When, how much, and how to water potatoes: tips and rules

Insufficient soil moisture has a significant impact on potatoes. Tuber and leaf formation require normal metabolism, which can only be achieved with sufficient moisture. Excess water is also harmful, so knowing how and when to water your plants is essential for a good harvest.

Do potatoes need to be watered?

This plant's roots are strong but not overly long: on average, they penetrate the soil to a depth of 30 centimeters. Extracting water from this layer is quite difficult, so the soil must be well-moistened. Rainfall can provide some moisture, but watering the beds is especially important during dry periods. This is true for all potato varieties: both early and late-ripening ones. You can monitor the health of the plants by observing their external characteristics.

Although potatoes appear relatively dry, they have abundant green tops that require water for proper metabolism and photosynthesis. Even the seemingly dense tubers actually contain a lot of sap. If the soil is depleted of water, the potato tops, like weeds, begin to draw nutrients from the roots, leaving the tubers limp and small. A lack of moisture can lead to slow growth, and sometimes even complete cessation. Therefore, watering is essential for the harvest.

Under favorable conditions, some varieties grow well without watering. To do this, read the information on the specific variety, taking into account the regional climate, soil conditions, and rainfall. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering. This procedure preserves some of the soil, allowing you to forget about water for a while.

If it rains frequently in your region, you can skip watering and simply loosen the soil. Mix the wet and dry layers to thoroughly soak the soil. Loosening improves aeration and helps the roots extract nutrients from the soil. The soil should be fertile and rich; sandy soils require watering. The key is to keep the soil moist to a depth of 5 to 7 centimeters, then you won't have to worry about the potatoes.

Like other vegetables, potatoes are sensitive to sudden changes in humidity. Try to match the conditions to your region's climate. In some areas, watering is essential, while in others, it can even be harmful due to water retention. So, whether or not to water potatoes depends on the soil and climate in your region.

Watering potatoes: timing

Immediately after planting, watering is not required. The soil still retains some moisture from the cold season. The water will last a long time: until the tops reach 10-12 centimeters, you don't need to worry about watering. The potatoes will draw moisture from the soil and air, if the climate permits. Water requirements increase sharply during the period of active growth: this is when you should begin watering the crops.

Water is especially important:

• two weeks after planting, during the active growing season;
• after the formation of the first inflorescences, when tubers are formed;
• when potatoes gain mass.

Five weeks after sprouting, the plants begin to experience a water deficit. Water is needed to nourish the fruit, form buds, and strengthen the root system. Watering potatoes during flowering is especially important. During this period, each plant will require between 4 and 12 liters of water. The irrigation rate depends on the condition of the beds and the outside temperature. Active tuber growth usually begins around August 10th to 20th. This time will vary, depending on the planting date and climate.

You should stop watering heavily when the tops gradually begin to dry out. If the plant is otherwise healthy, this signals that ripening is approaching. Excess moisture is no longer needed at this stage, so reduce it to a minimum. You can stop watering the potatoes completely two weeks before harvest.

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How often should I water potatoes in open ground?

Watering plays a role at every stage. Moistening during planting allows the first shoots to emerge more quickly and promotes the development of the green part. During flowering, adequate water increases yield: the plant has the strength and resources to form tubers. In the later stages, moisture improves the condition of the tubers, making them fuller and larger.

In comfortable and favorable conditions, watering once every 10 days is sufficient. During this period, the average amount of water is 8-12 liters. At the first signs of drying out, you can increase the amount of water. It's important not to overwater the potatoes, as this can also be harmful. When the tubers begin to form, add a few more liters and water a couple of times a week.

Plants always need moisture, but especially during hot and dry periods. A lack of rain deprives the soil of moisture, just as plants are entering the active fruiting phase. Direct sunlight and high temperatures cause moisture to evaporate much faster. Therefore, it's important to water the beds regularly. Water the crops every five days or more often. Check the soil: it should be moist throughout the entire top layer. Water the plants in the evening or morning.

Early potatoes

Early varieties require special conditions because they grow faster. A lack of moisture can be detrimental, dramatically reducing yield and tuber size. Monitor the growing season and replenish nutrients promptly. This will ensure even the earliest potato varieties grow without loss.

Early-ripening potatoes require more frequent watering and less water. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out, otherwise the tubers may not have time to develop. The bushes require the most moisture during flowering and fruit formation. Watering methods vary widely, from irrigation or an automatic watering system to traditional root irrigation. Early varieties are best grown in prepared soil. Deficiencies in nutrients can be replenished with fertilizers and sprayed with special solutions containing added minerals.

Signs of excess and deficiency of water

Any watering errors will affect the health of your plants. Problems are visible externally, so inspect your plants regularly to prevent any unpleasant consequences. Both under- and over-watering are harmful. The former will result in dried-out, limp fruits, while the latter will result in waterlogged or even diseased fruits. If there's a shortage:

• the growth process slows down;
• the leaves become lighter and begin to droop;
• the potatoes don't bloom;
• the buds remain unopened;
• the stems weaken and dry out.

Excess water is harder to spot. Most often, at an advanced stage, tubers begin to rot, and potatoes become affected by diseases and fungal infections. But even here, there are common external signs that can help identify the problem:

• watery foliage;
• the appearance of spots near the stem;
• development and spread of fungus;
• darkening of the lower part of the leaves near the ground.

Types of irrigation

There are various ways to irrigate crops. Water them at the roots, in furrows, or by irrigating the beds. Dry irrigation, loosening the soil, or mulching with organic and inorganic materials will help conserve moisture in difficult conditions. The choice of method depends on the amount of rainfall, the size of the garden, and your irrigation capabilities. If you're often away and can't regularly check the soil, consider mulching or installing an automatic system.

Root

The classic method is suitable for small planting areas. Its main advantage is that it's completely manual and individual, allowing you to personally control the amount of water for each plant, assessing its condition. This approach is rarely used in larger areas. Avoid overwatering the stems and leaves, moistening only the soil. Frequent watering is not recommended for potatoes, as this can actually cause harm.

Grooves

In large gardens, the furrow method is often used. Water is poured into deep channels between the beds, blocking the outlet to prevent the liquid from spilling throughout the garden. After a couple of days, the soil is loosened in the washed-out areas. Water consumption is high, but there's no need to worry about watering for a long time: the soil will be gradually moistened. This type of watering is well suited for potatoes during the mid-growth phase, before the plant has finished forming fruit. After that, excess water will be harmful.

Spraying and drops

To save water, methods that simulate rain are used. The stream is kept very gentle, often using a shower-like nozzle. This method is gentle on the root system and doesn't wash away the soil. Regular loosening of the soil is important, otherwise the soil will become too compact. It's easy to overwater, which can lead to the development of fungus and infections. And don't water potatoes with cold water, as this will reduce their resistance to disease.

Automated drip irrigation is economical and practical. While irrigation systems help maintain soil moisture levels, they are expensive and are often used only in large farms. Sprinkler irrigation is the closest to natural irrigation for potatoes. It can be used after flowering to maintain moisture levels.

Dry watering

This method involves loosening and hilling the soil. This improves soil aeration and aerates the soil. Regular loosening is beneficial for the root system, which ultimately improves the overall health of the plant. To achieve this effect, follow a few rules:

1. Hill up beds immediately after the first watering.
2. Completely cover the grown part of the potato with soil.
3. Before the flowers appear, you need to do this three times.
4. After flowering, be sure to loosen the space between the rows without damaging the growing tubers.

Dry watering is more of a supplement to care. To grow a good harvest, water your potatoes properly at least a few times after planting.

Mulching

If you're rarely at your dacha and can't water your plants regularly, mulch the soil. This will help retain moisture. Organic matter works well for covering crops. Straw or sawdust will also have the desired effect. As this mulch decomposes, it becomes humus, further moistening the soil. You can easily move the straw aside to check the soil's condition. If you notice it's losing moisture, water the beds.

The question of whether potatoes need to be watered is quite controversial. It all depends on the climate, region, soil temperature, and soil composition. In some regions, regular watering is necessary; without it, potatoes simply won't germinate. In others, dry watering or natural moisture from regular rainfall is sufficient. Mulching can help balance the moisture level. This protective layer will not only keep the soil moist for a long time but also increase its nutrient content. There's no need to water potatoes after planting. Ideally, water them several times a season, after the first leaves emerge.