It’s Potato Planting Time

Planting Tomatoes

Use a “Season Starter” to protect tomatoes down to 20°F, providing a warm environment during the day for faster development.

Planting Strawberries

Plant strawberries now for summer harvest. Choose a sunny, well-drained bed for optimal growth.

Spring Feeding for Trees and Shrubs

Begin feeding trees and shrubs this month. Use mulch with manure or apply organic or commercial fertilizers.

Hummingbird Feeders

Set up hummingbird feeders this month to attract these colorful and entertaining birds.

Planting Asparagus

This is the last chance to plant asparagus roots this year. Prepare a fertile bed for these long-lived vegetables.

Planting Potatoes

With the first days of spring, potatoes break dormancy and start growing. Prepare your site for planting.

Pre-Sprouting Seed Potatoes

• Spread seed potatoes in an open box and place them in a warm room with bright, indirect sunlight to stimulate strong sprout growth.
• Begin this process 1-2 weeks before planting.
• Cut large tubers into 2-4 pieces, ensuring each piece has one or more eyes with plenty of flesh around them.
• Let cut pieces dry overnight before planting.
• If the soil is wet, dust cut sides with soil sulfur. If dry, plant immediately after cutting without sulfur dust.

Soil Preparation for Potatoes

• Potatoes need well-drained soil that retains some moisture.
• Add compost to lighten heavy soils and support beneficial microbes.
• Maintain soil pH between 5.0-7.5 to reduce scab fungus risk.
• Avoid adding lime or wood ashes, as they raise soil pH.

Planting Methods

• Trench Planting:
  • Dig trenches about 6 inches deep and 2 feet apart.
  • Place seed potatoes 12 inches apart and cover with 3-4 inches of soil.
  • When plants reach 8 inches, pull soil around them, leaving 3 inches exposed.
  • Continue covering plants as they grow, building a ridge about 4 inches above ground level.
• Mulch Planting:
  • Till the soil and push each seed into the ground until the top is at ground level.
  • Cover with 18 inches of mulch, such as straw.
  • Water occasionally but avoid overwatering.
• Vertical Planting:
  • Use boxes or cages to plant seed pieces 6-8 inches apart and cover with 4 inches of soil.
  • As plants grow, continue covering them until they stop growing, leaving 6 inches exposed.
• Raised Beds or Bags:

  Potatoes can also be grown in raised beds or various types of bags.

Remember, the ultimate depth of the seed will determine the yield. Choose seed potatoes at local nurseries and enjoy growing them!