In Delaware approximately 5,000 acres of potatoes are grown annually and shipped throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Seed potatoes are available from many farm and garden stores in the state. Seed pieces should be cut the day before planting to allow healing. Plant them in 36-inch rows with the seed pieces dropped every 9 to 12 inches. Maintain soil pH at 5.5 to 6 to control scab, although many varieties are now scab resistant.
Potatoes respond to high fertilization and frequent watering.
Hoe or cultivate weeds when they are young, before rows close in. Major Insect and Disease Problems Colorado Potato Beetle Adults are light brown with black stripes running down the back. Larvae are reddish or brown, soft-bodied, with two rows of black spots on each side of the body. Both adults and larvae can cause severe feeding damage on leaves and stems. This insect pest frustrates home gardeners because many standard insecticides are no longer effective.