Garden without the hassle of potatoes under the straw. Why is it profitable to plant potatoes under straw and how to do it right? Combination of natural and traditional technology

Planting potatoes under straw will allow you to arrange a garden without the hassle during the warm season.

This method is very effective, when using it, you need to spend much less effort and money compared to traditional cultivation.

The essence and advantages of the method

The area where potatoes will be grown under straw should preferably be planted with green manure crops in the fall. These plants will improve the soil and crowd out weeds.

This technology, in addition to reducing labor costs, has many more advantages:

Straw is an excellent fertilizer that can supply all the necessary elements for potatoes.
It is able to protect the soil and even during a drought and it will not be necessary to water the plantings.
Possible frosts in autumn period will not harm plants. Potatoes, under the straw, are less sick - the wireworm and phytophthora are less harmful to it, on such beds there is even less Colorado potato beetle. The reason is that pests will not multiply in decaying organic matter, and a special microclimate inhibits the development of diseases.
Using this method of growing potatoes increases the fertility of the site.

Those gardeners who have tried to plant potatoes this way note that this is a simple method that allows you to grow decent harvest root crops. Planting is carried out in the first decade of May and the beds are immediately covered with a thick layer of straw. What is important is that it allows you to keep moisture in the soil for strength and time, the only thing is that you need to prepare a lot of mulch.

Growing potatoes in this way gives a good harvest because:

straw all season protects the soil from drying out;
when organic matter decomposes, carbon dioxide is released;
microorganisms convert rotting straw into substances suitable for plant nutrition;
improves soil fertility throughout the area;
weeds growing in the beds are oppressed, it is difficult for them to massively break through a layer of straw;
the amount of irrigation required is reduced;
labor costs are significantly reduced;
harvesting the grown crop is much easier than with the traditional method of growing.

Step by step description of the process

Fookina flat cutter

Planting root crops under straw allows you to reduce labor costs, you do not need to dig up the entire area intended for potatoes. It is only necessary to perform a few simple operations:

Loosen the soil with a Fokin flat cutter.
They also prepare grooves 5 cm deep, they need to be done after 70 cm.
Planting tubers are placed in the grooves every 40 cm.
Planted potatoes should be gradually covered with straw from above with a layer of 20 cm.

After planting potatoes, you should not immediately cover it with a large layer of straw, it is advisable to add it as the stems grow. The remaining worries throughout the season for plantings are to add straw if necessary, with its caking and gradual shrinkage.

If you immediately put thick layer straw, then the soil in the garden will warm up for a long time, which will cause the slow development of potato bushes.

Make many holes in it 1.5-2 cm in diameter and lay dry tubers in the second decade of March. Check the bag occasionally for rot or mold, and shake the tubers every week. At the end of April, the material will release strong sprouts and can be used for planting.

Garden care and harvest

After a short time, healthy and strong potato shoots can be seen on the potato beds. At this time, it is necessary to scatter another layer of grass 15–20 cm thick. This operation is necessary so that the mulch layer settles faster.

Straw should be added once a week until the shoots rise to a height of 25 cm.

Potatoes growing using this technology require almost no maintenance. After the shoots have grown to 40 cm, add a 10 cm thick layer of mulch near the emerging tubers.
Potatoes during a severe drought should be watered occasionally. Doing this on straw is much more efficient and convenient - and the water will not, it will immediately evaporate on hot soil and the legs will remain clean.
In the last decade of June, potato shoots from the Colorado potato beetle can be processed.
There is no need to additionally feed potatoes under straw. Overripe organic matter is an excellent fertilizer for plants.
The depth of planting makes it possible to harvest the grown crop without much difficulty, even shovels are not required. Simply shovel the mulch to the side, pull on the stems and pluck the roots from them.
When the potatoes are harvested, sow the vacated area with green manure. In the spring, the beds will again be ready for planting vegetables.

Good to know: so that during the harvesting of tubers when strong wind the grass did not fly apart, it is pressed down with bricks, branches or boards, you can lightly sprinkle it with soil.

Harvesting ingrown potatoes will require little effort from you compared to growing them using traditional technology. It is only necessary to rake up the mulching material and select almost clean tubers. In this case, it is not necessary to clean the tubers from adhering soil.

Reviews

Chris Kirov

I have heard about this technology for a long time. Our potatoes grow very poorly, there is often drought and intense heat. I also want to try to grow a normal crop in this way, I hope that moisture and coolness will remain.

staut Moscow

Please note that in order to grow the required amount of root crops in this way, it is necessary to mow a whole meadow. Hay for 6 acres, a huge amount is needed.

Radomir Minsk

I have not tried to grow potatoes like this, I read about this method and I want to try it next year at home. I'll try in a small area.

Alternative Growing Methods

Some gardeners fail to get good harvest potatoes under the straw. For this reason, enthusiasts have come up with several modified ways to grow potatoes using this technology.

Combination of natural and traditional technology

This method is suitable for those gardeners who have little covering material:

To grow early potatoes, they must be germinated within 3 weeks in advance. Cover the prepared tubers with moist soil, peat or sawdust, and set in a sunny place. After 20-22 days have passed, the tubers will grow bunches of roots and strong sprouts;
The structure of the soil on the site practically does not matter, it will not be deeply processed, it is only necessary to make shallow holes for planting;
Sprouted tubers are placed in prepared holes and sprinkled with soil a little. Form a comb from the ground 10 cm high and 20 cm wide;
On the sides of the piled ridge, lay a layer of mulch with a thickness of at least 15 cm. This is enough to protect against weeds and retain moisture.

Note: tubers should be planted in well-warmed soil.

Growing potatoes with simultaneous harvesting of straw

Can prepare required amount covering material for potatoes right on your site:

After the snow melts, the area where you plan to plant root crops is conditionally divided into two parts. When the soil warms up, plant vetch, oats or other cereals on one part. On the other side of the plot, plant in the usual way potato;
The raised cereals, without mowing, leave before winter, in the spring you will get an even layer of straw carpet, which is necessary;
Without digging up the soil, directly on the fallen cereals, plant tubers in small holes, cover them with soil with a layer 5 cm thick;
Sow the second half, where potatoes grew last season, with the same mixture as the first last year, in the spring you will get the required amount of straw.

Of course, it is possible that mice will start in the straw, which will not refuse to eat young tubers, they also settle in it. But, these disadvantages do not diminish the many advantages that this method provides.

See the following video for the process of planting potatoes under straw:

Yesterday a friend asked me a question: is it necessary to spud potatoes and how to do it correctly?

Therefore, I have matured the topic of growing potatoes, which I have already touched on. But there it was more about.

I must say right away that the experiment was successful and the results encouraged me to continue growing potatoes in this way. And why not, if we are talking about a good harvest?

This is enough for one tuber - and I put the germinated tuber on the ground.

Now I cover it with a layer of collected straw from above. And I do the same around here.

So I planted only 15 tubers - this is an experiment! Then I covered these mounds of dry straw with a layer.

This is where my work ends! Then for a month I put fresh mulch once a week on these mounds. And when the tops appeared through the mulch, I continued to mulch, pushing the tops apart.

The first month, the potato seemed to slow down in development, compared to the one planted in the beds. But since mid-June, she looked even more beautiful than her.

In August, when the harvest time came, I simply folded back the thick layer of straw with which the planting tuber was covered in May with my hands and this is what was there:

And so, from 15 bushes I scored 12 buckets! I think this excellent result, considering that I didn’t do anything: I didn’t hill, I didn’t water, I didn’t weed, I didn’t fertilize! I just mulched and that's it!

By the way, I chose this potato for planting next year! Why? Yes, because all the potatoes that grew in this clearing were without a single flaw! All smooth smooth, without a single wormhole!

On the beds, however, came across potatoes of a bizarre shape and in places gnawed by mice. But unlike the neighbors - healthy! Our neighbors from three sides assure us that in the entire garden partnership the earth is solid clay! The potatoes are all in the scab! Everyone is completely eaten away by a wireworm and strewn all over! Oh how!

Believe it or not, but I am proud of my results and I wish our neighbors go to already! I just feel sorry for them...

Growing ordinary potatoes in the ground is quite difficult and, as it turns out, not fast. In autumn, you need to fertilize the ground, dig it up in autumn and spring, level it, make holes for planting, bury them, water them, loosen the soil after watering to avoid the appearance of a crust, during the ripening of the potato, you need to repeatedly spud it, and as soon as the stems of the plant dry, it is produced digging. So today grow potatoes.

In the 19th century, farmers in our regions grew potatoes under straw and other covering materials. This method is too simple and shows excellent efficiency. Today, this technique is perfectly used, conducting experiments, adjusting them based on growing conditions. This method greatly simplifies the cultivation of potatoes.

Benefits of using straw when growing potatoes:

Growing a plant under straw, the earth and tubers do not overheat. This is an important factor, because potatoes stop growing if the temperature exceeds 22 degrees.
Under the straw, moisture is stored and formed due to condensate.
Straw does not prevent the penetration of air.
Lack of light stops the growth of weeds.
Straw in a couple of years becomes soil fertilizer.

Conditions for planting potatoes under straw:

loose soil - requires processing with a weeder or flat cutter, loosening depth - 5 cm, width 10-15 cm;
watering is required after planting;
pouring straw, you need to consider that it shrinks by half. If it is not enough, the earth will dry up. If you put too much straw, the soil will not warm up well, which will interfere with the growth of the plant. With packed straw, there is a poor air supply.

The best method for planting potatoes

On moist and loose soil, potato tubers should be spread out at some distance, covered with straw. The layer thickness should be approximately 30 cm. As soon as the potato tops dry, the straw is removed and harvesting begins.

You can make grooves about 10 cm deep, potato tubers are placed in them, and lightly covered with moist soil, and straw is poured on top, about 15 cm thick. Potatoes rise faster as the earth warms up better.

After the sprouts have reached 5 cm in height, straw is laid between the sprouts in a layer of 15-20 cm, while taking care not to break the sprouts. No more care is required.

A strong wind can carry away the straw cover, therefore, it is lightly sprinkled with earth. Growing potatoes under straw, the vegetable does not need to be watered. Straw will protect the soil from the sun, retain moisture, and due to the temperature difference between day and night, condensation will appear in the ground, so the soil will be cool and wet. excellent conditions for effective potato growth.

Straw potato growing video

With this method of cultivation, there is a drawback - reproduction under the straw of mice. can damage potato tubers, like a cabbage pest. very interesting way, which will increase your yield and help you cope with related problems more easily.

Every summer resident wants to get the maximum yield of potatoes, making a minimum of costs. We are accustomed to spending a lot of time on a potato plantation, weeding, hilling and watering the plantings. But once upon a time, a very simple and effective method- Use of straw.

Growing potatoes under straw

Potatoes under straw were successfully grown many years ago

150 years ago, peasants did not have the opportunity to spend time caring for potato plantings. Traditionally, this crop was grown as follows: tubers were evenly laid out on the plowed land, and they were covered with a layer of straw 20–50 cm thick on top. Other plant remains were also used, but it was straw that proved to be the most suitable material.

Now growing potatoes under straw is making a comeback and becoming popular due to the simplicity, affordability and effectiveness of the method. This method does not require subsequent weeding and hilling. You can leave the summer months for other things, and in the end you will get a decent harvest.

Sheltering potatoes with straw has many advantages over traditional cultivation in the ground:

Straw perfectly protects the soil and everything in it from drying out. It retains moisture and keeps your potatoes cool even on the hottest days.
When decomposed, straw releases carbon dioxide. As you know, it is very useful for potatoes, and can act as a fertilizer.
Straw, especially decomposing straw, is a favorite habitat for worms and microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the soil. This, in turn, will have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of tubers.
Insects that live in straw natural enemies Colorado beetles. You no longer have to spray potatoes with chemicals, there will be much fewer bugs.
Weeds will also cease to be a headache: it is difficult for their sprouts to break through a thick layer of straw towards the sun.

Note! This method also has a long-term advantage. Regular use of straw on the site will help you increase the fertility of the soil, which means increasing the yield of potatoes in a few years.

Growing potatoes under straw is applicable to any region. For example, in middle lane, where summer comes early and hot days occur in May-June. It is at this time that the potato begins to germinate and gain strength. At this stage, he needs coolness and moisture, and a straw cover will provide them to the fullest.

AT southern regions with warm winters it is possible to start growing potatoes under straw much earlier than usual, and to harvest as early as the beginning of summer.

It is noteworthy that any variety of potato is suitable for this method of cultivation. The choice depends on whether you are in a hurry to get a harvest.

However, there are some shortcomings of the method. If you decide to sow large area, then it will be difficult to get the required amount of straw. In places where the mulch layer is thin, potato tubers may turn green. In addition, mice sometimes start in the straw, which will harm the crop.

Step by step description of the process

Before planting, mark the area and loosen the soil. To do this, use a chopper or flat cutter. The loosening depth should be about 5 cm. Do not forget that the soil must be moist. If necessary, water the soil after planting the tubers.
Loosen the soil to prepare it for planting potatoes
Lay the potatoes on the prepared bed in 1 row. If you sow in 2 rows, lay out the tubers in a checkerboard pattern.
Spread the potato tubers on the prepared soil
To improve growth, you can sprinkle the tubers with earth mixed with fertilizer, humus or peat. There should be very little soil.
Sprinkle potato tubers with soil mixed with fertilizer
Cover the potatoes with a layer of straw 25 cm thick. This is almost the end of the work. Only over time you will need to add mulch if it settles.
Cover potatoes with straw

Alternative landing methods

Many complain about the bad experience of growing potatoes under straw. Therefore, experts and enthusiastic gardeners have added to classical way a few of my secrets.

Combination of traditional and natural farming practices

A comb of soil on the sides of the hole will protect the tubers from being washed out

This method is suitable for those who do not have enough straw mulch to fully cover the tubers.

To get early potatoes, germinate them about 3 weeks before planting. To do this, sprinkle seed tubers with moistened sawdust, peat or soil and place in sunny place. After 3 weeks, the tubers will form full-fledged sprouts and bunches of roots.
The composition of the soil for planting does not matter, as you will not work it too deeply. It is only necessary to make shallow holes with a shovel or chopper.
Put potato tubers in the holes and lightly sprinkle them with earth. Form a ridge of soil about 20 cm wide and 10 cm high. This will prevent the tubers from turning green and being washed out of the soil during heavy rains.
Lay a small layer of dry straw on the sides of the comb. This will be enough to retain moisture and prevent most of the weeds from breaking through to the sun. The straw should lie in a uniform carpet.

Another note: the soil should be well warmed up.

Method of Valeria Zashchitina

Alternate potato beds with other vegetables

This young woman has long been known to Internet users thanks to detailed descriptions growing fruit and vegetable crops on their own summer cottage.

The width of each bed, when grown according to the Zashchitina method, should be 50 cm, row spacing - 70-80 cm. mixed landings: Valeria combines potato beds with plantings of other vegetable crops.
It is advisable to germinate seed tubers in advance, for example, from January, if you plan to plant potatoes in late April or early May. When the soil in the beds warms up, spread the tubers directly on it. Lay a layer of straw on top.
At the end of June-beginning of July, do a fan-shaped unwinding. Spread the bush with "rays" on the ground, without breaking the branches, and sprinkle straw or other dry grass on top so that only the tops of the stems remain sticking out. They will rise the next day.
You can harvest when the peel on the tubers begins to coarsen.

Growing method with simultaneous harvesting of straw

By alternating growing potatoes and cereals for straw, you will improve the quality of the soil

If you get the straw in the right amount it is difficult for you, you can prepare it yourself at your site:

Choose the area where you plan to plant potatoes, divide it conditionally in half. When the snow melts and the soil warms up, sow one half with oats, vetch, or other cereals. Plant potatoes in the second half traditional way. The area does not need to be plowed.
Leave the crops that have grown in the first half of the plot for the winter without removing them. next spring in this place there will be an even layer of fallen straw, which we need for further work.
Without plowing or digging up the soil, plant potatoes directly in this straw. To do this, make small indentations, put the tubers in them and sprinkle with earth by 5 cm.
In the second half, where last year there were potatoes, sow cereals. To next year you will have straw ready again.

Constantly alternating cultivation different cultures on two halves of the plot, you will improve the quality of the soil, increase the yield, and every year you will save more and more time spent on planting potatoes.

Garden care

Some time after landing, you will see strong, healthy seedlings potatoes. At this stage, you need to lay another layer of straw 15–20 cm high. This is necessary to increase the amount of settled mulch.

If you want to use the method of V. Zashchitina, carry out fan mulching about once a week. When the first sprouts emerge from under the straw, carefully spread them apart and lay the remains of the plants in the middle of the bush without damaging the stems. After a week, the leaves will come to the surface again, and you will need to add straw and mulch again.

Add straw or mulch as the haulm grows.

This method significantly elongates underground shoots on which tubers are tied.

If the summer is too hot, water plantings with potatoes from time to time. In other cases, this is not necessary - the straw perfectly retains moisture due to the formation of condensate.

To prevent the straw from flying apart in strong winds, you can cover it with several boards, branches, lay bricks or lightly sprinkle with earth.

Harvesting

This task is very simple compared to the traditional way of growing potatoes. You will save a lot of time, energy and health - about back pain after long work in the garden you can forget. When the tops dry, simply remove the straw from the bed with a rake and collect the potatoes in buckets and bags.

Pay attention to what size potatoes can be grown under straw

A special charm is that the tubers are even and smooth, and most importantly - dry, without adhering clods of earth, freeing you from extra hassle harvest cleaning. You don't have to wait for potatoes to dry in the sun to hide them in the basement.

Video about growing potatoes under straw - "Garden without the hassle"

Such unusual method planting potatoes was known as early as the 19th century, it was used mainly by peasants to increase productivity. Centuries later, the method has regained popularity among summer residents. True, over time it was slightly modified, because everyone tried to add something of their own to it, but this did not make it less effective.

Straw Potatoes - Benefits

The method has a lot of positive aspects, for example, it is not necessary here:

weed;
spud;
loosen;
water;
fight the Colorado potato beetle.

Potatoes under the straw - important points

All you need is:

straw or hay;
quality planting material.

Bed preparation

Preparation of beds for planting begins in the fall. It is not necessary to dig, it is enough to loosen the earth with a shovel. To do this, a layer of earth only 5 cm thick is removed with a shovel. After that, compost is introduced. After two weeks, the earth again needs to be loosened.

spring work

When the snow melts, the ground for planting must be loosened. Weeds will appear and a week before planting they should be cut off by re-loosening the soil. Before planting, peat and compost are introduced into the ground, they are located on the surface of the soil. The layer thickness is not less than 10 cm. In addition, ash can be added.

Landing

Medium-sized potatoes with good and strong sprouts are selected for planting. We put the tubers in the holes with small sprouts up. They don't need to be watered. A layer of straw is laid on top so that the hole is completely closed.

Care

A layer of straw prevents weeds from breaking through, so the ridges do not need to be weeded. Over time, the straw will settle, so it is periodically added. Otherwise, under the influence of light, the fruits will begin to turn green.

You can replace hay with freshly cut grass. The straw retains moisture, so there is no need to water the seedlings. The exception is hot summers.

fertilizers

With this method of planting, no special treatment of the plant is needed. And all fertilizers (peat, compost) were applied in advance during planting. This is quite enough.

Cleaning is fun

Harvesting is a lot of fun. No need to fiddle with a shovel. It is enough to lift the straw and remove clean tubers from there.

Advantages of the method

Thanks to the mulch, which is straw, the crops are much richer. In addition to this mulch:

saturates the earth with air;
the soil is looser;
straw acts as a fertilizer;
the soil remains moist.

Cons of the method

In any case, you can not do without negative points. They are here too:

rodents and slugs often start in the straw;
not enough straw.

But all the cons overlap excellent harvest potatoes at low cost.

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