Sprouting methods

Daylight glasshouse
In the Netherlands, daylight glasshouses are also used for hardening off seed potatoes. As far as the result is concerned, it does not matter whether wooden or plastic trays are used. 




Artificial light
Tubers can also be hardened off with the aid of artificial light. 40-65 Watt lamps are then placed between the rows in the sprouting shed. One fluorescent lamp stand is require devery 4 to 5 m2. Fluorescent tubes of factor 33 or 57 are the most suitable.



Hardening of the tuber outdoors
Usually firmer sprouts will be formed outdoors. Especially if planting has to be postponed for a long time, it will be easier to control sprout development outdoors. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions it will usually suffice to protect the tubers by covering them with transparent film. If the trays are stacked on pallets, the grower will be able to bring the seed potatoes indoors quickly when there is a risk of night frost. More.