In this Growing Fresh Food video, Master Gardener Jen Aron talks about how to grow and care for potatoes.
Potatoes are one of those vegetables that are so plentiful and easily found at the market, many don’t even consider growing it. But it is one of the easiest crops to grow and there are over 4,000 varieties to choose from. They like to be planted when it is still cool outside, and urban farmer Donna Smith says she always gets hers in around St. Patrick’s Day.
Depending upon variety, potatoes can be harvested 90-120 days after planting. Many kids find digging up potatoes a fun activity, almost like going on a treasure hunt! And there are as many different ways to cook them as there are varieties. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend the Twice Baked Irish Potatoes with Stout Onions and Kale.
Master Gardener Jen Aron Working in her Backyard
7 Comments
Great video! I was wondering if we could feature this on our Sustainable Traditions blogazine. We’ll provide a link back. Thanks!
-shalom!
Jason F
Sure, that would be fine, Jason. Glad you liked it!
Thanks Rebecca!
Wow,thanks for this! I’m a first time grower and I only vaguely remembered something about building up soil around the plants, had no idea what to do next! Thanks !
Same here, Ivy. I worked up the courage to try something new – and was happy to learn more from Jen. I can only imagine you’ll be coming up with some more yummy recipes!!
Thanks for this! I’m growing potatoes for the fist time … but in garbage cans in my backyard: http://yardtofork.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/garbage-can-potatoes/ So far it’s working great. Can’t wait to see what the harvest will be like later in the summer!
Great idea Amy! This reminds me a bit of the trench method – as the vegetation grows, you add more soil. I can imagine you’ll be harvesting a great bounty of potatoes – which will go well with the 1/4 cow you just stashed in your freezer!