Garden Guidance – Potatoes

 

 

Author:  Don

I’m continuing my garden conversations with Raymond.  On Sunday March 3, he planted potatoes.  He usually stores some of his previous year’s potatoes, in an outdoor refrigerator, to use as seed potatoes for the next year. He cuts the potatoes into pieces, with 2 eyes per piece, 2 -3 days before planting, to let the cut edges seal.  To follow Raymond’s method, use the steps below.

Create a trench 4-8 inches deep using your favorite digging tool. Raymond uses a rear tine tiller with a plow attachment.

Before placing the potato starts, he waters in a 13-13-13 fertilizer, or use your favorite organic fertilizer.

Press the potato starts into the base of the trench, approximately 8 inches apart with the eyes up.

Use a hoe to pull both sides of the row into the trench, creating a raised mound of dirt.

Tamp the top center down, to allow water to collect.  Then water the newly planted potato starts.