GARDEN + GARDENING + GARDEN DESIGN + GARDENING TIPS & ADVICE

Last year I had a terrible time with potatoes in our garden and I live in Idaho!!  So I did some research to see what I could do to improve this year’s crop.  Here are some tips that I learned.

Potatoes grow better in well-drained fertile soil.  Using a compost or manure will help.  Rotate your crop with other plants every 3-4 years.

Small tubers planted whole are less sensitive to decay than cut pieces.  You can cut large tubers into sizes of 2 ounces or more (about the size of an egg) with at least two eyes.  Be sure to distribute the eyes evenly.

Plant when the soil is 55-60 degrees (about when dandelions bloom) and dry enough to work easily.  Plant in furrows 4-6″ deep and in rows 32-36″ apart.  Move the soil into a hill when the plants reach 6″ and again when they reach 12-15″.  Do not cover the plants completely when creating these hills.  Mulch after the second hilling to assist in retaining moisture and preventing sunburn.

Watering is critical.  Ensure that once the plants emerge you maintain 1″ of water weekly until two weeks before harvest.  Here is hoping that we have a great year for spuds!

Among your new year’s resolutions should be a written plan for planting your garden.  On paper, chart your garden plot showing where you are going to plant your vegetables.  Show how many rows for corn, beans, etc.  Have a space to put the dates of planting.

As you plan, be aware of cross pollination such as vine plants, etc.  Keep a journal of those plants that do well and those that struggle during the season due to location.  Keep your plan in a binder so that you will have a history of the previous year’s planting.  Each year your plan should include a rotation of where you plant your root plants such as carrots and potatoes.

Along with your resolution to have a written plan make a committment to yourself to walk through your garden daily.  Look for weeds and potential bug problems.  Keeping up with those issues will enhance your gardening experience and make it more enjoyable rather than leaving the weeds and bugs to take over your beautiful creation that started with a written plan!