First grown in 1621, potatoes are the most popular veggie in the US. A cool season crop, potatoes can survive a light frost. Plant in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. Depending on the maturation date (time to harvesting), the goal is to harvest your potatoes before soil temperatures reach 60-70 degrees.
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| You can purchase certified, disease free "seed potatoes". (This will reduce the risk of caring over any diseases from the previous year). However, I could not let this bag of potatoes go to waste, so I will take my chances. |
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| Pre-sprouted spuds will mature about a month earlier then using potatoes with just "eyes". |
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| Cut into 1" pieces with 1 to 3 "eyes" per piece. |
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| Ideally, it is best to cut the potatoes about 2 days before planting. This allows the pieces to dry, creating a "seal", reducing rotting and disease. |
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| Potatoes like a slightly acidic soil of 6.0 pH or less. I added some evergreens cuttings to the soil, and will side dress later on, once the plants are established. |
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| Dig down to a depth of 10" to loosen the soil. Create 4" deep furrows, spacing cut pieces 12" apart. Place pieces sprout side or "eye side" up, and cover with a couple of inches of soil. |
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| I added a layer of leaves to help keep the ground warm. |
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| I also decided to cover with weed cloth (for added warmth) since we are expecting snow. |
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| This area has been covered since February 9. The ground has warmed up a bit, and the soil does not clump when squeezed. However, we are about 20 degrees below normal, and snow is on the way. I decided to put back the "cold frame" unto weather conditions improve a bit. Once a week I will check on the progress and also give them about 1 to 2 inches of water. |
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