Gardening

It doesn't matter if you have an acre of land to plant or just a balcony.

anyone can plant potatoes. Although it can be done in pots or

baskets, the best option for those with limited space is a potato

planter*. They are so easy to use and the best part-they have a flap on

the side that can be used to collect the potatoes.

Last year we had problems with grubs taking bites out of our potatoes

and sweet potatoes, so this year we're taking a different approach. I

do garden organically, so no chemical pesticides or insecticides. And

always use natural fertilizers compost or worm casings.

You will need:

,

• Potato grow bags with flaps (helps to see the progress)

• Good soil, possibly mixed with compost, coco fiber, a little sand, etc.

Use what you have. Here I use a brand called Daddy Pete's, but I do

mix it with whatever I have at the time. Right now I am adding a little

coco fiber, compost, finely ground egg shells, and a little sand.

• Dried leaves, chopped (optional)

• Fertilizer, 5-10-10 which is Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium; use

organic if possible. 10-10-10 is a popular all-purpose fertilizer.

• Seed potatoes or potatoes that are starting to sprout.

Instructions

1. In the bottom of the bag, I put a good layer or leaves, about 6-inches

deep. The leaves will compress down as the potatoes grow.

We use the vacuum on our mower, so there is a good mixture of

chopped leaves to use. On top of the leaves sprinkle a LIGHT layer

of 5-10-10 fertilizer*.

2. Add a 6-inch layer of rich soil; add a LIGHT layer of 5-10-10 fertilizer; then add a 6-inch MIXURE of soil and leaves into the last layer.

3. Lay your "seed potatoes", eyes facing up, on top of the last layer.

Sprinkle with enough leaves to cover the seed potatoes, then with a

2 to 3-inch layer of soil. As the potatoes start growing, continue

adding 3-inch layers of a MIXTURE of the leaves and soil as the

potatoes peek through each layer until you reach the top of the

bag. I have planted potatoes this way for years and they are so

easy to harvest. And cleaner than when you use just soil.

*You can also use this same technique when planting in rows. Dig

trenches 8-inches deep, add a 3 to 4-inch layer of leaves, a LIGHT

sprinkle of fertilizer, 3 to 4-inches of soil with fertilizer mixed in, seed

potatoes, then a 3 to 4-inch MIXTURE of the leaves and soil; repeat

this as the potatoes peek through each layer until you have a about

a 6-inch mound on top of the row. Doing this will increase your yield.