This week we planted potatoes.
Unlike last year when we planted them in barrels and pots this year I went back to my old standby of planting with straw in hilled rows. I loved them in barrels but I did not have enough for the larger potato crop I needed this year.
This method is so very easy and makes it a snap to harvest potatoes in the fall.
First I raked my soil into long mounded rows...
On the top of each row even spaced place your potatoes...
Next throw on 6 inches of straw or hay...I'm using straw here from my compost bin I built last year from straw bales.
As the potato vines grow I will add more straw in order to keep the new potatoes fully covered and not exposed to the light (this will turn them green)
I like this method because it makes the potato harvest very easy. Most of the potatoes will be growing on top of the mound, right under the hay. No digging and risking cutting your potatoes with your shovel. It is also great for reaching under the hay and getting new potatoes all summer long!
And while your at it don't forget to take your kids out to plant with you...
Help them learn that there are more to potatoes than french fries!
And while we're talking about kids, don't for get to enter the kinderGARDENS contest. Create a garden with your kids and win some great prizes!
