Growing new potatoes for the second planting

If you think that only overseas countries can produce two potato harvests a year, we hasten to disabuse you of this. Many regions of Russia use this method quite successfully.

The key is to complete all stages promptly and correctly, and to select specific varieties. Read our article to learn about the secrets of planting new potatoes for the second time, their properties, benefits and risks, preparation steps, and variety selection.

Description and characteristics of young potatoes

New potatoes are immature tubers, dug up while the tops are still green. These potatoes are distinguished by their thin skin, which can be scraped rather than peeled, juiciness, a lighter color, and a delicate flavor. These potatoes can be cooked whole and in their skins, as the tubers are smaller than those of mature potatoes.

Advantages and disadvantages of young potatoes

The benefits of new potatoes are obvious. They are rich in antioxidants, which rejuvenate the body's cells and help prevent cancer. New potatoes are much healthier than old ones, containing three times as many vitamins (B, C, E, and K). They are also rich in plant protein, fats, fiber, and micronutrients. They contain potassium, which strengthens the heart and blood vessel walls and helps rid the body of excess fluid. Potatoes are best eaten boiled.

Whether new potatoes can be harmful is debatable. Potatoes of all types contain a substance called solanine, which is considered toxic, under the skin. However, the amount is insignificant. If you eat this dish without peeling the skin, there's no need to worry about poisoning.

What are the benefits of young potato juice?

New potatoes, including their juice, are used for medicinal purposes. It's important to eat only raw potatoes, as they retain all their beneficial nutrients.

To make juice, grate two or three tubers finely and squeeze out the juice. Let the starch settle for a few minutes, after which the juice is ready to drink. Don't wait more than ten minutes, otherwise the juice will lose its beneficial properties. The first time, don't drink more than half a glass. Increase the dose gradually, building up to a full glass. The course lasts 20 days.

For medicinal purposes, the juice is used by those suffering from diabetes, liver disease, and stomach ulcers.

How to germinate new potatoes for a second planting

To get a second potato harvest, both plantings must be done on time. It's best to germinate potatoes after treating them with a special solution. Thiourea or epin solutions can be used for this purpose. You can also speed up germination by lightly scratching the tubers, which will encourage sprouts to emerge sooner.

Planting potatoes for the second harvest

For the second harvest, tubers should be planted in loose, fairly moist soil, cleared of weeds.

The best time to plant new potatoes is early July. This way, a second harvest can be harvested by the end of September.

The tubers should be planted 8-12 cm deep in the soil. Water the soil thoroughly in the morning or evening. Once the soil has dried out, loosen it.

When to harvest and how to prepare it for storage?

Once the tops have dried, you can begin harvesting the potatoes. Before storing, be sure to dry the tubers in a place protected from direct sunlight.

Experts recommend using the second harvest for planting next year, as such potatoes rarely suffer from viral diseases and stem nematodes.

Which varieties are suitable for a second planting?

As you can imagine, not all varieties are suitable for a second harvest. We'll tell you about the varieties that are best suited for this purpose.

• AlenaThis early variety produces a stable harvest, adapts well to a variety of soils and climates, and is drought-resistant. The tubers mature in 60-70 days. The resulting harvest boasts excellent flavor, moderate cooking time, and does not darken when cooked.
• ArielThis variety is considered a table potato and is early maturing. After germination, the potatoes mature in 65-70 days. The tubers can be dug up after just 45 days. Ariel is distinguished by its high yield. Under good growing conditions, 220-490 centners per hectare can be harvested. This variety also stores well.
• BellarosaThis variety has proven itself in virtually all regions of Russia. It is noted for its early maturity (harvesting can be achieved 50-60 days after planting), drought resistance, and high yield (200-350 centners per hectare). It has a delicate flavor and becomes crumbly when cooked.
• ImpalaDeveloped by Dutch breeders, this early-ripening table potato is prized by farmers for its high yield (over 180 centners per hectare) and disease resistance. The potato has a pleasant flavor, cooks moderately, and does not change color when cooked.
• Zhukovsky early. This variety was developed in our country and is now grown widely. It's an early variety, producing a harvest two months after planting. It's tolerant of soil, drought, and cold temperatures, and is disease-resistant. However, its flavor is considered average.

Reviews

What do gardeners themselves think about the possibility of planting young potatoes for the second time?

• Leonid Ivanov, Primorye:

"Of course you can! But keep in mind that to encourage sprouting of young potatoes, they need to be treated with thiourea after harvest. After this stimulation, the potato eyes appear within two weeks."

• Marina Labodaeva, Brest:

"You can and should plant new potatoes if the climate allows. For several years, I practiced harvesting two crops a year. I chose special early varieties, such as Ariel and Impala. I used the seedling method. I was already harvesting the first crop by mid-June."

• Victor Semenov, Krasnodar:

— In recent years, I've been regularly planting potatoes twice. The first time in mid-April, and the second time in late June. I buy super-early varieties. The potatoes from the first harvest are used for food, and the second for seed.

Still not convinced? Try it, experiment, and enjoy two potato harvests a year!