Chit Chat
By Andrea Peck
This week I thought I would pay homage to my Irish roots by planting potatoes. Though potatoes originated in South America, it is the Irish who are known for their reliance on the homely tuber. One source described the potato as a miracle food for the Irish – significantly lowering infant mortality rates, feeding the poor, and increasing the health and vitality of the Irish. Apparently the potato was such a staple to some that the average Irish person ate at least 8 pounds of potatoes daily.
The potato is a peculiar vegetable. One is reminded of Mr. Potato Head and the clichéd moniker for lazy couch dwellers, “couch potato.” As a lowly vegetable, the potato rests like a lump underneath the soil, hiding from the sun that causes it to turn slightly green and accumulate noxious alkaloids that taste bitter and upset your intestinal tract.
Over the years I have made half-baked attempts at growing potatoes, but with two kids, three dogs and an embarrassing collection of animals, insects and indeterminate creatures overflowing our home, the potatoes seemed to disappear in the soil like remnants of a lost society. Overturning them during odd gardening moments can be likened to finding gold in an archaeological dig.
Undaunted by my past history, I began a new planning session that involved potatoes, containers and Pinterest. Did you know that you can grow heaps of potatoes in Dollar Store laundry baskets? A container makes irrigation and temperature regulation a lot easier. Harvesting is a breeze—simply tip the container over and let your dinner fall out.
After purchasing two small bags of seed potatoes from the local nursery, I set to work in my yard where I had placed 3 largish containers. My potatoes had begun (a handy word for many things if you ask me) which simply means they had sprouted. The potatoes were small, so I did not cut them, but many people cut their potatoes so that each piece contains one or two eyes. Eyes are where the potato chits. No joke.
Potatoes are stem tubers. What that means is that they grow along the stem, so when the stem grows, potatoes follow it up. But, hasten back to the green potato/light scenario. Potatoes that are exposed to light become green and inedible. To remedy this, it is necessary to “hill up” or add soil to the plant as it grows. Only about the top three inches of plant need be exposed. The rest can be covered. Some people use straw or other organic-type covering.
Potatoes do not like heavy clay soil. It makes sense that they grow best in loose, loamy soil that is rich in nutrients. They like a slightly acid environment, so add your coffee here and there. Don't over water, don't underwater. One produces rotty fungus, the other leads to raisin-like potatoes. Potato farmers who are successful are very mild-mannered, even people. This is of course not linked to science, but when it comes to their potatoes they water consistently otherwise their taters end up knobby, ruddy and they end up cranky. Not the best combo.
Make sure your container has adequate drainage; drill holes in the sides or bottom if necessary. Then put about three inches of soil mixed with compost in the bottom. Place your spud on the soil, chit side up, and then cover it with three more inches of the compost and soil mix. Some recommend using sandy soil or perlite to give your tubby tuber a pillow-like environment.
Potatoes are often planted on easily remembered days like St. Patrick's Day or Valentine's Day. This is because they do not like frost. Before I began my planting, I read that potatoes are generally planted in early spring after the threat of frost. But then I found that June, July and August are also considered a safe bet. Temperature is the key here; potato plants like at least 6 hours of sun, but do not thrive in temperatures over 70° Fahrenheit, nor do they grow in extreme cold.
Your potato plant will grow and grow and then it will turn yellow and die. This is good news; it means that your potatoes are ready for harvesting. I think it sounds fun to dump your tater booty onto a section of tarp and count and weigh your yield.
Or you could just eat them.