Sad to see your potato plants falling over? Not to worry, as every other gardener faces a common problem. We all know that potatoes are the most significant part of our diet. This versatile vegetable is used in the kitchen now and then, especially on special occasions.
To reduce or completely stop the potato plant from falling over, we need to analyze the root cause of it. A potato plant falling over in your backyard is an upsetting and unexpected situation for the gardeners, as they have invested a lot of time and effort in growing them. It is normal to think if it is dying, has matured before its due time, or simply because of an animal.
In this article, we will explain 5 major reasons affecting your pretty potato plant. These tips will help you harvest more significant quantities and quality potatoes for your family. This article is equally vital for people who have planted or are planning to grow potatoes. Let’s dig in…….
5 Major Reasons Potato Plants Falling Over
1- Improper watering
Water is the most basic necessity of a living organism. While watering, we need to be careful as over-watering or under-watering can be the reason for the potato plant to fall. If we overwater the potato plant, the soil becomes over-logged and will stop the roots from getting enough air from the soil. It will cause the roots to rot.
Similarly, underwater is equally vital in the cause of potato plants falling over. Suppose you see a plant with brown edges without any good reason. It means your plant is dehydrated or not getting enough water to survive. It can cause potato plants to fall if preventive measures are not taken promptly. Improper watering can give rise to root rotting that destroys the base of the plant. When the roots are rotten, it’s difficult for the plant to stand. Every plant is different from one another. So water your potato plant according to its need.
If you want your plant to be in good shape, check the water quality you give to the plants.
Tip: Water the plant before noon. Use a sprinkler for watering.
2- Extreme weather
Extreme hot or extremely cold weather can indeed be the reason for potato plants falling over. Plants are susceptible; they can not survive severe weather like snowfall, strong breezes, storms, or heavy rainfall even if they are properly staked. The wind can put additional pressure on the plant, causing it to lean or fall over. If you are living in an area with strong winds, it is essential to consider that when choosing a spot to plant your potatoes.
The solution to this issue is to find a suitable place, or you can adjust the shade over the plants to save them from being destroyed.
3- Weak and leggy
Mostly weak and leggy plants fall from their weight as they grow bigger. Even staking will not help much when the base of the plant is weak. The reason for this thing is insufficient sunlight. Potatoes need proper 6 to 7 hours of sunlight to flourish. Before you grow a potato plant, please choose the right place for your potato plant so it can easily absorb sunlight, as sunlight is the basic need of a plant.
4- Insufficient Staking
One of the most common reasons potato plants fall over is insufficient staking. Staking is essential because it supports the plant, especially as the potato tubers start to develop and the plant becomes top-heavy. If you did not stake your plant correctly, or if the stake was not tall enough, that could be why it is fallen over. The staking should be done early in the season. Staking should be done according to the growth of the plant.
5- Pests
Pests can sometimes cause potato plants to fall over. For example, if beetles or other pests eat away the plant’s roots, that can weaken its structure and cause it to topple over. Keep observing for any signs of pests around your potato plants. So that you can address the problem before it gets out of hand. Some other pests can damage your plant:
· Root-knot nematodes
· Slugs
· Snail
· beetles
These are tiny insects about ½ to ¼ inches in length. These pests usually appear in the spring when the seeds emerge from the soil. Flea beetles make holes in the leaves while feeding. Later these holes catch fungal infections such as “verticillium wilt and fusarium rot.”
Now coming towards the solution, that is pesticides. But before going for pesticides, keep an eye on the plant. If there are one or two insects, then remove them. But if they are higher in number and the leaves are eaten or turning yellow, use pesticides as soon as possible.
Some other common reasons that might help you:
Growing potatoes is not easy. It is like a whole duty or as if you are caring for a baby. But things can be trouble-free if you know everything about your plant to save it from being damaged. When the potato plant is fully matured, it can make it fall. In other words, you can say that potatoes are ready for harvest.
Excess fertilizer is another common cause that can create havoc in the growth of a potato plant. The fertilizer should be added according to the calculation based on a soil sample. Guesswork will not work in this situation. Otherwise, there can be excess or lack of fertilizer, and that’s not good for the plants.
Nowadays, the environment is full of diseases, and every living thing can be affected by it. Things are not similar as they were in the past years. Growing potatoes can fall because of diseases that weaken the plant, like early blight and late blight. The diseases can be seasonal also.
Hilling is an effective technique used worldwide by gardeners. You need to check if adequate soil around the base is piled up. This method will not only help plants in growth but also in becoming healthy. Potato tubers can also be prevented with this approach. Soil is as essential as water for plants.
Conclusion
Please don’t panic; falling off a potato plant doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the plant. There are several reasons your potato plant might be falling over – from insufficient staking to pests eating away at its roots, or the plant is mature and ready.
First, try to figure out the fundamental cause, and you can improve it with the help of a good technique and the right equipment. You can get your plant back on track by troubleshooting and addressing the issue early on. There can be multiple reasons for potato plants falling over that are listed above.do some research before planting the potato seeds, like the season, weather, and place. Once everything goes right, you’ll continue to grow lovely potatoes and make delicious recipes every other day.
