Part 6/8:
Chitting, or allowing potatoes to sprout before planting, is often thought to be a necessity, but the duo points out that it depends on the gardener’s circumstances. For home gardeners, while allowing potatoes to sprout ahead of planting may yield quicker crops, it isn’t strictly necessary. In contrast, for commercial farms, sprouting helps prevent rot and increases the chance of a healthy crop.
Myth #5: Hilling is Required for Potato Plants
The practice of hilling—adding soil around potato plants—is more critical for commercial farms, especially in rain-rich areas like Vancouver, where unprotected potatoes can become green and rot. For home gardeners in drier areas, hilling is less essential, but it may be beneficial for certain high-yielding varieties.