Best Fertilizer for Potatoes People Should Aim for in the Coming Years

Potatoes require a lot of care to grow properly. When you peel and then cut a potato, it may seem as if growing that thing was no big deal. Somebody probably just threw some seeds on the ground and voila!

It’s not as if we potato cultivators wouldn’t like that. But the actual work is nowhere as simple.

That’s why we must use only high-quality and best potato fertilizers (believe me, there are gradings). Of course, fertilizers alone will not be enough to get a good harvest. There are a lot of things that go into growing potatoes. However, there’s no denying that fertilizes do play a very significant role.

There are other ways of preparing the soil. But if you’re planning to use fertilizers you are in the right place. I’ll tell you more about them a little bit later.

Some of you may think that you can just use any fertilizer for growing potatoes. But that’s not how it works. I’ll tell you the reason in this article. Also, I’ll recommend some of the top-notch fertilizers (or growth assistants as I call them).

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget the buying guide and “Tips” sections as well.

Why Would We Need a Fertilizer That Specializes in Growing Potatoes?

There was a time when you could simply go to the market, buy a sack of fertilizers, and apply it on your land. But today, if you do that, you’d probably end up killing your crops.

Both the soil and the crops’ needs have changed over the years. So, it helps a great deal to have fertilizers specially made for a certain crop.

Potatoes need acidic soil that’s rich in nitrogen and potassium and has a pH from 4.8 to 6.5. They also like having magnesium, sulfur, manganese, iron, and boron in the soil. The deficiency of any of the minerals mentioned can lead to problems in their growth.

Today, there are fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, that specialize in potatoes. They provide them with all the necessary nutrients and soil conditions so that they can grow properly.

Of course, you may not always need a fertilizer that has all these ingredients. Honestly, it depends on how the soil is and what kind of potato you’re growing. That’s why it’s always wise to test your soil first and check if it’s lacking in anything.

After that, you just have to find a potato fertilizer that can help with those deficiencies.

Remember that you don’t want to add too much of something. You’ve got to be careful even when using the right kind of fertilizer.

That being said, potatoes are easier to grow compared to many other crops. They ask for little, which you can provide simply by using a good quality fertilizer. Fertilizers are part of prepping the soil, which I believe you already know.

Fertilizers can be used before, during, and after the seeds have sprouted. But you can’t use the same fertilizer for different types of applications. You may not even need to apply it more than once, which is before planting.

Potato growers opting for a fully organic approach normally go for multiple applications. Then again, there’s no hard and fast rule in this matter. If you have some experience with soil and potatoes, you can easily determine which type of fertilizer to use and when.

Top of the Shelf Fertilizer for Potatoes

If you are a new potato grower, it may seem confusing as to which fertilizer to use. Don’t worry, I’ve prepared a list of six of the top-quality fertilizers for growing potatoes. These products, when used properly, will never disappoint you or your potatoes.

Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer

The Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer is OMRI listed and fully organic. It doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals. This USDA certified fertilizer will help you prepare the soil for planting potatoes. Jobe’s Organics is suited for tomatoes, onions, pumpkins, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, eggplants, and so on.

They also make variations that you can use for fruits, citruses, berries, palms, herbs, flowers, bulb foods, etc. Jobe’s sell their fertilizers in easy-pour bags. This variety which has a 2-5-3 fertilizer analysis is available in 3 sizes viz 1.5lb, 4lb, and 16lb.

This is a granular fertilizer that can act faster and help produce a great harvest. The main reason why this is so effective is the presence of Jobe’s Biozome. This is a trademarked mixture of microorganisms which are all beneficial for the soil and the crops growing in it.

Just so you know, this mixture contains healthy bacteria, Mycorrhizal fungi, and Archaea.

The Jobe’s Biozome first helps to enrich your soil and maintain its quality for a long time. Then, it helps to promote plant growth by increasing root mass. Finally, it protects them from drought, disease, insects, and anything bad for the plants and the soil.

This special microorganism mixture is very “Aggressive” when it comes to breaking down materials. You’ll notice faster and better results. Both the soil and the crops will flourish in no time.

The healthy bacteria’s main job is to improve soil structure and keep the nutrients close to the roots for better absorption. The Mycorrhizal Fungi increases the absorbing surface area of the roots by 100 to 1,000 times! It sends out filaments that then act as the extensions of the main root system.

The Archaea help to clean the soil and bring it to its original healthier state. The amount that’s present in the Jobe’s Biozome can break down hydrocarbons and minerals into their base nutrients. As a result, plants get to take them in readily.

Get Jobe’s Organics 9026 at Amazon

Of course, the actual ingredients consist of more than this. They include bone meal, poultry manure, sulfate of potash, protein hydrolysate from feather meal, and more.

The ratio of the nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium present in this fertilizer is 4-4-4. That is, each of them is in 4% quantity. The recommended way of applying this type of fertilizer is 4 pounds per 100 square feet.

Also, add 1 ½ tbsp of Jobe’s for every 2 inches of plant, and 1 ½ cup for every 10 inches. This is to be done before planting, and later on, you can do a spot treatment with other materials if needed.

For using on seeds and new plantings, mix 1 ½ tbsp of Jobe’s with soil for every 4-inch pot and 1 ½ cups for every 16 inches one. You’ve to do this before planting. For established shrubs and plants, mix 1 ½ cups for every foot of the plant’s spread.

Root Farm 32oz Base Nutrient

The Root Farm Base Nutrient (Part 1) becomes the best fertilizer for potatoes when you mix it with Root Farm Supplement or Part 2. You may apply it as a standalone product, but the results will be far from satisfactory.

The thing is, the Base Nutrient is the fixed part, but you can switch the Part 2 supplement type depending on the plants you’re growing. This is one of those product combinations that can be used on multiple stages so that your plants get all the things they need to grow.

Root Farm has a range of Supplements specially prepared for your various home-gardening and planting needs. There’s an All-Purpose variety that is great for a wide range of plants. You can use it on herbs, leafy greens, and mixed-crop gardens.

For seedlings, mix 1 tsp of Part 1 and Part 2 with every gallon of water. For the growth stage, you’ll need 1.5 tsp of each, and for the mature stage, 2 tsp of each.

The Fruit & Flower variety is highly beneficial for growing flowers and fruits. It’s perfect for hydro plants as it provides them with phosphorus and potassium. The mixing ratio for the three stages is the same as that of All-Purpose.

Then there is the Tomato & Veggie variety, which is the one you need for your potatoes. It helps to supply the necessary nutrients to heavy feeding plants. For applying in the seedling stage, you’ve to mix 1 tsp of Part 1 and Part 2 with each gallon of water.

You have to mix 2 tsp of each for applying in the growth stage. As for the mature stage, you’ll need 3 tsp of Part 1 and 2 tsp of Part 2 for every gallon of water.

When you select the right combination, your plants will flourish from the very beginning and grow up to be healthy and bountiful. It’s best to use fresh water for preparing the solutions, and of course, remember to shake well. To make sure the solution is appropriate, use a PPM or conductivity meter.

Get Root Farm Base at Amazon

You should check the water first, and then add the fertilizer mixtures. In order to get a good harvest, a bit of extra effort shouldn’t feel like a big deal. Speaking of which, the solution needs to have a pH value between 5.5 and 6.5. Maintain this standard, and your plants will begin to thrive in no time.

The frequency of application is only every two or three weeks. If can do just this, your plants will always have a supply of essential nutrients. This is recommended by Root Farm’s official website.

Root Farm also offers separate varieties for plants that are grown in water-based media. They are the Root Farm Hydro Garden System, Root Farm Hydro Garden Potting Mix, and the Root Farm Hydro Garden Coco Coir.

Voluntary Purchasing Group Inc. 32145 4 lb. Muriate Potash

The Voluntary Purchasing Group Inc’s Muriate Potash fertilizer is a reliable and high yield formula. It is made for growing potatoes, carrots, and many other plants. It will help to get a surplus harvest and that so in a very effortless manner.

You see, as fertilizers are getting more improved every day, they are also becoming costlier. Indeed, the new varieties offer great results, but they also require a lot of precision when it comes to applying them.

Most of us don’t actually notice all this, and just use whatever helps them grow their plants. But if you’ve just got involved in potato farming, you may find all this a bit overwhelming.

This muriate of potash is for those who want to take care of their potatoes cost-effectively and effortlessly. You’ll get highly satisfactory results. Your potatoes will be bountiful and taste amazing. Yes, how the potatoes will taste depends partly on the fertilizers as well.

This Voluntary Purchasing Group product is not only good for potatoes but also flowers and other potted plants. This is a granular-type fertilizer. You can apply it directly to the soil, but make sure to mix it in well.

Some growers suggested that I mix it in water and then apply it. However, I found that this product is not that soluble and so trying to mix it in water becomes a hassle. What I did instead, was that I applied the fertilizer to the soil, worked it in, and then watered the area.

If you want to apply this muriate of potash fertilizer on potted plants, you’ll first have to find out if this product is good for that particular plant. After that, find out how much of this fertilizer will be enough. You shouldn’t go overboard with potted plants, esp. if they are small and in their growing stage.

This fertilizer is mainly prepared for rooted vegetables and so it works wonders for potatoes. It is a great source of potassium. So, it allows the plants to grow healthy roots and tuber growth followed by equally healthy stems. This muriate of potash helps to grow stocks that are sturdy and well-rooted.

This product comes in a 4-pound bag with a “cut here” marking. One bag is enough to cover a maximum of 1000 square feet area. If you try to spread it over a larger area the effectiveness will drop and you’ll not get good results.

Of course, how much and what kind of fertilizer you’ll need depends on firstly on your soil and then the plants you plan to grow in it. It’s always advised to test your soil before planting. You may not need to do this if it’s your home garden.

Neptune’s Harvest Tomato & Veg Fertilizer 2-4-2

The Neptune’s Harvest Tomato and Veg Formula is a very dependable potato fertilizer. It is made using quality ingredients and will provide your plants with all the essential nutrients they need to grow. This product can also be used for growing other vegetables, trees, flowers, and shrubs.

The Neptune’s Harvest is a great source of nutrients for plants like tomatoes and potatoes. It increases their potency and volume, makes them strong and sturdy. That’s why, potatoes, which grow underground, are hugely benefitted. The plants get to grow firm root systems and healthier foliage.

These things are important for growing potatoes. The plants gain the strength to tolerate adverse situations like droughts, diseases, and temperature fluctuations. It’s only possible because this Neptune’s Harvest Tomato & Veg Formula is rich in nutrients that help your plants to thrive.

Potato plants have an intense vegging stage. It means that their growing stage goes by quickly. For this reason, they need all the nutrients they can get. Proper soil preparation and the follow-up steps after planting is important.

This is where this formula comes in handy. It helps your plants to increase in stem mass and root zones, which then result in a high-quality yield.

You’ll have potatoes that have grown in nutrient-rich soil, all thanks to Neptune’s Harvest Tomato & Veg Formula. This fertilizer has been prepared with seaweed, fresh fish, yucca extracts, molasses, and humic acids.

You may not know this, but humic acid alone is highly beneficial for growing plants. There can be downsizing in yield rate just due to the deficiency of this acid. Humic acid contains a certain group of molecules that can bind to the roots. This helps them to receive water and nutrients better.

What I’m getting at is, with sufficient humic acid in the soil, you can easily see an increase in potato yields.

Neptune’s Harvest Tomato & Veg Formula is good on its own. However, if you pair it up with their Rose & Flowering Formula you can have much better results. The first one will be for the vegging stage and the second one for when buds appear and flowering begins.

You don’t need to use both formulas. But if you do, you’ll not be disappointed.

The Tomato & Veg Formula comes in three sizes – 5 Gallon, 1 Gallon, and Quart. Besides potatoes and vegetables, you can use this for house plants, outdoor plants, lawns, enhancing compost, and seed germination.

For most cases, you just need to mix 1 tbsp of Formula with 1 Gallon of water. Shake well and apply wherever necessary. The shelf life of the base formula is much longer. It probably doesn’t expire at all. However, once mixed with water, it has to be applied within the hour.

Homesteader Hobbies: Organic Potato Fertilizer

The Homesteader Hobbies: Organic Potato Fertilizer is an all-natural product. It is organic in every way. If you’re new to growing potatoes, I’d recommend this. This can be the best fertilizer for potatoes for those who have no experience with them.

You’ll have to do minimal work, much less compared to other potato fertilizers. The application is the simplest I’ve seen so far. You have to take half a cup of this Organic Potato Fertilizer for every 10 feet row of potatoes. Spread it evenly so that every plant gets an ample amount of it.

Not that this is for when you first plant the potatoes.

Repeat the process when the root sprouts have reached a height of 6 inches. It will help them with further nourishment.

Before you purchase this product, you should know that this 3lb bag is meant for a maximum of 30 potato plants. It may seem inadequate, which can be true if you have a large farm and need to cover a huge area. I suppose this fertilizer has been prepared for small scale farming and home-garden owners.

The usage may be limited, but Homesteader Hobbies have made sure that this fertilizer is enough for a whole season. Yes, you just have to apply once, or twice if you apply after roots grow, and that’s it. This 3lb bag of Organic fertilizer will nourish a total of 30 plants for the entirety of the season.

So, how much organic are we talking about? 100%. This potato fertilizer is made of all-natural and non-GMO sourced ingredients. It’ll be safe for the plants, the soil, and the environment as well. It’s important that we use eco-friendly fertilizers or it may lead to land sterility.

Homesteader Hobbies have used fish bone meal, blood meal, alfalfa meal, gypsum, sulfate of potash, and feather meal, all of which is organic. They will enrich the soil and the plants so that they grow strong and healthy.

The fertilizer also contains a surplus number of beneficial microbes, vitamins, and minerals. They will take care of the soil along with the plants. They will help to maintain the soil health so that the potatoes can grow properly.

You’ll notice results just after the first two-step application. There will be a high yield and a noticeable increase in the size and vigor of your potatoes. On top of this, the fertilizer will protect the plants from diseases by building resistance.

This will be a reliable product for you. If you have never grown potatoes before and don’t know which fertilizer to get, try this one. Unless you go for large scale farming in the future, you may keep using this organic fertilizer every season.

Winchester Gardens NPK 6-3-9 Select Organic Potato Granular Fertilizer

As we come to the end of my “Best Fertilizer for Potatoes” list, The Winchester Gardens NPK 6-3-9 is another organic and simple potato fertilizer for you. As you can tell, it has an NPK composition of 6-3-9. The ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is 6%, 3%, and 9% respectively.

It’s still being debated as to what the best NPK ratio for potatoes would be. So, which one should you choose?

The thing is, even though some potato growers consider a particular ratio as the “best”, it’s not universally applicable. That is, it may work for one, and not at all for the other. I believe, it mostly depends on the soil and the type of potato you want to grow in it.

I always recommend getting the soil tested first so that you can beforehand if it’s lacking any essential nutrient. Depending on the test results, you can then apply the appropriate fertilizer. The Winchester Gardens is a good choice for growing different varieties of potatoes.

You can even use it for the sweet ones, bakers, reds, and boilers.

This is an organic and granular fertilizer that can easily mix with the soil and enrich it. The fertilizer will break down the large molecules in the soil into smaller nutrient components. It will help the roots to absorb them in an easier and better way.

Being all-around organic, this fertilizer will be much more beneficial. That so, not just for the present season. A good quality fertilizer will gradually improve the quality of the soil so that in the future it becomes partly ready for planting.

The Winchester Gardens Potato Fertilizer gives you the best results when you apply it early in the season or at the time of planting. After that, you’ll just have to apply every 3 weeks or so. This is a granular-type fertilizer, and so you can use it as is.

Be cautious. Don’t try mixing it in water, because it will not work and may affect the effectiveness of the product.

The application process is very simple. For every square foot of the area you want to cover, you’ll need 4 tbsp for bedding plants, and 2 cups for other ones. It comes in a 3lb package, so it will easily cover a lot of areas. Of course, if you have a large farm, you may need two or more bags to cover all the area.

You’ve to spread the Winchester Gardens fertilizer evenly around the plants. Don’t put a lot of it around the trunk and stem. It may turn out to be overkill. Remember to mix the fertilizer into the soil, at least the first 3 inches of it. Once blended, start watering.

This organic and granular fertilizer will nourish the soil and plants with all the good nutrients. You’ll get to enjoy a good quality harvest with large and healthy potatoes.

How to Buy the Top-Notch Fertilizer for Growing Potatoes?

For someone who has been growing potatoes for years, it’s still not very easy for me to buy a potato fertilizer. There are always several things to consider. On top of that, new products are appearing every day that promise to do better than their predecessors.

So, I can imagine how hard it must for those who are new potato growers.

It’s especially for them that I’ve prepared a list of all the factors that I take into consideration before buying fertilizer. You can get any of the six I mentioned above. But in case they become out-of-stock or if you want to get some other variety, this buyer’s guide will come in handy.

Tips on Cultivating Potatoes

This section is exclusively for the new potato growers. Whether you’re doing it in your home garden or on a large farm, these tips will help give you a head start. You may be thinking about how to cultivate and how to fertilize potatoes in the best way. These tips should answer most of them.

Answers to Some of the Most Common Questions I Encounter!

Potato farming is both easy and complicated. You have to do very basic things, but still, make sure it’s done correctly. I guess that’s what leads to some of the common questions I’ve come across so far.

Of course, these questions alone will not answer all of your queries. But I believe if you can’t find the answer here, it’s somewhere else in this article.

What are the basic requirements for growing potatoes?

The most common problem with growing potatoes is that they get attacked by pests very often. It can happen even during the planting stage.

The best way to deal with this is by nourishing the plants with minerals. You can use mineral-based fertilizers or those which contain those minerals.

Potato plants require nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, boron, etc. As long as your plants are getting these minerals, you’re good to go.

How to fertilize potatoes?

Potatoes grow underground and the plants have a fibrous root system. So, obviously, your goal should be taking care of the soil first. That is, you need to make sure the soil is rich in minerals and all the essential nutrients potatoes need to grow. Mix the fertilizer and/or compost with soil, at least 3-4 inches deep, before planting.

Is bone meal a good fertilizer for potatoes?

Yes, it is. In fact, it is a good fertilizer for any plant like potatoes. It is a good source of phosphorus, and it helps plants to flower by enriching them with nutrients. Most importantly, bone meal helps plants to grow strong and healthy roots. It is fully organic and easy to apply.

Just mix it with the soil before planting, and you’re done.

Which type of fertilizer is better, organic, mineral, or combined?

Of course, the answer is organic fertilizer. But that doesn’t mean the rest are bad. The main reason why organic ones are so good is that they can easily incorporate with the soil. You can make them at home or purchase them from the store. Both are convenient.

Sometimes, mineral-based fertilizers contain some inorganic materials which are harmful to the soil in the long run. But the minerals themselves are always beneficial. So, make sure that the fertilizer doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.

How often should I apply fertilizer?

It mostly depends on the fertilizer and your overall farming needs. Some fertilizers need to be applied in at least three stages – before planting, when the roots start to grow, and when the plants produce buds. Others can just be applied once or twice before and after planting.

If you’re unsure about it still, apply the fertilizer once before planting and then again after 2-3 weeks.

How do I increase the overall yield of potatoes?

In order to get a high-quality yield, you need to start preparing in advance. The first thing you’ve to do is prepare the soil. Spread and mix every meter with manure, wood ash, and the fertilizer of your choice. After you’re done, dig the soil.

Potatoes are said to grow better in soils in which they have not been cultivated for 3-4 years. It is recommended to plant them after cabbage, cucumbers, and root crops. Remember to apply fertilizer once before planting and once again during their growth stage.

The Final Bit

The sad truth is, the environment is changing, and so growing crops isn’t how it used to be. Hell, some fertilizers can even damage the soil and plants. When I first heard that some farmers have witnessed their lands go barren just because of a fertilizer, it shocked me.

Ever since then I’ve tried my best to always find an eco-friendly way to do my farming.

If you get any of the products I mentioned or buy following my guidelines, you’ll not have to deal with any unwanted circumstances. These are all safe and healthy options for growing potatoes and other types of vegetables. In other words, these are truly the Best Fertilizers for Potatoes.

I’ve already mentioned it a number of times, and I’ll say it again: test your soil first. It will help you know what kind of fertilizer you’ll need. Potatoes are actually very easy to grow, as long as they have the necessary nutrients.

If you are fairly new to this matter, always try with the basic types. Then, if needed, go for the more advanced options.