This seems like such a silly question, but here goes. Because I'm in Phoenix and potatoes should be in the ground already, I ordered from a company that ships earlier than most. When they arrived, they looked like the best grocery store potatoes you would find, smooth and fresh. I read that I should put them somewhere they would sprout and they're beginning to. Now, how much of a sprouted eye do they need for me to plant them? IOW, just evidence of a sprout or a big sprout? Thanks for any advice.
Alma
Potato eyes - how big?
Some folks do like to presprout thier potatoes, but I have never noticed that it makes much difference.
Farmerdill, I can plant them now? Any advice on how to orient the potato piece? Cut side down? Sorry, but this is my first time planting potatoes and I really want to do it right!
Cut side down and leave at least two eyes on each piece. In a damp spring, they will survive in the ground much better if you cut them two - three days before you plant them to allow them to scab over.
Will do. Thank you for helping me along here.
And, since I'm in the same boat as Alma is, I'll say "Thank you!" too. I had to go outside today and turn my "seed" potato pieces over, as I had placed them cut side up. Oops! However, I'm trying doccat's method of growing them under straw, so it was pretty easy to do.
Since I'm awash in both straw and seed potatoes (I went a bit overboard ordering), I may try that, too, Jill. I'll have enough 'eyes' after cutting that I can experiment a little, some in tires, some in bushel baskets and some in straw. I may even make a few hills in a bed I used for tomatoes and peppers last year. At least I'll get feedback as to what environment they like best.
Sounds great, Alma! Just remember, on the tomatoes/peppers/potatoes thing, that in an ideal world you would try to avoid planting them in the same areas. I understand they're susceptible to the same pathogens, and it's a good idea to rotate them around to different places. Ah, for an ideal world!
And you knew that already, I know! :)
Yep, I had read that somewhere on DG. It's a long bed, though, and I can skip the places where the tomatoes and peppers grew - even though last year they were mostly in containers. Frankly, I don't know where I'm going to put all these tomatoes! I think the potatoes will take more sun and I have more choices as to where they'll go.
I knew you'd know that! :)
I'll look forward to seeing how all your different methods compare.
Since we have a second "cool" season in the fall, could you maybe over-summer some of your excess for a fall planting? Maybe in the fridge, with a note on them saying "do not mash"?
Looks like I got to go flip some potato seeds.
Will they not sprout if they are cut side up?
In addition to beds and straws, I'm trying some in large cardboard boxes with compost and straw.
BB
Oooh, gonna have to remember that cardboard box idea, BB! Instant raised bed!
DH is gonna go postal when he comes home one day to find the invasion of the raised box-beds... :) But what else to do with all those big cardboard boxes in the garage?
It does not make that much difference BB. Little slower to emerge, but they manage.
Luckily mine are somewhat out of sight.
I put them where I intend to build new beds next year. Figure I'll just compost the whole thing in place.
BB
Where did you find that has already shipped? Im in the same boat, yet cant find a shipper that ships anytime soon.
Here's a source for big heavy-duty cardboard boxes. Find a local auto body shop and ask for bumper boxes. Most modern vehicles have a plastic fascia that fits over the actual metal bumper. They come in huge boxes that will be perfect for instant raised beds. They are also wrapped in huge sheets of bubble wrap...big enough to drape over the box as a frost cover. All for free...they will be thrilled at not having to dispose of them.
Good Idea Melody.
I'm using tp boxes but those sound great
BB
I figured you'd be the one to find this first...lots of great gardening stuff at body shops...(we own one) Hood boxes are wonderful for instant weed killing mulch. When opened up, they're bigger than a sheet of plywood. Makes a great base for a Lasagna Bed.
Gardenglory, Territorial is shipping now, I believe. Not the cheapest, but I believe they have a pretty decent reputation.
I ended up with organic potatoes from my local grocery store to get in fast, with an order from Territorial on its way. Just couldn't wait any longer! :)
Gardenglory, I ordered from Ronniger for three reasons: I could get small quantities, most are organic, and they shipped before anyone else.
http://www.ronnigers.com/
I got mine from Wood Prairie Farm. They are shipping
BB
Do remember to "harden off" the cut potatoes before you plant. A couple of days in a cool dry place. It allows a callus to form and helps prevent any pathogens from getting into the seedling.
Thanks TF and BB. We had a wicked storm yesterday and blew off enough leaves for at least two more potato bins. Im going to order right now and hope for the best. Nothing new about me being a 'day late and dollar short' lol
Happy to have you in the 'day late and dollar short' club, Gardenglory; I'm president! Now if I don't manage to get some of this stuff in the ground soon, all this prepping will be for naught.
LOL Tomatofreak
I brought close to 75 pounds of potatoes thinking that you planted the whole thing. Well I found out that you cut them and I'm wondering where I going to find all the space.
Looks like I'm going to need a lot of boxes!
BB
Please re-read that article, BB before you go any further.
Is there an article someplace that gives more info that you are refering to? I want to get at this.
Doccat published an article on raising potatoes. If you click on her name, you will see the article in question
Doccat:
You sound like my wife, always insisting I read instructions and stuff. I will review it however or I see a lot of french fries in my future! :-)
And mashed potatoes, and fried potatoes, and potato pancakes and your friends and neighbors are gonna hide from you, dude. You gonna have lots and lots and lots of taters. LOL You can certainly sell a bunch. You usually get more production by using this method. Yep...you gonna have taters.
I have read three or four articles about planting potatoes, but the most helpful info has come from you all at DG! Now, I read through the stuff again yesterday because I need to know how much to water till plants emerge. Nada, nothing on that subject. So: How moist should I keep the soil while they're still sprouting. (I'm still planting, btw.)
Unless you really are in the desert, They will not need additional water until they are up and growing, If you are really dry, just make the growing medium moist not wet. Wet tends to promote rot. In the east rainfall is normally adequate for in ground planting or lazy bedding. Raised beds/ containers of course dry out faster and need additional water.
I think I will need to water a bit. Here's our forecast and it will only go up from here. I have a water meter I can use to get an idea of how wet it is down around the seeds. The top soil is bone dry. Maybe I should mulch the top before they even come up?