How We Grow Field-Grown Potatoes

Greetings Potato Lovers!

Our soils are poor, so the first thing I do, no matter what the crop, is to pull the mulch back and turn the soil over in the planting row. This loosens any compaction. I then string out the row and apply a liberal amount of compost (2-3"). On top of that goes Garden-tone Organic fertilizer at a rate of approximately 3 cups/16' row (see label). The compost and fertilizer is then worked into the row and smoothed level. I then create a 4" deep trench, and I'm ready to plant.

I use whole potatoes when planting to lessen the chance for rot, but you certainly can cut yours into sections as long as each division sports 2-3 eyes. I recommend dusting the divisions with sulfur powder or leaving them in the sun for 2 or 3 days to callous them off. These methods will help in preventing rot.

Set potatoes in trench 14-16" apart and cover. Your row is now level with existing soil. When the plants are 8-10 tall, I fertilize again with Garden-tone down both sides of the row and begin the "hilling" process. Using a hoe I pull the soil up around the plants creating a continuous mound down the entire row. As the plants grow, this process is repeated several times during the growing process. Potatoes are ready to harvest when vine ripen off, turn brownish and fall over.

Dig very carefully; it's very easy to spear them! But it's great fun to find your loot and especially fun for kids. There is nothing like homegrown spuds! If you’re wondering what we carry for seed potato varieties, click here to view our listing.

That’s all for now,

Judy Ratta-Harrington