Can Potatoes Be Grown in Hydroponics?

Potato Growing Challenges and Certifications

• The susceptibility of the potato to soil or seed-borne disease is one of the most significant challenges facing growers. To ensure the propagation of pathogen-free vegetables the seed potato industry has created a certification system, which has reduced the presence of disease in seed potatoes. Many commercial growers have turned to hydroponics to produce disease-free seed potatoes.

Hydroponics Basics

• Hydroponic systems culture plants in a balanced water and nutrient solution that is void of soil. Hydroponics is viewed as a more environmentally friendly form of farming because it uses minimal amounts of fresh water and fertile land. Initially hydroponics was defined as the cultivation of plants in water, but this definition has been broadened to include non-soil aggregates or media such as perlite or peat.

Hydroponic Advantages

• Potatoes, like all plants, need water, air, light and nutrients to grow and flourish. Conventionally grown potatoes obtain their nutrients and water from the soil around them. When these elements are missing, plants will become stressed. Hydroponically grown potatoes are never stressed because water and nutrients constantly are applied directly and precisely to the plant's roots. Minimal farmland or home gardening space is required for hydroponic potatoes and there are no troublesome weeds with which to contend.

Home Hydroponics

• Preferably, start hydroponic potato growing from seed potatoes. Seed potatoes, unlike the ones sold in supermarkets, are not treated to prevent sprouting and are grown in more sterile conditions. Seed potatoes can be either planted whole or in smaller pieces, however each piece must contains at least one eye. Perlite, which is naturally occurring volcanic glass or rock, is a particularly effective hydroponic growing medium for potatoes. Potatoes will begin to form at the plant roots once the above ground portion of the plants reach about 2 feet tall, which is full height.