Potato, Po-tah-to

Homegrown potatoes are one of those things that always taste better than what you can buy at the store.  I can't explain the reason behind this, I just know it to be true.  Homegrown potatoes are not only delicious, but they are also fun to plant and grow. 

I grew potatoes in our very first garden.  It was a spot at the community garden and they turned out pretty well for our first attempt at gardening.  I'm not sure why I didn't try it again until last year but I'm so glad that I did. 

I've learned that when properly taken care of, potatoes can last all winter.  Last season I ordered Superior potatoes to plant.  Superiors are oval in shape, smooth, with buff-colored skin and white flesh.  They are good for baking, mashing, and storing.  This year I will be trying Yukon Gold for the first time.  Yukon Gold is known for its thin skin and yellow tinted flesh.  It is also good for baking, mashing, and storing.     

Potatoes need to be rotated in your garden.  It is recommended that you don't replant in the same spot for at least 3 or 4 years.  Your soil should be light, loose, and well drained.  We till our gardens before planting and I'm planning to add some sand to our soil to make it easier for the tubers to grow.  Our gardens are all raised garden beds, so drainage is good. 

One to two weeks prior to planting, begin prepping your seed potatoes.  Lay them in an area that will give them sun exposure but maintains a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees.  One to two days prior to planting, cut your seed potatoes into two square inch sections.  Each section needs to have one or two buds on it and smaller potatoes should be planted whole.

Potatoes do best when planted in rows.  Before planting, dig trenches 6 to 8 inches deep and about 3 feet apart.  Place the potato sections cut side down, buds need to be on top.  Fill in about 4 inches of soil and slowly fill in more as they grow.  

Keep your potato plants well watered during the season, especially when flowering.  Cut back on watering when the plant begins to yellow.

I'll cover potato storage towards the end of summer or early fall.

Good luck!    

Yukon Gold