The head of the Department of Potato Genetic Resources of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after V.I. N.I. Vavilova, Doctor of Biological Sciences Stepan Kiru:
- It depends on many factors, primarily on the moisture reserves in the soil. In the northern regions of our country, water is watered only in dry years, which almost never happen there. But in most cases, watering is needed (including in the Chelyabinsk region). They are carried out only if there was no rain, and not earlier than a month after planting. The fact is that for the first few weeks the plant feeds on the tuber (nature did not in vain come up with this method of reproduction for potatoes). But if buds have already appeared on the bushes, and the soil at a depth of 12-15 cm from the surface is dry, then it is time to water - during the flowering period, the roots of this culture intensively consume moisture.
Moreover, the surface moisture that some gardeners practice (watering with a hose for 10-15 minutes) is not enough! It is necessary to thoroughly saturate the soil with water to a depth of 20 cm, so the water is fed into the furrows or through sprinklers. If after that there is no precipitation, then watering can be repeated at intervals of 10 days, but no more than 2 times.
It should be remembered that potatoes do not tolerate excessive moisture. Its roots must breathe all the time - for this they need loose soil. But diseases (especially late blight, unloved by everyone) are very fond of wet soil. After the end of flowering, during the yellowing of the tops and about 3 weeks before harvesting, it is no longer necessary to water the potatoes.
Is it true that the more ash is added when planting potatoes, the richer the harvest will be?
- Although the ash contains the potassium necessary for plants, it will not be able to completely "feed" the potatoes - in any case, mineral fertilizers are needed when planting. In addition, ash retains moisture, and its abundance in the hole can create conditions for potato diseases. Usually a tablespoon per hole is sufficient. You cannot lay the tuber directly on the ash - it must be powdered with a thin layer of earth. If there is little "fertilizer from the oven", then it is better to simply powder the sprouted tubers right on the day of planting.
Source: http://www.aif.ru