Growing potatoes can be a great way to add variety to your garden and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider before planting potatoes in your garden.
Pros:
- Potatoes are easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of soil types.
- They are a great crop for small gardens or even containers as they don’t take up much space.
- Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes.
- They have a long storage life, so you can enjoy them well into the winter months.
- Potatoes are also a good crop for beginners as they are easy to care for and can be grown with minimal effort.
- They store well in the ground, so you can simply harvest them as you need them, instead of having to harvest all at once.
Cons:
- Potatoes are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as potato blight and wire worms.
- They require a relatively long growing season, so you’ll need to plan accordingly if you live in a shorter growing season area.
- Potatoes are heavy feeders and require regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
- They can also be difficult to harvest as the tubers grow deep in the soil.
- Potatoes also require deep soil, and the tubers may not form well in shallow soil.
- Potatoes are already quite cheap from the store.
Potatoes can be a great addition to your garden, If you’re willing to put in the effort to keep pests and diseases at bay, and have enough space and time to grow them, you can reap the rewards of a bountiful potato harvest. The fact that they store well in the ground is a big pro, as you can simply harvest them as you need them, making it a convenient option for home gardening.
Our kids love harvesting their own potatoes and then having us bake them for a meal right after they dig them up. If you haven’t grown potatoes in your garden yet, and you have the space, I highly recommend trying. I bet you’ll be hooked.