The practice of growing potatoes in small sheds can typically begin just before or after the harvest in late March of the next year. Compared to open-field cultivation, potatoes grown under sheds can be harvested approximately 20 days earlier. Farmers can expect a net income of between 800 and 1200 yuan per mu, making this method both profitable and efficient.
To achieve early harvests, special early-maturing varieties like Dongnong 303 are often selected. This variety generally takes about 80 days from emergence to harvesting. It has strong growth potential, with oblong-shaped tubers that have a yellow skin. The tubers are smooth, well-structured, and feature shallow eyes. They are medium-sized, uniform, and tend to be concentrated in the field, ensuring high-quality produce suitable for early market sales.
For site selection, well-drained rice fields are ideal, though even slightly wet soils can be used. After the late rice is harvested, the land is plowed and tilled. On sunny days, ash is spread across the field, and ditches are dug. The ridges are made 1.3 meters wide and 0.5 meters high, keeping the layout neat and consistent. A planting ditch is then created with a 45 cm spacing between rows, and the depth of the ditch is set at 12 cm.
Seeds are sown in mid-November when the soil is dry and sunny. Seed potatoes are placed in the planting ditch at 20 cm intervals, with about 7,000 plants per mu. A base fertilizer is applied, including 2,000 to 2,500 kg of fermented manure or compost per mu, along with 20 kg of urea, 20 kg of superphosphate, and 15 kg of potassium sulfate. Organic fertilizer is placed in strips beside the seed potatoes, ensuring it doesn’t come into direct contact. Fine soil is then used to cover the furrows, creating a smooth and even surface.
Mulch film is laid over the ridges, secured every 2 meters with bamboo poles. The center of the small shed is raised to about 60 cm, and the edges are compacted to prevent wind damage. Proper mulching helps maintain temperature and moisture, promoting healthy plant growth.
Field management is crucial during the growing period. After sowing, the film is usually not removed until the plants emerge. In case of high temperatures, the film is partially lifted at the ends for cooling, but otherwise remains intact. In frosty conditions, straw curtains are used to cover the sheds at night, and the film is removed the next day. During freezing weather, straw is placed on the sides of the film during the day to allow light in, and the film is covered again at night. In drought conditions, furrow irrigation is used, filling the ditch up to two-thirds full to ensure proper water penetration without causing flooding.
Pest control is also important. Aphids and 28-spotted ladybugs need to be monitored closely. For aphid control, insecticides such as one-off NET, Dagong Chen, Confodol, or imidacloprid can be used. To manage 28-spotted ladybugs, pesticides like 2.5% enemy killing are effective.
Harvesting should be timely. Potatoes can be harvested starting in mid-March, allowing farmers to list their produce early and take advantage of higher market prices. Early listing not only ensures better returns but also meets the demand for fresh, early-season potatoes.
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