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Why and how to spud potatoes by hand, with a cultivator, walk-behind tractor; video
Why and how to spud potatoes is a topical question for novice gardeners. In this article we will tell you why the plantings are spud and how to do it correctly.
You need to huddle potatoes to get the best harvest.
In the fields, it is advisable to spud potatoes with a cultivator or walk-behind tractor
Why do they spud potatoes?
The essence of hilling is to form a small earthen slide around the stem of the plant. In the case of potatoes, this mound makes it difficult for sunlight to penetrate the tubers. As a result, no poisonous substance – solanine – is formed in the forming potatoes. If hilling is done early (in early May), it replaces loosening and weeding of the soil.
There are other benefits of rolling the earth to the roots:
- hilling protects the stems from late spring frosts and summer heat;
- stimulates the development of more tubers;
- helps to accelerate plant growth, strengthen the stem;
- is a means of controlling weeds, black leg, Colorado potato beetle;
- helps to form neat, non-shading potato bushes.
It is necessary to spud the plant 2-3 times per season. For the first time, the stem is sprinkled with soil when its height reaches 10-14 cm. If the spring is cold, it is advisable to completely cover the shoots with earth. The next time the potatoes are spud before flowering. It can take two to three weeks between the first and second landings. The third hilling is done when the potato bushes grow to 25–30 cm. This time the stem is only lightly sprinkled at the base.
How to hud potatoes by hand and mechanized devices
You need to spud the plant in the morning or in the evening, after watering it. The optimal time for such care is after the rain. There are two ways of hilling – manual and mechanized. In the first case, a hoe or hoe is used. Using the tool, they scoop up the earth around the plant, forming a mound at the base of the stems.
To make the process easier, you can first huddle a whole bed on one side, and then do the same on the other.
It is necessary to add soil so that a hole forms around the mound. During watering or rain, water will accumulate in this depression.
Manual hilling is a laborious method suitable for a small garden. Huge potato plantations are best cultivated with mechanized devices.
How to sprinkle potatoes with a cultivator? Two people work with the soil loosening machine. One person drags the cultivator-hiller, and the second pushes it into the ground. As it progresses, the device loosens the soil with a pruning knife and rakes the soil to the bush with two discs. It is even easier to cultivate the soil with self-propelled units. You can find out how easy it is to huddle potatoes with a walk-behind tractor from the video.
So, you need to add soil to the bushes of the plant at least twice – in spring and early summer. You can sprinkle potatoes with a hoe, hoe, cultivator, walk-behind tractor.