Can You Grow Potatoes From the Grocery Store?
Have you ever wondered if you could grow potatoes from those sprouting ones in your grocery bag? The answer is yes! Here’s how to turn those kitchen scraps into a delicious harvest.
Are Store-Bought Potatoes Safe to Grow?
Growing potatoes from the grocery store can produce a safe and tasty crop. However, unlike seed potatoes, which are certified disease-free, store-bought potatoes may carry pathogens. To avoid introducing disease into your garden, you can grow them in a container instead.
How to Grow Store-Bought Potatoes
Materials:
- Sprouted potatoes
- Soil or potting mix
- Organic compost or slow-release fertilizer
- Containers (optional)
Steps:
Preparing the Potatoes:
- Cut large potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one “eye” (sprout).
- Allow cut potatoes to cure for a few days before planting to prevent rot.
Planting:
- In the ground: Till the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches and mix in compost or fertilizer. Plant potatoes 4 inches deep, eyes facing up.
- In containers: Fill containers with soil or potting mix and plant potatoes near the bottom. As the plant grows, layer more soil and straw around the stem.
Care:
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Hill soil around the base of plants to support their growth.
Harvesting:
- When the plants die back, carefully dig to retrieve potatoes.
- If growing in containers, simply dump the contents to harvest.
Tips for Growing Store-Bought Potatoes
- Choose disease-free potatoes with healthy sprouts.
- Plant potatoes when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Space potato plants 8-12 inches apart.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Cure potatoes before storing to extend their shelf life.
Benefits of Growing Store-Bought Potatoes
- Saves money on buying potatoes.
- Reduces food waste by utilizing kitchen scraps.
- Provides a fun and educational gardening experience.
- Produces fresh, organic potatoes for home consumption.
Conclusion
Growing potatoes from the grocery store is a rewarding experience that can provide a delicious and affordable harvest. By following these tips and using the right techniques, you can enjoy the satisfaction of turning kitchen scraps into a nutritious and sustainable food source.