Sofia Martinez
Growing potatoes under black plastic is an easy no-dig method that can give good results with less work. The black plastic absorbs sunlight, warming the soil and helping to keep moisture in. It also suppresses weeds, so there is no need to dig or clear the ground before planting. The black plastic creates a perfect environment for growing potatoes, which like to grow where it is dark, warm, and moist. To grow potatoes under black plastic, cut x-shaped slits in the plastic and plant your seed potatoes shallowly through the cuts. At harvest time, simply lift the plastic and pick up the potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Less work, no need to clear the ground of weeds, easy to harvest and clean, suppresses weed growth, warms the soil, helps keep moisture in, extends the growing season |
| Disadvantages | Slugs, mice, and rats may be attracted, may be difficult to water potatoes, may be difficult to lay in the wind, may be ripped by strong wind, may reduce soil nutrients and fertility, may cause puddles |
| Anchoring method | Dig a shallow trench, tuck the plastic into the trench, backfill the dirt into the trench, cut holes in the plastic for potatoes |
| Harvesting method | Cut the haulm, peel back the sheet, lift the sheeting, pick up the tubers |
| Soil preparation | Rotavate the surface, fork the surface, apply compost or fertiliser, apply a soaker hose, apply manure |
| Soil temperature | Warmer soil helps potatoes at the beginning and in the fall, optimal temperature is 20°C (68°F) |
| Soil moisture | Potatoes need plenty of moisture to produce juicy tubers |
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What You'll Learn
Anchoring the plastic
The most effective way to anchor the plastic is to create shallow trenches on both sides of the plastic sheet. The depth of these trenches should be approximately 15 cm (6 inches). Once the trenches are in place, carefully tuck the edges of the plastic sheet into them. Afterward, backfill the trenches with soil, ensuring that the sides of the plastic are securely buried.
It is important to strike a balance when laying the plastic. Avoid making it too taut, as this increases the risk of tearing. At the same time, refrain from leaving it too loose, as this may hinder the growth of the potatoes.
To allow for the expansion of the potatoes as they grow, it is recommended to leave a little slack when anchoring the plastic. This precaution prevents the swelling tubers from exerting excessive pressure on the plastic, reducing the likelihood of tears.
By properly anchoring the black plastic, you can create a stable environment for your potatoes to thrive. This method not only protects the crop but also helps maintain the warmth and moisture necessary for their growth.
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Preparing the soil
Before laying the black plastic, draw narrow trenches on each side of the planting row. Allow at least 30 cm (1 foot) between strips of plastic sheeting so that rainwater can get into the soil. Alternatively, you can use a porous weed matting.
The black plastic sheeting will absorb sunlight and warm up the ground, creating an ideal environment for growing potatoes. It is important to note that depriving the soil of light by covering it with black plastic can reduce its nutrients and fertility. To mitigate this, prepare the soil with a soaker hose and manure before laying the plastic.
Make sure the plastic is well-anchored on all sides to prevent it from blowing away. The most secure way to anchor the plastic is to dig a shallow trench (about 15 cm deep) along each side of the plastic sheet. Tuck the plastic into the trench and then backfill the dirt to bury the sides of the plastic. It is important to strike a balance when securing the plastic—if it is too taut, it may tear easily, but if it is too loose, it may not stay in place.
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Planting the potatoes
To plant potatoes under black plastic, start by preparing the soil with a soaker hose and manure. You can also apply a layer of compost or fertiliser. Draw narrow trenches on each side of the planting row, allowing at least 30 cm between strips of sheet so that rainwater can get into the soil. Alternatively, you can use porous weed matting.
Next, lay rows of plastic sheet down and tuck the edges into the trenches to hold them in position. Make sure to leave a little slack, or the swelling tubers might tear the plastic. Don't make the plastic sheet too taut, as it is more likely to tear, but also avoid making it too floppy.
Now, cut X-shaped slits in the plastic at the desired spacing, with about 30 cm between each cut. You can start by making two 15 cm cuts to form an X and then folding the little flaps under the sheet. Plant your seed potatoes shallowly through the cuts, following standard planting spaces. The potatoes should be planted about 15 cm deep.
As the potatoes develop, the foliage will emerge through the slits, while the plastic protects the growing tubers from the light. The black plastic will absorb sunlight, warming the soil and helping to retain moisture. It is important to monitor the temperature and moisture level under the black plastic and adjust as needed.
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Pest control
However, slugs can be a problem when growing potatoes under black plastic. They tend to like being under the plastic sheet, and can badly damage the crop. To control slugs, you can apply nematodes or scatter slug pellets along the row before laying the plastic.
If you are using drip irrigation, you can inject Admire through the system for control of some insect pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle.
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Harvesting the potatoes
Harvesting potatoes grown under black plastic is a simple process. The black plastic sheet absorbs sunlight, warming the soil and helping to retain moisture. This creates an ideal environment for potatoes to grow, as they thrive in warm, dark, and moist conditions.
When it is time to harvest, start by cutting the haulm, the foliage that has grown through the slits in the plastic. Then, simply peel back the black plastic sheet, and the potatoes will be revealed near the surface, ready for collection. This no-dig method eliminates the need for digging or clearing weeds, making harvesting your potatoes a breeze.
It is important to note that slugs and mice may pose a problem when growing potatoes under black plastic. Take the necessary precautions to manage these pests effectively. Additionally, ensure that you have prepared the soil adequately before laying the black plastic. This includes rotavating the surface or forking and applying compost or fertiliser, as feeding the crop under the sheeting is impractical.
The black plastic method offers a convenient way to grow potatoes with less maintenance. By following these steps, you will be able to easily harvest your potatoes and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Remember to store your harvested potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place to prolong their shelf life.
To enhance the growth of your potatoes, you can opt for clear plastic instead of black plastic. Clear plastic creates a mini-greenhouse effect, raising the soil temperature even higher than black plastic. However, it is important to note that clear plastic does not suppress weed growth, and may even accelerate it by providing warmth and moisture.
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