Dutch way of planting potatoes

Many gardeners are growing potatoes using new planting methods. Today, many experts prefer Dutch technology, which creates quite comfortable conditions for growing potatoes. This option is often used on large farms where potato cultivation is automated. Due to the versatility of the Dutch method, it can also be used for growing potatoes in personal plots. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features of the Dutch method of planting potatoes.

Some gardeners believe that the Dutch method can only be used on an industrial scale, since the use of special equipment is necessary, but this judgment does not correspond to reality. Dutch technology has an impact on the preparatory processes and the timing of planting.

The combs can be made in different ways, for example, with an ordinary hoe or with a special technique, this does not matter. All actions are performed to improve the aeration of the soil and improve the quality of the planting material.

For planting, it is recommended to take only varietal potatoes. In addition, it is worth sticking to specialized crop rotations. Potatoes can be re-planted only after 4-5 years, while it is better - after winter cereals or leguminous green manures. Do not forget about the introduction of complex feeding. It is necessary to prevent the soil from pests, diseases and weeds using chemicals. The planting yield is greatly influenced by the timing of soil cultivation in spring and autumn.

Since this method is actively used in Holland, it received this name.

The Dutch method of planting potatoes has many advantages:

• you can plant even on the site with a close location of groundwater and heavy soils (such an area is usually not suitable for planting vegetables);
• if desired, can be used to care for the beds small equipment, although you can do basic work with an ordinary hoe;
• potatoes rarely get sick with fungal diseases thanks to free planting, aeration of the earth and planting material of excellent quality;
• to harvest tubers, just move the comb to the side (even with your hand), there is no need to use a pitchfork or a shovel;
• high yield, since just one hundred square meters can be harvested 400 kg of potatoes.

This method has quite a few advantages, but there are also disadvantages:

• if this technique is applied in the southern regions, then it will be necessary to use artificial irrigationsince the land dries out rather quickly, as a result, the cost of potatoes increases, the price of the irrigation system and water is included in its price;
• this method is quite labor intensive, since a lot of effort is spent on preparatory work;
• if you apply the method in small areas, it is quite difficult to adhere to the rules of crop rotation;
• if the bushes are located close, then this method will not work;
• incorrectly selected planting material will affect the yield of potatoes;
• during the implementation of some agricultural practices difficulties arise regarding the timing.

Since the Dutch method was developed in Holland, it is best suited for growing potato varieties from this country. They are characterized by excellent yields, good immunity, and the ability to adapt to adverse weather. These varieties have been grown in Russia for a long time, so it will not be difficult to acquire them.

Let's take a closer look at the varieties that can be planted in the Dutch way.

• Romano. Large potatoes have white flesh and bright crimson skin. Moreover, they are delicious. This variety does not suffer from late blight.
• "Santa". The tubers are oval in shape, the skin is beige-yellowish, and the flesh resembles butter in color. This variety is characterized by resistance to various viruses.
• Mona Lisa. Also applies to varieties with high yields. The tubers are elongated. But the main disadvantage is low resistance to late blight.
• Red Scarlett. This variety can be planted on any soil. It is not characterized by sensitivity to mechanical damage. The tubers have yellowish flesh and bright red skin. This variety is the pride of Dutch breeders.
• Latona. The fruits are round in shape and rather large, have a yellow skin. This variety is characterized by good keeping quality and transportability.
• "Ukama". This variant belongs to the early varieties. Harvesting can be done just 2 months after germination. But this variety does not like drought and heat.

A large number of the above varieties are early maturing, which reduces the possibility of infection with diseases, since the ripening cycle is rather short.

The peculiarity of the Dutch method is special training. This is a very important step.

For this method, only tubers of the 2nd reproduction and above, which are commonly called "elite" and "superelite", should be used. They are not yet infected by fungi and viruses. Usually tubers with a volume of only 50-70 grams, which are similar in size to a hen's egg, give 100 percent germination.

Essential for the Dutch way to germinate seed tubers... If sprouts have appeared, then the seeds will definitely yield a harvest. If the planting is carried out manually, the length of the seedlings does not matter. But for machine planting, the shoots must be more than 5 mm.

Experts recommend treating planting tubers with special aphid infestation products. This pest loves potato juice, and is also a carrier of viruses.

It is ineffective to plant potatoes in the Dutch way in the same place, because for full development and growth, the soil must contain sufficient nutrients. On poor soils, potatoes often get sick. Usually the Dutch method is used for large areas, so it is possible to give the land a rest by moving to another area.

Be sure to clean the place after harvesting: cut the weeds and remove them, treat the soil with Roundup in the fall, as a result, the remaining weeds will die and rot in 3-4 weeks... If the cultivation is carried out in a small area, therefore it is not possible to adhere to the crop rotation, then it is better to alternate the crop. Before potatoes, you can grow legumes, rye, oats.

For good growth of potatoes, it is advisable to make mineral dressings. On a personal plot, you can limit yourself to the introduction of organic matter. It is advisable to fertilize the soil both in spring and in autumn.When the crop is harvested, the earth should be dug to a depth of 25 cm using a reversible plow, then rotted vegetation or humus should be added.

To improve the future harvest, the soil can be fed with potassium chloride and superphosphate.

The Dutch method of planting potatoes is done in stages.

1. Potatoes should be planted in rows from north to south. It is recommended to maintain a distance between the rows of 65-75 cm. The planting depth should be 4-8 cm. But between the bushes, 30 cm will be enough. If you adhere to these figures, then the bushes will actively grow, while they will not lack nutrients. On top of the potatoes, a handful of wood ash and rotted vegetation are added to the hole. It is advisable to sprinkle the bottom of the furrow with onion husks, as this will protect the roots from slugs and wireworms.
2. Further, the beds with root crops need to be covered with earth, forming ridges. Their width should be 35 cm, and their height should be 10 cm. In the future, you still need to fill up the earth when the roots begin to grow.
3. The bushes need to be further loosened, trimmed the shafts, and also treated with insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.

If a decision is made to plant potatoes in the country in the Dutch way, then the following equipment will be required:

• planters with trailers (for large farms);
• milling equipment to help get rid of weeds;
• elevator diggers, providing a convenient collection of root crops.

It is necessary not only to correctly plant potatoes according to the Dutch method, but also to provide further care.

When the first shoots appear, it is advisable to remove weeds, as well as to huddle young bushes. In this case, the height of the shaft should be about 12 cm, and the width - 35 cm. After a month, this action is repeated, but only the height already reaches 30 cm. For weeding, you can use a hoe or shovel. For further weed control, it is better to use herbicides. It will be useful to lay peat chips and freshly cut grass between the rows.

It is advisable to process potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle before budding; further processing can be done 3-4 more times. Please note that each time the preparations should be alternated, since these pests get used to them rather quickly.

When it's time to harvest, you need to remove the ground part of the bush and burn it. And the roots continue to be in the ground for about 1.5 weeks. During this time, their peel hardens, as a result, such potatoes are stored longer.

The Dutch potato planting technique is quite common as it has many advantages. If you follow the basic rules of this method and add trees in time, you can get a rich harvest as a result.