  • Healthy Sprouts (Eyes): Look for potatoes with short, sturdy, dark green or purple sprouts, often called “eyes.” Avoid long, thin, pale white sprouts, as these indicate the potato has been stored in too much darkness and is expending too much energy.
  • Disease-Free: Ensure there are no signs of mold, black spots, or any other disease. You don’t want to transfer problems to your garden.

These are your potential future potato plants, so choose them wisely!

What is Chitting and Why is it Important?

Chitting is simply the process of encouraging your seed potatoes to sprout before planting. It essentially gives them a head start, leading to earlier and often larger harvests. Think of it as waking them up from their dormancy.

By chitting, you’re ensuring that when your potatoes hit the soil, they’re ready to grow vigorously. This is one of the best growing potatoes from old potatoes tips we can offer!

How to Chit Your Old Potatoes

Chitting is surprisingly easy. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

  1. Find a Cool, Bright Spot: Place your chosen potatoes in an egg carton or a shallow tray, ensuring the end with the most “eyes” (sprouts) faces upwards.
  2. Provide Indirect Light: Put the tray in a cool (around 45-50°F / 7-10°C), bright, frost-free location. A windowsill that gets good indirect light is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cook them.
  3. Be Patient: Over the next few weeks (usually 2-4), you’ll see short, stout, dark green or purple sprouts emerge. These are exactly what you want! If the sprouts get too long and spindly, they might break off easily when planting.
  4. Cut if Needed: If your potatoes are large, you can cut them into pieces once the sprouts are visible. Each piece should be at least 1-2 inches in diameter and have at least 1-2 good sprouts. Let the cut pieces “cure” for a day or two in a dry spot to form a protective skin, preventing rot once planted.

This simple step significantly boosts your chances of a successful potato harvest.

Where to Plant? Ideal Locations and Soil Prep

Choosing the right spot and preparing your soil are foundational steps for a successful potato patch, especially when learning how to growing potatoes from old potatoes. Potatoes are not too fussy, but they do have preferences!

Sunlight Requirements

Potatoes are sun-lovers! They need at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day to produce a good crop. While they can tolerate some partial shade, your yield will likely be smaller. Pick the sunniest spot in your garden.

Soil Essentials for a Thriving Potato Patch

The right soil makes all the difference for a healthy harvest. Here’s what potatoes crave:

  • Loose, Well-Draining Soil: Potatoes are root vegetables, so they need soil that allows them to expand easily. Compacted, heavy clay soil can restrict growth and lead to misshapen tubers.
  • Slightly Acidic pH: Potatoes prefer a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.0. This slightly acidic range helps prevent common potato diseases like scab. If your soil is too alkaline, you might consider amending it.
  • Rich in Organic Matter: Potatoes are heavy feeders. Amend your soil generously with plenty of well-rotted compost, aged manure, or other organic materials. This improves soil structure, drainage, and provides essential nutrients. Aim for at least 4-6 inches of organic matter mixed into the top 12 inches of soil.
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Taking the time to prepare your soil properly is one of the best growing potatoes from old potatoes best practices.

Container Growing: A Great Option for Small Spaces

No large garden plot? No problem! Potatoes are incredibly versatile and grow wonderfully in containers, grow bags, or even old tires. This is an excellent method for urban gardeners or those with limited space.

  • Choose Large Containers: Opt for containers that are at least 15-20 gallons in size, or grow bags specifically designed for potatoes. The bigger, the better, to allow for ample root and tuber development.
  • Ensure Drainage: Whatever container you choose, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause your potatoes to rot.
  • Use a Good Potting Mix: Fill your containers with a high-quality potting mix blended with compost. This provides the ideal balance of drainage and nutrients.

Container growing offers flexibility and makes harvesting a breeze!

The Planting Process: Your Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes Guide

Now that your potatoes are chitted and your soil is ready, it’s time for the exciting part: planting! Follow these steps for a successful start to your growing potatoes from old potatoes guide.

When to Plant

The timing of your planting depends on your local climate. Generally, potatoes are a cool-season crop, planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked and after the danger of a hard frost has passed. For most regions, this means:

  • Early Spring: 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date.
  • Soil Temperature: When the soil temperature consistently reaches 45°F (7°C).

You can also plant a second crop in mid-summer for a fall harvest in many areas.

Preparing Your Chitted Potatoes for Planting

If you cut your larger chitted potatoes into pieces, ensure they have cured for a day or two. This helps prevent rot once they are in the ground. Small potatoes with 2-3 sprouts can be planted whole.

Step-by-Step Planting in the Ground

  1. Dig Trenches: Dig trenches about 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart.
  2. Space Your ‘Seeds’: Place your chitted potato pieces (sprouts facing up) at the bottom of the trench, spacing them 10-12 inches apart.
  3. Cover Lightly: Cover the potato pieces with just 3-4 inches of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll “hill up” more soil around them.
  4. Water Thoroughly: Give your newly planted potatoes a good drink of water to help settle the soil.

Planting in Containers or Grow Bags

  1. Start with a Base: Fill your container with about 6-8 inches of your enriched potting mix.
  2. Place Potatoes: Arrange 2-3 chitted potato pieces (depending on container size) on top of the soil, sprouts facing up.
  3. Cover Lightly: Cover with another 3-4 inches of potting mix.
  4. Water: Water well.

This initial shallow planting is key for the “hilling” process we’ll discuss next!

Nurturing Your Crop: Essential Care for Robust Growth

Once your potatoes are planted, consistent care will ensure a healthy, abundant harvest. This section covers crucial growing potatoes from old potatoes care guide elements.

Watering Wisely

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber development. Aim for:

  • Deep, Regular Watering: Water deeply and regularly, about 1-2 inches per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
  • Avoid Extremes: Try to avoid letting the soil dry out completely and then flooding it, as this can lead to misshapen or cracked tubers.
  • Morning Watering: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Hilling Up: A Crucial Step for More Potatoes

Hilling is essential for potatoes. It protects developing tubers from sunlight (which turns them green and toxic) and encourages more tubers to form along the buried stem. This is a core part of how to growing potatoes from old potatoes successfully.

  1. First Hill: When your potato plants are about 6-8 inches tall, gently pull soil up around the stems, leaving only the top few inches of foliage exposed.
  2. Repeat: Continue to hill up every 2-3 weeks, or whenever the plants reach 6-8 inches above the previous hill, until the mounds are about 12-18 inches high.
  3. For Containers: In containers, simply add more potting mix as the plant grows, following the same principle.

Feeding Your Plants

Potatoes are hungry plants. While initial soil amendments are good, they often benefit from additional feeding:

  • Balanced Fertilizer: Once the plants are established (around 6-8 inches tall), you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer, or one slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium.
  • Compost Tea: Regular applications of compost tea can also provide a gentle, nutrient-rich boost.
  • Avoid Excess Nitrogen: Too much nitrogen will encourage leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.

Pest and Disease Management

Even with the best care, you might encounter some unwelcome visitors or issues. This is where knowing about common problems with growing potatoes from old potatoes comes in handy.

  • Colorado Potato Beetles: These are a common pest. Hand-pick adults and larvae and drop them into soapy water.
  • Aphids: Spray with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
  • Late Blight: A serious fungal disease, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider resistant varieties for future plantings. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately.
  • Scab: Often caused by alkaline soil. Maintain slightly acidic soil pH to prevent it.

Regular inspection of your plants is your best defense!

Harvesting Your Hard Work: Knowing When and How

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Harvesting your homegrown potatoes is incredibly satisfying. Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best quality and longest storage life for your spuds.

When Are Potatoes Ready to Harvest?

Timing is everything for perfect potatoes:

  • “New” Potatoes: If you want small, tender “new” potatoes, you can gently dig around the plant about 7-8 weeks after planting, once the plants have flowered. Take a few tubers and re-cover the plant.
  • Main Crop Potatoes: For your main harvest, wait until the potato plant’s foliage begins to yellow, wither, and die back, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering. This process typically takes 90-120 days from planting, depending on the variety. The dying foliage signals that the plant is putting all its energy into sizing up the tubers underground.
  • Curing Time: Once the foliage has completely died back, wait another 2-3 weeks before harvesting. This “curing” time allows the potato skins to thicken, which improves their storage quality.
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The Harvesting Technique

Harvesting is like a treasure hunt!

  1. Loosen the Soil: On a dry day, gently insert a digging fork or spade several inches away from the main stem of the plant.
  2. Lift Carefully: Gently pry up the plant, trying not to pierce or damage the potatoes.
  3. Search Thoroughly: Dig around the area where the plant was, as potatoes can spread out. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and feel for hidden tubers!
  4. For Containers: Simply tip the container out onto a tarp or wheelbarrow and sort through the soil.

Curing and Storing Your Harvest

Proper curing and storage are vital for enjoying your potatoes for months.

  1. Brush Off Soil: Gently brush off any excess soil from the potatoes. Do not wash them, as this can introduce moisture and encourage rot.
  2. Cure Them: Spread your harvested potatoes in a single layer in a cool (50-60°F / 10-15°C), dark, humid, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. This process allows any minor skin damage to heal and toughens the skins, preparing them for long-term storage.
  3. Store Properly: After curing, store your potatoes in a cool (40-45°F / 4-7°C), dark, well-ventilated location. A root cellar, cool basement, or unheated garage is ideal. Store them in breathable bags (like burlap or mesh) or open crates.
  4. Avoid Light: Keep potatoes out of light to prevent them from turning green and producing solanine, a toxic compound.
  5. Keep Away from Apples: Store potatoes separately from apples, as apples release ethylene gas, which can cause potatoes to sprout prematurely.

Following these steps ensures your homegrown bounty lasts as long as possible!

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes

Even seasoned gardeners face challenges. Here are some common problems with growing potatoes from old potatoes and how to address them.

Green Potatoes

If your potatoes have green patches, it means they’ve been exposed to light. This green color indicates the presence of solanine, which can be toxic in large quantities.

  • Solution: Ensure proper hilling throughout the growing season to keep tubers covered. Store harvested potatoes in a dark place. You can cut away small green spots, but heavily green potatoes should be discarded.

Small Yields

Disappointed with the number or size of your potatoes?

  • Solution: Review your practices. Did they get enough sun (6-8 hours)? Was the soil rich and loose? Was watering consistent? Did you hill up sufficiently? Overcrowding can also lead to smaller yields, so ensure proper spacing.

Diseases and Pests Revisited

If you’re seeing persistent issues, it might be more than just a passing bug.

  • Solution: Identify the specific pest or disease. Rotate your crops annually (don’t plant potatoes in the same spot year after year) to break disease cycles. Ensure good air circulation. Consider using certified disease-free seed potatoes in the future if disease is a major recurring issue, even though you’re starting with old potatoes, ensuring they are healthy from the start is important.

Don’t get discouraged! Every garden has its quirks, and learning from challenges makes you a better gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Potatoes from Old Potatoes

We often hear these questions from gardeners embarking on their potato-growing journey.

Can I grow any type of old potato?

Yes, generally you can! Most common potato varieties will sprout and grow. However, be aware that some commercially grown potatoes are treated with sprout inhibitors. While many still sprout eventually, those treated heavily might be slower or less vigorous. Heirloom or organic potatoes are often the best choice for this method.

What if my old potatoes don’t have sprouts?

If your old potatoes don’t have visible sprouts, simply place them in a cool, bright spot (like a windowsill) for a week or two. The light and slight temperature change should encourage them to “chit” and develop eyes. Just make sure they’re still firm and healthy.

How long does it take to grow potatoes from old potatoes?

From planting to harvest, it typically takes 90 to 120 days, or about 3 to 4 months. This can vary based on the specific potato variety (early, mid-season, late-season) and your local growing conditions. “New” potatoes can be harvested a bit earlier, around 7-8 weeks.

Can I reuse the soil?

If you’ve grown potatoes in containers, it’s generally best not to reuse the exact same soil for potatoes again next season, as diseases can build up. You can rejuvenate the soil by mixing it with fresh compost and using it for other crops. For in-ground planting, practice crop rotation and avoid planting potatoes or other nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) in the same spot for at least 3-4 years.

Conclusion

There you have it – your complete growing potatoes from old potatoes guide! You’ve learned how a simple, often overlooked pantry item can become the foundation of a thriving, productive garden. This isn’t just gardening; it’s resourceful, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.

By following these sustainable growing potatoes from old potatoes practices, you’re not only saving money and reducing waste but also gaining a deeper appreciation for where your food comes from. Imagine the taste of those fresh, earthy potatoes, dug straight from your own garden, knowing you started them from a forgotten sprout!

So, the next time you see those little eyes peeking out from an old potato, don’t despair. See the potential! Embrace the joy of transforming something old into something wonderfully new. Go forth, green thumb, and start growing your own delicious, eco-friendly potato harvest today!

Rimon Chowdhury
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