GARDEN IDEAS
Growing Potatoes
(from 'How to Grow Potatoes' - see below)
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Potatoes are so common in the western diet that we imagine they’ve been around forever. But although evidence suggests potatoes were used around 500BC, the potato had a bad reputation for many centuries and was thought by some cultures to be an evil vegetable.
The leaves, stems and fruits of the potato plant are poisonous so the reputation stuck for a while. Potatoes aren’t particularly attractive to look at either, But they are probably one of the most wholesome and practical vegetables we can grow for our families.
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Healthy Reasons
Potatoes are a valuable source of B vitamins, vitamin C, carbohydrate and minerals. Over the past couple of centuries, potato has been used as a medicinal food for various ailments, including digestive problems. It is also said to be a good cure for dry skin and sores: Mix grated raw potato with a little olive oil and apply to affected area.
Growing potatoes has always had a reputation of being back breaking work, BUT it doesn’t have to be like that!
These days, we have time-saving products available to grow potatoes in the simplest of containers and with absolutely no digging whatsoever!
I love these potato bags - found on Amazon (UK) but if you're not an Amazon fan, you should be able to find them in garden centres.
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A few potato bags in a small vegetable patch look good and are practical in a small space. Larger containers can make an attractive feature on the patio or balcony. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s growing recommendations that should be available with your container. Each product will have its own preferred way of being used, no doubt!
If you're growing potatoes in the traditional way, in trenches:
Prepare the land by digging and cleaning, and then create trenches about 6-8 inches (15-20cm) deep. Make sure the ground is well-drained. Trenches need to be at least 24inches (60cm) apart.
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Tried and Tested Tip: Lay comfrey leaves at the bottom of the trench and sprinkle a little soil back over them. Then plant your potatoes on top of this. The comfrey leaves help the plants take up nutrients from the soil (This works pretty much for all plants so if you have a supply of comfrey, use it!)
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Place one seed potato every 12inches (30cm) keeping strongest sprouts upwards where possible. Cover gently with soil. Use your hands if you can so you don’t damage the sprouts with a sharp tool. Then rake the soil back into the trench and water well. Keep weed-free and wait patiently! If the weather is particularly dry, make sure the soil gets water.
Plants will need 'earthing up' two or three times over the growing period. And they'll be ready to harvest when the plants start dying back.
Find out all about growing potatoes from seed to the dinner table in 'How to Grow Potatoes' available from lots of places - choose your shop here -