Trimming Potato Haulm: When and How to Do It for a Better Yield.

Agronomic Tips for Cutting Potato Tops

According to Novyny.live: For Ukrainian agronomists, knowing when and how to trim potato foliage is key. This practice should be carried out roughly one month after flowering ends. It helps lower the chance of tuber infection from late blight, a major concern during potato cultivation.

Best Timing for Harvest

The ideal window to harvest is 7 to 10 days after cutting the tops. For late-maturing potato varieties, it is recommended to remove the foliage two to three weeks before the first frost. Be sure to leave 10–15 cm of stems above the soil surface, which helps prepare the tubers for collection.

Proper disposal of the cut foliage is essential. Do not compost any tops showing signs of disease, as this can spread infections further. Additionally, avoid feeding the trimmed foliage to livestock to prevent potential health issues.

Effectively cutting potato tops is a crucial step in growing this popular vegetable, a staple for Ukrainians across the country.

Potatoes remain a key crop in Ukraine, making it critical to follow agronomic practices like foliage trimming to ensure stable yields. These guidelines help agronomists avoid major losses from disease and boost productivity, which in turn supports the nation's food security.