I never realized how attractive potato seedling were!

**Kimberlina** · 06-06-2005, 11:47 AM

I have 8 potato seedlings right now (one more on the way, and I really thought I planted 10, but I can't seem to find the 10th.). I haven't planted any since I was a kid, and I barely remember doing it then.

I am so pleased with how the little plants look. They are so attractive. And they grow SO quickly. Loving them!

**jlxian** · 06-06-2005, 01:45 PM

Its very satisfying isn't it Kimberly? What a terrific hobby we all have!

**forestdale** · 06-06-2005, 04:24 PM

kimber, as lovely as they look, you should start mounding up soil or mulch over them as they grow tall. This will increase your potato yeald considerably.

**jlxian** · 06-06-2005, 05:00 PM

Thanks for this information, Rhonda. My dad always called this "Lay them by", and you were supposed to do it when they bloomed. But I guess if you start sooner, it would stand to reason it would make for a better crop. Thanks!

**forestdale** · 06-06-2005, 05:37 PM

Jean, the way I do it is to mound up the spuds and each time they grow through, I let them grow a little, then mound them up again. When they are as high as I want the mound to be, I let them grow and flower naturally.

I really like the term "lay them by". I've never heard of that before.

**Kimberlina** · 06-07-2005, 09:38 AM

Rhonda, I think I have to wait a little loner to mulch my potatoes- they are only about two inches tall. I have read they are supposed to be anywhere between 8" and 24" before you mulch them. Thoughts?

**forestdale** · 06-07-2005, 04:21 PM

You can do it either way, Kimber. This year my potatoes are quite tall and will be mulched this weekend. In previous years I've muclched as soon as they peeked through. You won't damage them, they just keep growing up through the soil or mulch and you keep mounding them up. Don't forget to spray on some diluted seaweed or organic fetilizer. Spray a weak solution all over the foliage every week but stop it when the flowers appear.

I'm experiementing this year with a separate set of potatoes in a wire cage. I've hear they grow really well and the yield is fantastic for the amount of space used. I'll get a picture of mine soon.

Here is a good site with pictures you might find interesting.
http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/ex...toplanting.php

**jlxian** · 06-08-2005, 11:45 AM

I've been reading on a homesteading site about growing potatoes in old tires and stacking them on top of each other as you pile on the mulch. Sounds intriguing -- a TOWER of potatoes! I'm guessing this would be similar to your wire cage method, Rhonda?