Potatoes

My husband and I always look forward to Spring and planting potatoes.​  Over the years we learned many things, such as when to put potatoes in, how to plant etc.  In this blog I will give you some insight on potatoes. 

Plant by St. Patrick's Day?
    We always try to plant by St. Patrick's Day but many times the garden isn't ready to be tilled or dealt with.  Having a day to aim for planting potatoes gives us the insight that winter is about over and we really will have Spring and planting time.  It is best however to plant in March as we get to reap the benefits of new potatoes when the first green beans are being picked.  

Which direction do you plant potatoes? 
After a few years of planting them differently we have learned it doesn't matter if you put the eyes up or down.  They all grow basically the same.  Sometimes it takes a little longer to see the leaves poke through but eventually they all will grow towards the light.  

How many potatoes per hill?
Growing up I was taught to plant 2 potatoes per hill, but again with years of trial and error this is not necessarily true.  However, I have found that the hills with two potatoes will produce a few more potatoes than the hills with one. 

Mulch or no mulch?
This is a big deal to me.  I have tons of oak trees in my yard and mulch them down every year, thus I believe in mulching.  We tried something different this year, instead of digging holes to make hills for potatoes, my husband dug a trench.  We put potatoes in the trench trying to space evenly then covered the trench with leaf mulch.  As the mulch compacts down we throw more mulch on top.  We used to use straw but straw is expensive and the leaves in our yard are free.  

When the potatoes are ready for harvest there is no digging to be done.  You simply reach down and pull up the potato plant and pick the potatoes from the vine.  This has made our life so easy.  Hope you will try this too.

Here is a recipe to try.
Green Beans with Mushrooms and Potatoes
4 tablespoon olive oil                                  1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 medium onion, diced                                3 medium potatoes, peeled, cut into strips
1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced                           1 -1/2 lbs. green beans, 1" pieces
1/4 teaspoon turmeric                                 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt as needed 

In a stockpot over medium heat, warm, the oil.  Add the cumin seeds and cook for 1 minute, then add onion and saute until light brown.  Add the potatoes, stir, and fry for 3 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and cook 1 minute longer.  Add the beans, spices and salt and stir to blend.  Add 1 cup of water and bring to boil.  Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.  Continue boiling to cook off nearly all of the liquid.  ​Makes 8 servings