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Growing Potatoes

Submitted by themadgardener on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 13:37

I use a technique where I plant potatoes using a form of Lasagna Gardening where I place the potatoes down on the soil and then put a nice layer of hay on top of them. As the season progresses I "hill" with additional hay and/or grass clippings. This virtually eliminates the weeds and the amount of digging I have to do and as the hay/grass decays it adds nutrients to the soil. Also if you lay cardboard down first and then cut holes where you are putting the potatoes (so the roots can grow into the soil) you can further reduce the weed growth!

I use a three year rotation for potatoes across three gardens. In Year 1 I will plant potatoes in Garden #1, in Year 2 in Garden #2, and in Year 3 in Garden #3 and then I will start the cycle over again. This is to reduce the risk of disease and potato bugs. It also allows me to replenish the soil which helps increase my potatoes harvest. The photos included on this page are from three rows of potatoes approximately 30 feet in length!