Tips for planting potatoes…… the Spud
Plant only certified seed stock: This will reduce the potential for disease and possibly increase yields. If the seed stock is large and there are multiple “eyes” on the stock you may wish to cut into multiple starts. Just make sure there are at least two to three eyes on each. It is wise to dust the fresh cut with sulfur and place in a cool, dry, dark, frost free area to allow the fresh-cut surface to cure.
It is important to note that small certified stock does not mean you will get small potatoes!
Use no manure in your potato planting area as it will increase the incidence the likelihood of “scab”
When planting your potatoes in our unique soil I would advise to amend the soil with organic compost at a ratio of one part compost to 2 paarts soil. Place the potato about three to four inches into the soil. Dust area with soil sulfur and add a small shovel of fir mulch. This practice will help keep your harvested crop free of potato disease.
Once the sprout has emerged it is common practice to “hill” the plant. This is achieved by mounding up the soil over the top of the emerging growth. You may do this a couple of times as the plant continues to grow
Early sneak harvests of small baby potatoes can begin in about two months. The BIG harvest will be later in the early fall once the frost has knocked down the foliage. Dig away and enjoy your bounty……. Doug
