Growing Fingerling Potatoes: A Guide to Cultivating Delicious Spuds

Are you looking for a unique and tasty addition to your backyard garden? Look no further than fingerling potatoes! These small, elongated potatoes are packed with flavor and are a great choice for home gardening. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow your own fingerling potatoes.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in growing fingerling potatoes is choosing the right variety. There are many different types of fingerling potatoes, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular varieties include Russian Banana, French Fingerling, and Purple Peruvian. Consider what type of soil and climate you have in your area, as well as your personal taste preferences, when selecting a variety.

When purchasing seed potatoes, choose those that are certified disease-free. You can order seed potatoes online, or purchase them from a local nursery or garden center.

Preparing Your Soil

Fingerling potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil. Before planting, prepare your soil by removing any rocks or debris, and mixing in compost or other organic matter. This will help improve drainage and provide nutrients for the plants.

It's also important to ensure that your soil has a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.0. You can test your soil's pH level with a simple kit from a garden center or nursery. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it's too alkaline, add sulfur to lower it.

Planting and Care

Fingerling potatoes should be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Cut your seed potatoes into pieces that each have at least one "eye" (a small indentation on the surface of the potato where a sprout will emerge). Allow these cut pieces to dry for a day or two before planting.

Plant your seed potatoes about 4 inches deep, and space them about 12 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. As the plants grow, "hill" the soil up around the base of the plant to keep the developing tubers covered. This will prevent them from turning green and becoming bitter.

Fingerling potatoes should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to rot and disease.

Weed your potato patch regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water. It's also a good idea to mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Harvesting and Storage

Fingerling potatoes are typically ready to harvest about 90-110 days after planting. Wait until the foliage starts to yellow and die back before harvesting. Carefully dig up the tubers with a fork or shovel, being careful not to damage them. Allow them to dry in a cool, dark place for a few days before storing.

Fingerling potatoes can be stored for several months in a cool, dark area such as a root cellar or pantry. Avoid storing them near onions or garlic, as these vegetables can cause the potatoes to sprout prematurely.

Growing Fingerling Potatoes

Growing fingerling potatoes can be a rewarding and delicious addition to your home garden. With careful selection of varieties, preparation of the soil, and regular care and maintenance, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these flavorful spuds. So why not give it a try?

Russian Banana, French Fingerling, Purple Peruvian, Seed Potatoes, Hilling, Root Cellar, Harvesting Techniques