Fertiliser for Bumper Potato Crops in NZ

Hello, and welcome to the potato patch! There is nothing quite like digging up your very own delicious spuds. As someone who has grown more than a few potatoes in my time, I can tell you they're a rewarding crop, but they need a bit of special attention to produce a fantastic harvest.

Growing Guide - Steps to Growing Potatoes Successfully

Potatoes are "gross feeders," meaning they have a big appetite and will deplete the soil if you don't provide them with a steady supply of nutrients. To get started, I always recommend using certified, virus-free seed potatoes to ensure you get a good, healthy crop. The best time to plant is typically from September to December, after the risk of frost has passed.   

For a truly productive potato patch, you need to prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter like compost or sheep pellets. It's also critical to avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year, or where you planted tomatoes the previous season, as they can carry over diseases.   

Preparation - For Garden Beds, Pots, or Containers 

Potatoes grow best in free-draining, nutrient-rich soil. You'll want to dig a furrow about 15cm deep and about 30-40cm apart, depending on the variety. It's a good idea to lay down some palings or boards between the rows to walk on, which helps avoid compacting the soil. If you’re short on space, potatoes do incredibly well in containers or even grow bags.   

A common mistake is not providing enough nutrients at the beginning. Potatoes are hungry, and they need a good base of nutrients to get started.   

Planting - Into Garden Beds, Pots, or Grow Bags

Once your soil is prepared, sprinkle a good fertiliser in the furrows and blend it into the soil. Potatoes need high levels of   

Phosphorus and Potassium to promote healthy tuber production and plant growth, and a low level of Nitrogen.   

How to plant in the garden:

• Place your seed potatoes in the furrows, approximately 25cm apart, with the sprouts pointing upwards.   
• Cover them with about 5cm of soil and water well.   
• As the shoots grow, you'll need to "mound" the soil around them until they are about 30cm tall. This is a crucial step that protects the developing tubers from light and pests and encourages more potatoes to form.   

How to plant in pots or containers:

• Add a 10cm layer of a quality vegetable mix to the bottom of the container.
• Place your seed potatoes on top and cover them with another 5cm of mix.
• As the sprouts grow, keep adding more mix until the container is full. This also helps you get a bigger harvest.   

Liquid Fertiliser Nourishment - A Monthly Schedule for the NZ Growing Calendar

Potatoes are heavy feeders and require regular nourishment, especially during their key growth periods. While many people use granular fertilisers, I find a liquid feed is a fantastic way to provide your plants with a quick, absorbable boost.   

LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed is an ideal choice because it contains all the essential macro and micro-nutrients your potatoes need. Its formulation includes an aqueous solution of   

Potassium, Phosphate, and a range of trace elements to enhance the development of the potato tuber and ensure they taste great.   

How to Use LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed:

• Mix one sachet of LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed (Parts A & B) into 10L of water.
• Apply the solution around the base of your plants every 3-4 weeks. Be careful not to get the foliage wet, as this can encourage blight.   

FAQ: How to Grow Great Potatoes

How do I know when to harvest my potatoes?

Early varieties are usually ready for harvest when the flowers are fully open, which is typically about three months after planting. For main crop varieties, you should wait until all the foliage has died back. The best part is that you can just tip your grow bag over and let the kids discover the treasure!   

What is the best way to prevent pests like the Potato Tuber Moth?

Mounding your potatoes is one of the best ways to protect them from pests. It keeps the developing tubers covered and prevents the moth from laying its eggs next to the fresh potatoes. For other pests and diseases, a well-fed plant is always healthier and better at fending them off.   

"The secret to growing anything well is understanding what it needs. We've spent our lives nurturing plants and have learned that the best products are the ones that work with nature, not against it, which is why we’ve always trusted LiquidGold™." — Graeme Hill

Ready to get a fantastic harvest? Start feeding your potatoes today with LiquidGold™ fertiliser for spuds and taste the difference that a complete feed makes!