Your comments and tips

30 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

You didn't mention whether you lived in the coastal region of Eastern Cape or over the ranges but I don't know of any variety that will handle any more than a light frost without damage. I have had potatoes come up throughout the year and the only ones that survived were under the eaves or a verandah. If frosts aren't a problem there is no reason why you can't plant them any time.

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17 Mar 17, Likeleli (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

what if i plant potatoes in greenhouse, can they do well in winter?

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20 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

You should be able to as long as the greenhouse doesn't get too cold in the winter and you have good air circulation to reduce fungal problems. It would be better if you planted some every 2-3 weeks starting in early spring through until early January. Harvest when the tops die off and you should have enough potatoes to last through the winter

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09 Mar 17, ntobeko (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

hi,im ntobeko from portshepstone,i would like to know that"how is it possible to plant a potatoes to grow bigger without any fertilizer or chemicals?

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09 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

You certainly can grow potatoes without chemical sprays and fertilisers. Potaoes have been grown for hundreds of years without them. The soil needs to be friable or cultivated to at least 200mm (8") deep and have old manure worked into it. Plant the potato pieces about the same depth in the soil then cover. This depth is to reduce the chance of potato moths getting to the tubers to lay eggs. As the potato shoots emerge hill up around the stems with more soil or mulch and keep them watered. Potatoes are generally pest free and rewarding and a few can be scratched out about a month after flowering with the remainder harvested when the tops die off. Store the potatoes inside or in an airy, insect-proof container away from light. All the best with your potato growing!

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05 Mar 17, Nixiwaka (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

I stayed in Sweden for a few months and was surprised that they ate raw potato in the salads. So potatoes can be eaten raw.

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06 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Hello Nixiwaka, yours is a good question! Potatoes can be eaten raw but are safer cooked. Potatoes produce alkaloids which can be toxic. As with other members of the solanum family (tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, nightshade, etc) most of this is in the stems and leaves. When green patches occur on potatoes it is an indicator that photosynthesis is occuring and these alkaloids are being produced in the tuber. That is why it is important to remove any green part of the potato before cooking and eating them. Raw potato is not easily digested in our gastrointestinal tract and may still be undigested when it gets to the large intestine causing colic cramps or diaorrhea as it ferments. I'll let you decide!

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11 Dec 16, feel (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

can you plant potatoes in late summer? and what makes the potatoes get the {soft rot}?

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02 Feb 17, Edwin Matebesi (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

Hi, When exactly can I plant Potatoes?, Is it posible that I can still plant them in this Period?, I live in Northern cape province-Sub sahara desert. Thanks, Regards

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22 Nov 16, Johan Hugo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

Where can I buy seed potatos in Johannesburg?

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