Planting Potatoes in a Compost Pile
My husband has had 2 genius Garden ideas this year - I am sharing the first one with you today and the second one I will share with you on Thursday.
For years we have had a large compost area behind one of our grape arbors - this compost pile consists of leaves and grass clippings. Our kitchen scrap compost is in a compost bin. Compost is very important in building up a healthy soil but we always felt that this area behind the grape arbor was always wasted garden space. This year my husband thought - "why not plant potatoes in the compost heap" - genius!!
First you must prepare your seed Potatoes before planting (click on
"seed potatoes" to see how).
Plant each prepared seed potato about 4 inches deep and about 6 to 10 inches apart (see the pictures above and below). Cover these seed potatoes with compost (or dirt) and water - it will take about 2 weeks before the plants start peeking through the compost. You will need to add more compost throughout the summer.
NOTE: If you are planting in soil - then you will need to mound or plant them in hills/furrows - similar to Planting Sweet Potatoes.
We planted 3 rows with about 10 to 12 inches space in between each row (see picture below).
I'm not sure how big these potatoes will be at harvest time but so far the plants are thriving and I can honestly say that I have never grown such healthy looking potato plants before this year's crop.
ENJOY!!
Hello from Etsy blogging buddies! I'm so impressed by your potato plants! I tried to plant them in the past with very limited success... anyway, please follow back when you have a chance!
ReplyDeletehttp://beantownembroidery.blogspot.com/
Home grown potatoes hmmmm
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! The soft soil of the compost will probably make for very nice potatoes.
ReplyDeletea great idea! we planted our potatoes in plain old carolina clay. lol. stopped by from blogging buddies.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
-yankeeburrowcreations
I would love to grow my own, but in a townhouse that is just not possible. But your blog is interesting, so I will follow you from now.
ReplyDeletep.s. 'Hi' from Etsy
Hello- Good info! I have always wondered how to plant potatoes.. Am here to follow you back from my blog
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason I have little luck with russet potatoes, but boundless success with sweet potatoes. Your plants look great!
ReplyDeleteactually the potatoes turn the grass and leaves into rich black soil. I am top dressing all my beds with the compost from last year's potato planting. I have found, though the potatoes are smaller.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this idea! I' definitely try it next year!I have a smaller backyard garden with limited space, I use half garbage cans to grow my potatoes. I can provide more info if anyone is interested.
ReplyDelete