Potato planting dates according to the moon for 2021 in the Moscow region

Planting potatoes according to the lunar calendar in the Moscow region should be done with due consideration for the local climate. This region is a zone where farmers face numerous risks. You can avoid losing your harvest, even with the time and effort invested, by choosing specific planting days, varieties that are resistant to cold and frost, and high-quality seed. Even in these conditions, you can get a good harvest of root vegetables. They will delight you with their taste, quality, and volume, provided you follow the recommendations below.

Features of the region's climate

The potato planting calendar for this region is determined individually. The Moscow region has a temperate continental climate, with mild winters and mild summers. Seasons are clearly defined. Spring arrives between March 15th and 20th, with bright sunshine and a thaw. Between April 5th and 10th, the snow has completely melted, warm weather prevails, and the soil gradually warms. The farming season opens after the 20th. The planting period is May. The date should be chosen based on:

• lunar calendar;
• prevailing precipitation;
• variety of crop.

The main thing to observe is one important point: the soil must be warmed up to at least 10 cm, and the air temperature up to +9 ^OS. Failure to plant at the right time can reduce the yield by almost a third. Since the Moscow region has unpredictable weather, all crops are at risk. Furthermore, it's important to select varieties wisely.

Insufficient air and soil moisture can cause tuber diseases. It's best to choose regionally approved varieties.

Planting days

For centuries, people have observed the moon. They have discovered a correlation between the phases of the moon and activities carried out on the earth. The moon has a special influence on the planet's ecosystem. On certain days, planting, tilling, and care may be successful, while on others, they may cause crop damage. Adherence to biodynamic principles helps avoid mistakes, oversights, and a reduction in the yield of tubers.

When the moon is waning, that is, moving from the zenith toward the horizon, you can plant and replant. They will adapt to new conditions much more quickly, cope with stress, and begin active root growth. A celestial body's nodal position and an eclipse are negative periods. During these periods, not only is sowing of any crops prohibited, but watering and hilling are also undesirable.

Potatoes are planted in the spring, relying on the phases of the moon.

Neutral days are used when it is not possible to adjust your schedule to the phases of the moon in which it gives maximum energy to root crops.

The growing season varies depending on the variety category. This is used to calculate the optimal date for planting tubers. The following varieties are harvested:

• early 50-65 days after planting;
• mid-early after 65-80 days;
• mid-season in 80-95 days;
• mid-late, classified as commercial, after 95-110 days;
• late after 110-115 days.

Early potatoes can be planted when the soil has warmed up to +10 ^OC. To obtain an early harvest, plant under plastic film. This will increase the speed of seedling emergence by a couple of weeks.

If early vegetables aren't needed, choose mid-season and mid-late varieties. These are high-yielding and reach full maturity before frost sets in. Mid-early, mid-season, and late varieties are planted from mid-May to June.

Folk wisdom about potatoes can help you create your own planting calendar for your Moscow-area garden, choose the best time for sowing, and avoid cultivation mistakes. According to these wisdom, it's best to plant during the following periods:

• birch leaves reaching the size of a kopeck coin;
• completion of bird cherry blossom;
• the beginning of dandelion flowering;
• when exactly 30 days have passed since the coltsfoot began to bloom, which is relevant for early varieties.

At this point, the air and soil have warmed to the optimal temperature. Consequently, all planting work will be successful. These signs are especially true when trees and herbs grow near the beds. To accurately determine the planting time, inspect the soil and test its moisture content. Dig the soil 8-10 cm deep, try to form a ball, and throw it down. If it breaks into multiple pieces, it means you can plant vegetables without any harm. If the ball flattens on the surface, it indicates excessive moisture. Planting tubers in such a substrate is strictly prohibited. They will rot before the sprouts even begin to develop. Planting in extremely dry soil is also undesirable. It is best to moisten it first.

Growing tips

Planting potatoes in May and June is a process that almost every Russian faces. This vegetable became a national staple many years ago, and is used to prepare a multitude of dishes. The roots of the crop are called "second bread." Growing your own harvest requires patience, time, and effort.

Preparation of seed material

It's important to adhere to the potato planting dates and tuber preparation recommendations. This is a very important step. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in the loss of a significant portion of the harvest. The preparatory stage begins in the fall. After the potatoes are dug up, the seed potatoes are selected. They weigh 30-90 g and are then greened. This activates the solanine accumulation process. This will preserve them over the winter, preventing rodent infestation, mold, and rot.

With the onset of spring, vernalization is carried out:

1. The tubers are placed in direct sunlight for 28 days.
2. The room temperature should be +10+15 ^OWITH.
3. During this period, the sprouts should grow to a length of 2 cm.
4. Then the room temperature is increased to +25+30 ^OThe seeds are kept in these conditions for a week. This will awaken them from winter dormancy and make them ready for planting.

It's advisable to choose a room with good ventilation or place the tubers outdoors if conditions are suitable. Before planting, spray the tubers with fungicides and a growth promoter. This is important for prevention and to accelerate root development.

Soil preparation

Potatoes are planted in the Moscow region in soil that has been dug, fertilized, and tested for pH. The acceptable pH is 5.5–6. Loamy soil is the best soil texture. Potatoes are planted in areas previously occupied by the following crops:

• cauliflower;
• cucumbers;
• zucchini;
• onion;
• pumpkin;
• garlic;
• squash;
• legumes.

Planting in beds previously occupied by nightshade varieties, sunflowers, and sorghum is prohibited. It's important to remember that plants of the same type are susceptible to the same diseases, which are transmitted through the soil. Cultivate the soil in the fall. Apply organic fertilizers:

1. At 1 m² 5-10 kg of fresh manure is enough.
2. For depleted soil, the rate is increased to 20 kg.
3. Superphosphate is sprinkled on top of the prepared beds (20 g per 1 m²).

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In spring, digging should be shallow. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are added. This is acceptable if preliminary cultivation was carried out in the fall. Otherwise, organic matter should be added first. However, fresh manure should not be used. Humus and compost are preferred.

Sowing and care

Favorable planting days are essential for seeding and caring for potatoes. This promotes vigorous growth and development. Depending on the variety, a specific seed placement pattern is chosen: early- and mid-season varieties – 60x30 cm, late-season varieties – 70x40 cm.

Care consists of the following:

1. Regular watering During the initial stage of development, use warm, settled water. Once mature bushes emerge, watering is only necessary during dry periods.
2. Fertilizers. These are combined with loosening and watering. This enhances the effect. This procedure is performed before hilling. A solution based on cow dung or bird droppings is used. Mineral fertilizers are also suitable.
3. Hilling. Two to three times per season is sufficient. This procedure improves oxygen circulation and promotes active root development. It also prevents weed growth.

All manipulations must be careful.

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Helpful tips

To plant potatoes in the Moscow region in 2021 and enjoy abundant root crops, you need to choose the right planting method. The traditional method involves marking out a row. Then, dig holes in the soil. Add fertilizer and tubers. Dig holes for the next row and fill in the holes in the previous row with soil.

Potatoes can be planted on ridges. This option is suitable for areas with high groundwater levels, particularly in lowlands. Potatoes are placed on a pre-prepared ridge of earth.

For good growth, it is necessary to carry out preventive work:

1. Prepare the planting site correctly.
2. Take care of processing the tubers.
3. Inspect the bushes carefully and regularly.
4. Use fungicides in a timely manner to destroy diseases and pests.
5. Don't overdo it with chemicals.

It is acceptable to use fungicides in moderation to prevent insect attacks and the development of fungal spores.

There are a number of negative situations that are encountered when growing this root crop.

Only the highest quality products purchased from specialized stores are used to remove spores and bugs.

A good, bountiful harvest is impossible without effort. It's essential to understand all the intricacies of growing, paying attention to prevention, pest control, and disease detection. This can prevent the damage and death of tubers and tops caused by pathogens and insects. There are several planting methods. Experimentation is always possible, but remembering the basic principles of cultivation is crucial.