- Choose land with well-drained sandy loamy soils.
- Clear the bush and plough the land to soften it. The average cost of preparing an acre is sh350,000 — including digging the ridges. It is important for farmers to know the type of soil they have in order to have the right seed for it.
“For example, testing the soil before planting and knowing the seed that grows in that area better are some of the things that farmers should look out for to avoid losses,” Charles Byarugaba, a farmer, says.
Soil testing costs between sh30,000 and sh50,000 per sample. An acre requires at least three to four samples.
- Dig for the second time after two weeks and make ridges. Note that adequate tilling and drainage are essential so as to increase the oxygen supply in the soil, which is a vital ingredient for Irish potato growth.
Irish potatoes grow best on raised beds. This can be done in two ways; during initial land preparation or immediately after planting. Adoption of raised beds leads to improvements in soil moisture, temperature, adequate aeration and drainage.
- Avoid planting in waterlogged areas, especially since this will lead to the seeds rotting.
Spacing
Make ridges of 15-30cm (6- 12 inches) high, spaced 2ft (60cm) apart. Plant sprouted big-size healthy tubers spaced at 30cm in rows, 5-7.5cm deep for big size tubers and small size tubers for smaller size tuber yield. In case of single rows, leave 2ft (60cm) to 3ft (90cm) apart and in case of double rows, leave a space of 6ft (180cm) to the next row.
Application of fertilisers
Irish potatoes need adequate fertilisers in the early season. Apply most of the fertilisers just before planting. The fertiliser should not touch the seed piece to avoid rotting.
To apply the fertiliser, flatten the beds so they are six to eight inches high and 10 to 12 inches wide. Each acre takes 50kg of NPK at sh130,000 per bag. Alternatively, one can use compost manure, at a rate of one spade for each potato hole.
