Mulching potatoes in different ways to increase yield

All processes in nature are well regulated. In a forested area, for example, it is difficult to find ground that is not covered with grass or fallen leaves. And this is no accident, because in this way nature protects young plants from frost and pests. Realizing this, people borrowed this method from nature and transferred it to their garden plots. It not only facilitates the care of plants, but also allows you to increase productivity. This is how potato mulching was invented.

What is potato mulching?

The procedure is a technique of agricultural technology and consists in creating an additional layer of soil. It is covered with an artificial or organic material called mulch.It corrects the distribution of moisture in the soil, protects plants from frost, retains heat and accelerates the ripening process. Mulch is also a protection against weeds and pests.

Such a simple, at first glance, method - a real discovery for gardeners.

Procedure goals

Mulching is used for:

even distribution and heat retention, allowing plants to develop at a fast pace;
protect young potatoes from low temperatures;
even distribution of moisture;
obstacles to the growth of weeds;
protect potatoes from heat as the mulch layer reflects light;
supplying tubers with oxygen, because after prolonged rains, the mulched soil is not covered with a dry crust.

During the rainy season, mulch keeps the fertile layer from washing out. It is also worth noting that pests rarely start in it.

Gardeners have long noticed that mulched potatoes give twice the yield. The relevance of the procedure increases if the potato sprouts in loamy and heavy soils.

Mulching methods

The procedure is carried out in various ways. Mowed grass, sawdust or humus can be used as material. Each of the materials has its own advantages and can be used by gardeners without a doubt. So that everyone can choose an acceptable method for themselves, we will dwell on each of them in more detail.

Mulching with straw or hay

This method was used a long time ago. Most suitable for warm climates. Both straw and hay are one of the main attributes of any village.

Hay is more suitable for mulching than straw. This is due to the fact that it is softer in texture and contains a lower concentration of weeds. In addition, there are mice in the straw that damage potatoes.

Mulching with hay or straw is as follows:

potatoes are planted respecting the recommended distance between holes;
the area is covered with mulch (in this case, hay or straw);
to keep the material well, it is recommended to sprinkle with earth on top;
after the sprouts reach 5-6 cm, a second layer is laid (approximately 20 cm);
material remains on potatoes until harvest.

Pay attention! Weeding and spudding mulched potatoes is not necessary. Watering is carried out only during the dry period, the rest of the time the potatoes are fed by condensate that occurs due to the difference in day and night temperatures.

Film mulching

Early planting potatoes increases the risk of frost damage. But here, too, people found a way out. It is enough to cover the landing site with film mulch. It retains moisture and raises the temperature of the soil by 2 degrees. This method is suitable for regions with a cold climate.

Mulching with peat

The fibrous structure of mulch improves soil conditions. This method is suitable in autumn and winter, since peat intensively warms the soil. It is not recommended to mulch potatoes with peat alone, because, depending on the place of origin, it may contain various plant residues and minerals. Too fresh peat, which is also poorly ventilated, may contain toxic substances. Peat mulching is best combined with grass, manure or sawdust.

Mulching with humus

The material is completely safe, so it can be used without the slightest fear. True, a large amount of humus is required. The material blocks the growth of weeds, retains moisture and, importantly, destroys pathogenic bacteria. However, a high concentration of nitrogen in the humus is contraindicated in fatty soils. Otherwise, the tops will begin to grow rapidly, slowing down the formation of tubers.

Mulching with sawdust

The method is popular in the northern regions of the Russian Federation. The warm coating of sawdust promotes rapid germination of potatoes and protects them from rotting. Before mulching with sawdust, the soil is weeded and watered. Then potatoes are planted, cardboard is placed between the rows, and crushed with sawdust on top. Layer height - 5-10 cm.

Mulching with cones

This method is suitable for those who live in wooded areas. The unusual look of such a shelter will look original on any garden bed. It will protect plants from frost and weeds. The layer of cones should be 5-7 cm. Watering the soil is done after the cones have been laid on it.

Mulching with green manure

Siderates completely replace the usual fertilizers. In addition, they increase the resistance of potatoes to diseases, saturate the soil with nitrogen, crowd out weeds and improve soil structure. Cut plants are not used fresh. Initially, they should be dried, and then laid out in a layer between the rows.

Mulching with cardboard

This is a rather laborious method of mulching, but it greatly facilitates further maintenance.Sheets of cardboard are superimposed on each other so that the height above the ground is about 30 cm. In the bottom layer of cardboard, which will be on the ground, holes are made for each seed potato. Then root crops are placed in them and cardboard is laid on top. First of all, this method is good because it protects against weeds that cannot get through to sunlight and simply die. Sprinkle cardboard on top with a 20 cm layer of hay or straw.

Planting guide

The following method of planting under mulch is universal:

the soil is pre-loosened;
potatoes laid out sprouts down;
top covered with a layer of mulch;
do not spud.

Moderation is important, as a large amount of material prevents the soil from drying out.

Possible errors

To avoid common mistakes when mulching, it is important to follow these guidelines:

Dried grass should dry well before mulching, otherwise the fruits will become infected with late blight.
If a film is used as a mulch, then after the germination of potatoes, ventilation holes are made in it or completely removed;
Mulching with straw is advisable only after the soil has warmed up. It is not necessary to carry out the procedure in early spring.
Mulched area, although rare, needs watering.
It is recommended to withstand a layer of mulch: do not overdo it, and do not save.
Only low-lying or transitional, loose peat is suitable for mulching.

Harvesting

A shovel is usually not needed to harvest mulched potatoes. Most of the tubers are on the surface of loose and soft soil. It is enough to rake off the mulch and pull the bush by the tops. When pulling out a bush, many additional tubers can be seen on the lower part of the trunk, which indicates a yield doubled.

Tubers planted under mulch are mostly clean. Just let them dry a little before storing.