How to Prepare Potatoes for Planting

[@brotherbruns2989]

I’ve done it this way for years, and it works very well. Hint for those that don’t know, this works well when buying Idaho potatoes, wash and dry them when you get home, store them in a dark place until the eyes develop, and then follow this process. And a tip: plant with cabbage to increase the flavor and basil to combat bugs. 🙂

[@ourgeorgiasuburbanhomestea6309]

Does that work with any type of cabbage such as bok choi?

[@PopRocks_xo]

Thank you!

[@FaithbyNature2]

I have a question. What if I don't have those paper egg cartons? Is there a simple at home thing I could use? I have baking racks. Would that work n put on top of a greenhouse tray???

[@MaytrixBrake]

The basil is a great tip! I didn't know that it helped with insects, but I grew a massive amount one year, and would pick, crumple and scatter a bit around to deter some of the bunnies and other critters. The following year I was lazier and had to fight with the rabbits and deer more.

[@gsweets]

Yes, idaho potatoes are the best, but make sure they are disease free certified seed potatoes, and organic❤

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Finally got to do some actual gardening here in upstate New York, yesterday I put in a new asparagus bed. It’s all because of you.

[@SisterShirley]

Such a sweet comment ❤

[@katievaughn3695]

Perfect timing for this video. I’m in Illinois zone 5b and my potatoes are fullll of eyes. Still waiting in my sweet potato slips to start but getting excited to plant, russet, red and yellow Yukon gold! Will definitely be following along.

[@annieb7919]

@Katie Vaughn I have pictures (B&W, of course!) of me helping my dad plant potatoes in Dixon, IL over 80 years ago! Dad would have been 125 a week ago Saturday (3/18/23). Thanks for not asking MY age! I still plant potatoes in washer & dryer tubs in the middle of the U.S.A.

[@terrikenison5726]

Last year I bought my first seed potatoes. I didn't know I was supposed to cut them. I just put them in the ground. I got a really good yield from them!

[@MansterBear]

This is my first year and I bought seed potatoes. 1 thing I noticed is the seeds I have are all smaller than the cuts he was making anyway, most with 3-4 sprouts. I might just go with planting and no cutting as well.

[@donnavoga4207]

Perfect timing Luke, I was just looking at the sprouts of my potatoes last night. Now I know what needs to be done. Thank you!

[@diannemiller4754]

Thank you, Luke. I will do this I plan on planting potatoes this year.

[@jvin248]

The old farm method we used was to cut the potatoes like you are (generally quarters for the size you have there, smaller ones just in half) and lay them with cut side up for twenty-four hours and then plant eyes up. Pretty expensive to add sulfur or honey to twenty acres of potato plantings -- but probably useful for limited space/container gardening.

[@saramurillo-garcia2301]

Very helpful 🤗👆👆🤗 thank you for sharing this!😇

[@Im-just-Stardust]

I really like your channel, filled with information.

[@marshak1926]

I'm glad you put this video out. My potatoes have eyes and I didn't know what to do next. I'll be cutting them tonight. Thanks!

[@kellystiner1005]

I'm Irish - feels so natural to have potatoes as a regular in my garden. I also had the privilege to volunteer on a farm to plant potatoes for the local food cupboard (25 years). We had a certified Penn State Ag person there - we never had the time to let them scab over we just got 1100 lbs of seed potato, cut them to have the 3 eyes per cut, Add fertilizer to the area drop then in "trench" style every 4 inches, it is amazing how 1100 lbs turn into TONS of potatoes. Now I do this in my own garden and look for your videos to make sure I am not missing something new :) I may need to look up more about Sulfur, I think you had a video about the potatoes in a bag and adding extra sulfur . From my experience you are still very successful at potato growing and I believe they are very forgiving. Kudos to the video editing :)

[@jakehvazdamusic]

I was wondering if I had to let them scab over. Thanks for the insight. If you've not had problems in 25 years doing it that way, that's proven enough to me!!

[@ginnysulya9805]

Thanks Luke I have heard of chatting but not the honey step! Looking forward to a great harvest! 😊

[@annieb7919]

@Ginny Sulya Actually, Ginny, it chitting. (Chatting is what you do on the phone. Giggle!) Good luck with your gardening!

[@happydogdays2982]

I just bought some seed potatoes and then I was 🤔now what? Your videos are great.. I laughing told my husband “I’m going to be a farmer!” Thank you!

[@deeziemann5478]

I have planted potatoes for 14+ years but I never knew why some of my potatoes rotted when others didn't. I have never used anything to prevent bacterial growth, so I think I now have my answer. I am going to start using honey on all of my seed potatoes going forward. Thank you for amazing practical information to help even well seasoned gardeners improve their garden.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I'm growing potatoes on a large scale for the first time this year, & I'm soexcited! I didn't know that you could have "too much potato", I always thought that would just be more energy for the plant, so good to know!

[@ronalddavis5905]

Didn't know about the honey but I get powdered sulpher from amazon and I also put the sulpher in the hole or trench then put the potato on top of it then put my trifecta over that, I usually have great potatoes and way less scab.

[@heatherebel2955]

I'm am for the first time planting a garden this year so all your advice helps greatly as I am in western lower Michigan and I'm ready to be mostly self-sufficient I love being outdoors when the weather is not below freezing relieves a lot of stress and some exercise at the same time I also want to teach my 4yr.old grandson how to be a hard worker and receive something good from that hard work and then canning or storing the things we grew to eat over the winter months that are Healthy for us he really loves to help prepare meals that's so much for your time and effort going into these videos

[@allenrolfzen4131]

Luke, I love your videos and online store. I don't live in the same state, but I still buy from you. I think this will be a great activity for my daughter, who is on the ASD spectrum to help me with. I know I may be on or beyond the cusp of my growing season in 4b, but I will try it.❤

[@clucksnducklins]

Perfect timing. I'm dying to plant potatoes.. I love how everyone has to specify that it's chitting with a CH .. lol but hey some people may get the wrong idea... !!! Thank you😊

[@SisterShirley]

Christine, that would probably work in the soil😅

[@rawmean8989]

Great overview! Can we use the same approach with baby potatoes?

[@hollynelson543]

Luke, loved seeing you in that beautiful shop.

[@mommaoinnh2674]

Love your patience and your enthusiasm for something as simple as growing potatoes!❤

[@cindyreichard8634]

Perfect timing! My potatoes are ready to be cut and cured

[@TheSlickmelon]

You definitely added to my gardening knowledge. Thanks!

[@donnayoung5942]

Honey! I learned something new. 😊 And I learned to wait two weeks to cure….. and why cutting potatoes is better than putting it in the ground whole. I can’t wait to plant potatoes again. Great video! Thanks

[@lindahansen9395]

I would have never known to brush them with honey if I hadn’t subscribed and watched this video. This will be my first year planting potatoes Thanks for all your tips and advice.

[@luzm1039]

Thank you. Where do you keep the potatoes while they cure?

[@gsweets]

Usually, in a dark, cool place, make sure they have air flow, like he used. A cardboard egg carton or a cardboard box with holes.😊 store for 2 weeks as he said then plant as long as the soil is 45°+😊

[@luzm1039]

Thank you

[@nansfam8534]

Just bought potato grow bags. This video came at the perfect time! Looking forward to seeing you plant them!!! Thank you so very much! 🌱

[@NPC2_4_U]

I learned a bunch, Many thanks.

[@patricwagner7147]

I had no idea about using honey or anything else. I have just cut potato and placed in a sunny area to dry cut side to form a skin, seemed to work fine. I will try this as well. Had planted potatoes last year and didnt get the best size, but yield was plenty, ate lots, have a bunch that are perfect with eyes and I think I will get a better result this year

[@Laurelwoodfun]

Thanks for the great video! I am actually trying potatoes for the first time this year and I believe this is the most potato videos you have made in the small amount of time that you have which is great for me! I was wondering what do you do with the potatoes after your paint the honey on? Do you put them in a sunny place, dark place or does it matter where you put it?

[@annagray1928]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful.

[@michaelfowler3128]

As always, l learned something new, again! Thanks for helping me to be a better informed gardener, Luke❣️

[@XenobiaF]

Thanks for the info. Love the mural!

[@judycohen7265]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@roo9685]

Very informative. As far as the types of honey…is raw honey OK to use?

[@priscab7085]

Of course perfect timing- I am n the Pacific Northwest and bought seed potatoes to plant but didn’t know how to seal them when I cut them - thank you❤

[@kele1264]

Thanks Luke, great demonstration. Honey, what a good idea!

[@EnlightenedPatriot1]

I am just about to plant my 1st Earlies (in buckers) so this have been a very useful video for me. I am also trying to grow some sweet potatoes (a very different method being used for those) and I saw one online gardener covering the exposed cut face of the 'slips' with cement! Rather strange, I thought. I have never heard of applying honey in that way. but will certainly be trying that now. I am getting some 5 gall tubs especially for growing potatoes, but plan on using ordinary 3 gal buckets (with drain holes added) for these. Being smaller than, say, maincrop King Edward ones. I am hoping that with the smaller, cut, potato seeds with 2-3 eyes each, that 3 per bucket will not be too crowded and will crop well. Thank from the UK you for your helpful tips.

[@jeas4980]

Cement??? I wonder if it might have been hydrated lime?

[@susanfoster6449]

Same question as a few others, I would like to know under what conditions they should cure for the two week time period prior to planting! Light, dark, cool, humidity dome or not, etc. Thanks

[@craighalle7892]

Sounds great. I actually have small potatoes from last year's harvest that I intend to plant so to small to cut up. I also trimmed sprouts from a large potato and planted them in a small planter which I transplanted to a large pot and they grew. Got a small harvest even though I had to eat the rest of the potato. I was running out and had to use for dinner. So lucky me that it grew I guess. Thanks Luke. That honey use is such a sweet idea.

[@baldnproud]

thank you so much! I appreciate you trying to make everything so simple, thank you for not complicating everything, I mostly have planted celery and flowers shrubbery, now I have started a culinary herb garden, and some vegetable so I am so happy for you. I want to learn how to now plant potatoes container because I do not have a lot of them and I’m not going to pull up my flowers 🌺 because I need space, so now I’m using containers, if you have any information on how to grow butternut squash a Container please can you let me know ? I looked at other videos, but you make things so simple and straight to the point. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful week. 😍👩🏾‍🦲🥰

[@barbaraengle768]

Awesome,never knew it!

[@tracym4281]

Amazing video, as always! Now that I know how to get the po-ta-toes ready to plant...I need to know how many pieces to plant in the fabric pots that I'm planning to use as recommended in one of your other recent videos. I'm sure you're going to cover that in a video as you get to that point in the process, but, I'm trying to be ahead of the game!

[@brianbarker2670]

Informative video. One question I have; between chitting and planting in the garden do you keep them in the dark or light? And what temperature?

[@katvonb6113]

I might actually use my own seed potatoes this year! I've been needing a video like this. Thank you Luke, you've taught me everything I know!

[@FaithbyNature2]

I love your videos ❤️. You have helped so much. You are my favorite gardener. You explain stuff so well and for simple people l, like myself. If I don't have egg cartons please put some other options I could use. Thank you!

[@barefootgardens22]

I haven't seen this method before, but I'll give it a try! Last year I just let them dry out and I got a good harvest, but maybe this will give me more! I did buy a lot of potatoes from Menard's lol

[@lisascott9670]

Loved this. I learned from my mom but she never put the honey on her potato. We have always just cut them and let them dry a couple of days then in the garden they go. I live by a lake area so my soil is sandy and I rarely have a rotting problem. Just remembering to water every day almost 😕

[@brianschindler1511]

Hey Luke, thinking about starting a community garden do you have any advice or helpful tips maybe even a video

[@roelven1282]

i just sorted my last years potatoes and kept 3-5 cm ones for this years chitting, that way i dont need to cut them ..... perfect size. also in the Netherlands if you buy seeds ... there usually between 2.5 -3.5 or 3.0-4.5 already put arround 50 early and 35 mid early in the ground at the beginning of this month and already 75% broke through the surface.... when those are ready to harvest in a few months i already have a new batch waiting to chit. (yeah yeah ... as amateur its alot of potatoes this year ...lol ... .but the local foodbank will get alot from us, so other can benefit as well)

[@hmmm..2733]

I chitted some smaller potatoes. I did not cut them, and left only 2 chits to grow per potato. Was told anything more than 2 would be too many. We’ll see how they do. The honey was new information. Thank you!!

[@pamelaslaughter6243]

Thanks for the video it was very informative and helpful.

[@longdogt6724]

Excellent lesson! I am going to do this with my own seed potatoes.

[@jacquiesuper2200]

Thank you for the tip of honey. No one has ever said that!!

[@melodymartin4503]

Thank you for the information! Just getting ready to divide potatoes here in Colorado!

[@freeinflipflops7475]

Thank you for the great tip 👍

[@terrifrederick90]

I had literally just put my seed potatoes in the ground the day before watching this video, and I now realize I did it all wrong (planted whole potato). I dug them up - since it had only been such a short time - with the intention of cutting them and then giving then replanting after following this process. But, there were already roots growing. Is it worth trying to save these or did I screw it up totally by pulling out of the ground and I should just cut my losses and start over with new seed potatoes? Obviously, I'm a newb and trying to learn! Thanks so much for all of your videos Luke!

[@AmberGates]

I put our potatoes from last year into storage for planting this year. The eyes are about 4"-6" long. Is that going to hurt my harvest yield?

[@SisterShirley]

I am wondering that too Someone please please please answer 🙄

[@deborah2768]

Check out the Rusted Gardener. He has a video on potatoes and getting them ready also.

[@martinagirdham8206]

I've never heard of this before. I usually just plant the whole potato. Will try this this year

[@jon2849]

Haha me too. I've always just put the whole tater in the soil.

[@heatherrios6125]

Thank you. There is so much info on preparing potatoes I just felt froze and not sure where to start. After you put the honey on where is a good place to store them? I'm worried the ants will find them. We don't have a basement and live in TN. Thank you!

[@ccpun3790]

Hi, Can I use ash collected from wood fire instead of honey?

[@shirleyfroese6577]

Thank you for sharing this with me

[@karenternullo1541]

Great video, but where do I put the egg cartons while waiting for the potatoes to scab over? Leave them on the counter? In this heat wave, our kitchen is often 85+ degrees and humid. Should I store the egg cartons in the refrigerator? Maybe the basement, it's cooler than the kitchen, but not as cool as the refrigerator? Thank you for any advice on storage until they scab over.

[@debbiegauvain8539]

Wow! Thank you so much for explaining this. I have just cut up potatoes Willy nilly, didn’t cure, just dumped soil on them. I usually grow in “potato boxes”! Similar to grow bag but build a box around as the plant grows. We’ve had moderate success but not great. Is it because I used boxes rather than in ground or because I didn’t cure? Thanks!

[@amitamodzelewski3425]

I didn't know how to do this thank you for sharing 😊

[@wayneha1]

Thank you!! Great content!

[@jeanpaeth7424]

Hey Luke..I have potatoes from last harvest that has real long roots coming out....do I just cut the roots and plant?

[@SisterShirley]

I am wondering the same.

[@mommamoore]

I didn't know you could do this with honey. we usually use powdered sulfur. good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@SisterShirley]

Larissa Moore, I'm newish to the Garden Game. Where would I buy powdered sulfur? I don't recall seeing it around. But then, I wasn't looking for it. Ha! 🤓

[@deborah2768]

​@Sister Shirley probably Amazon or any garden dept.

[@SisterShirley]

@@deborah2768 Thank you Deborah. I will check my local garden center first. BTW, I love the spelling of your name. So timeless and classy.

[@deborah2768]

@@SisterShirley thank you. 😊

[@mommamoore]

@@SisterShirley I ordered mine from amazon. it wasn't too expensive. previously i had just gotten it from a family member who had some on hand.

[@jeas4980]

I have a question! My first round are already in the ground. I'm trying for a double crop of potatoes this year (benefits of 196 planting days). Should I put my seed potatoes for my late harvest in the refrigerator for a few weeks before chitting them?

[@mml0082]

After honey do you put them back eyes up or down!

[@gerretw]

I am running late on planting. Could I bypass the scabbing by dripping ot wax on the cut portion, and then plant them?

[@dalegaa4094]

So much new information. Thanks.

[@YaxisX]

I need to know when I should take my store-bought seed potatoes out of their winter cool, dry, dark storage. I need to know what I should do to get my potatoes to sprout?

[@StubbsMillingCo.]

I’ll have to try that with my fall planting… I’ve known honey is antibacterial but I never thought to apply it to my potato slits😅 I wonder what it can help in other plants? Diseases and such.

[@samanthaalbarado5270]

So while the potatoes are curing in the egg cartons, do you leave the lid open or closed? I couldn't find that in the video if you mentioned it or not

[@bridgettboswell2766]

Great info

[@NPC2_4_U]

That is some good looking chit!

[@SisterShirley]

Chitty Chitty Bang B🛺

[@RestorationAcresTN]

Luke, I cut my potatoes on Saturday morning. I was going to plant them tomorrow. Is it too late to paint them with honey? Do I even need to at this point? I had thought they only needed to scab over for a couple days.

[@SisterShirley]

Yes, that is what I've been taught. WWAD? (what would Amish do?)

[@draculasdaughter36]

Great content Luke! Can you advise what is a good plant to grow beside potatoes?

[@717Alfred]

Luke, for how long are the chitted potatoes still okay to plant? I found a bunch of chitted potatoes that were left behind and have been sitting in my basement for about two months.

[@fairgolfer]

Good morning Luke. You and your channel/ business have come so far.....I think it's time for a new intro tune 🎷🎶 keep up the good work ☀️🌱👍

[@mcbru102]

I didn't know about brushing honey on the outside of the potato. I plan to do this. I'm wondering when to plant my cured potato seeds here in 6B zone (Idaho). Thanks.

[@ashAley322]

Love this and love your channel! Also, I really like your hoodie, where did you get it?

[@jimfrench1746]

Love this tutorial!

[@mpedals]

We do this also , and use the middle for dinner

[@melindaroth5796]

OH HECK YEAH LUKE, JUST IN TIME. FATHER GOD BLESS YOU LUKE AND YOUR FAMILY IN JESUS NAME 🙏 ❤ 🙌

[@debmurphy7264]

QUESTION: What environment should they be stored in during curing? Dark, Light, Cool, Warm? Thank you.

[@rosedowling3690]

Great video n just in time I want to grow them but I have no choice right now but to grow in containers for my Grandchildren, cant wait to see them digging for gold :)

[@kristigull]

This is awesome! Would it work for sweet potatoes too?

[@araceliadams34]

QUESTION ❓❓ Luke last year I planted store bought Russet Potatoes that I had set aside to grow eyes. After planting and weeding and watering. My potatoes came out tough and thick skinned. What did I do or not do. I bought plenty of compose garden dirt and cow manure to add to my garden. Thank You

[@maggiejohnson4056]

Oh my gosh! My son is always sending me that Gollum clip! Hilarious!!

[@1TruckerGreg]

Learnt something new

[@helenp.6695]

Luke- I too live in Michigan. This is the first year I am going to try to grow potatoes (in containers). Couple of questions. 1. I have seed potatoes, do you cut the also like you did in this video? I watched your video on growing potatoes in containers you did years ago and you did not mention cutting you seed potatoes. 2. Can I plant my seed potatoes now in containers? If they can't be outside yet, I do have grow lights. Thank you in advance. I love all your videos

[@kellycal124]

I have the same questions!! 👍🏻

[@naiemajackson5174]

Okay Luke you've brought in the LOTR memes and now I know you are my people! 😅

[@lenschwer6907]

It has been too wet (California) to plant my mail order seed potatoes. The "eyes" have sprouted long growth and the body of the spuds are starting to shrivel. Should I plant these when I can or buy need seed potatoes?

[@queensgarden55]

Thanks

[@cbak1819]

I like the new ending Better then the old one.. Grow Big;) 👍🏾

[@lauragillespie189]

Can you use vinegar for a honey replacement?

[@terryhaavaldsrud6403]

Should the honey be raw or pasteurized, or does it not matter?

[@Zeropatience1]

I put my potatoes on an egg cartoon and put a flour sack on top of them (in a dark cool room in my house with the heat vent closed off) about a month ago and all of them have nice formed eyes and are ready to plant.