Our EXPERIMENT Worked! Getting Serious about Growing Potatoes.

This year we decided to get more serious about growing potatoes. We tried a few different ways and they were all successful! How many pounds will we end up with?
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[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE ADVICE: In the past we have left our potatoes in the ground until the plants completely died back and when we dug them they had so much bug damage. This year we dug them when the plants started to turn yellow, after they flowered. Kennebec potatoes are 80-100 days and we dug them at 95. There was not much bug damage this year at all. We are just trying to do the best we can and not let the bugs get our harvest.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Bugs are our nemesis!!

[@serobinson1]

Smaller harvest is better then none

[@evahendley2296]

You Can plant some new. There are time for a second round.

[@lindawatson1779]

Good thinking 99!!!!

[@johnnieyelton8803]

I agree follow the directions for sure to get the best results. Love your videos. Take care and God bless. Much love from South Carolina.

[@kathylewis9147]

Thank you. I am a 75 year old widow. I wanted to thank. You for life that you share it helps with the loneliness of being shut off from everything because of civic 19. You are a blessing

[@cindychurch925]

Awww. I know what you mean. They are like the family and friends all of us would LOVE to have

[@juliejames917]

I hope you’re doing well. One year later.

[@melissaohlrich2418]

Its a year later, but I hope you are healthy and well, Ms. Kathy.

[@iowalady1]

Dears, I’m 73 and I’ve been doing this for years. You don’t need another bed, just don’t take them out until the vines die back. You’ll get more and much bigger potatoes. Good luck next year. P.S. Always add bone meal and manure will help greatly. I always mulch well with compost and straw to cover.

[@davidpost6444]

I was going to suggest the same thing! Figured I would read other comments first. If the plants don’t die back the potatoes don’t reach full maturity. This will also make curing and over winter storage easier since the weather will have cooled as well.

[@strykerdawn1]

I wish I had an experienced 73yo friend to talk to! Thanks for commenting.

[@JamesJones-tx4wy]

Chicken manure is very good I add peat mose with mine plus the bone meal , this year my potatoes are 25 gallon nursery containers

[@JamesJones-tx4wy]

And my father taught me to wait for the vines to die potatoes would be still be making til then

[@33married]

I was thinking he pulled them out to early. He should've waited!! Definitely could've gotten more if they'd waited.

[@patriciagossett5598]

I wish I had more sense when I was young and chosen to homestead. What a beautiful life your family has. You are blessed with love.

[@mr.zardoz3344]

You have sense now because you're watching this channel 👍. Its never to late to learn and get your hands dirty 😀

[@paulettemayfield8171]

Just get to planting! You won't regret it!!

[@eleanorwatkins3022]

@@paulettemayfield8171 thanks

[@davidg813]

I totally agree.

[@terrylyle8302]

Boy, do I agree. I'm almost 63 and I would love to go back 20-25 years. I watched my grandparents garden on my summer vacation. My parents didn't want to do that on the city. I really feel I missef out on all that knowledge.

[@marypheanis9165]

Dont forget to save seed potatoes Part of being economical is saving your own seeds God BLESS yall Looking great after surgery GOOD GIRL

[@LizZorab]

If you cover the potato stalks as they grow and keep on mounding up straw, compost or even grass clippings you will exclude the light and get loads more potatoes from each plant. They really do respond better if you mound up around each plant.

[@juneshannon8074]

Liz Zorab - Byther Farm hi from Adelaide hills. Grow as much as you can fellow Aussie, even if you give some away.

[@sherirae]

Too true. Great advice Liz

[@barrymoore4977]

and also let the plants dye off before harvesting

[@dianekilbourne5734]

Liz Zorab - Byther Farm I think that only works if they are indeterminate potatoes.

[@gaildavies3574]

hi there liz i watch your channel, and really enjoy it

[@georgeearls3338]

Growing up my dad planted a garden every year. As a result we never had the same thing for supper two nights in a row. One night we had beans and taters, the next we had taters and beans, lol. I still like them.

[@barbaradumler6503]

@@paulreid7370 :)

[@sassiesmom]

To George...you are so funny...what you said about ... beans and taters, was what my mother used to say when I grew up in Kentucky as a child. We would ask ...what’s for dinner each night, and she would say the same .....tonight we gonna have beans and taters, and next night taters and beans. You brought me back some happy memories. 👍🏻👍🏻🤗🤗🥔🥔🥔🥔🍜🍜🍜;

[@joanies6778]

Sounds like my neighbor, only he doesn't grow them anymore. He just doesn't like anything else.

[@georgeearls3338]

@@sassiesmom I think a lot of us got our raising that way. It didn't do us any harm either. I'm plum tickled that it gave you some happiness and memories.

[@kiki29073]

Soumds like my dad geowing up in Oklahoma in the '30s. His dad grew potatoes, beans and raised 3000 chickens one year. KHe said they eat chicken, beans and taters every meal for a long time.

[@rlittlehomestead6397]

Digging up potatoes is literally my favorite part of the harvest!!!! it's like a treasure hunt!!!!

[@danielleterry180]

Our Little Homestead I love rolling my containers over and lifting up then getting my hands dirty digging for tatters lol

[@mickeypadgett7078]

Don’t dig potatoes until the vines above ground die. They will keep producing and get bigger until the vines die

[@millennialwoman4680]

Heat will stop tuber growth and there is a limit to number of stolens that a plant will develop.. it's not quite so cut and dry.

[@tarnsand440]

They also need to be in deeper soil. I would recommend raising the bed another 18 inches to have abundance.of spuds.

[@margaretkerns4979]

I love digging potatoes it’s like a treasure hunt

[@mother2midwife]

I love that you are so open to showing failures along with your successes, because we all learn! So informational!

[@karenlemley8656]

There's nothing better than fresh creamed small potatoes with peas in them. OMGosh they are sooo good!!!

[@dianawinter3777]

Well, I'm from Idaho, potato country. Usually you wait until the plants die back.

[@sharonnalder3428]

I am from Idaho also. I am trying something new this year I mounded my potatoes first about 8 to 10 inch mounds planted half way down. By pulling soil from the side's of the row it made the coragates to water them thus far no potatoes growing up through the surface. I have pulled some to see what type of growth I am getting and I am amazed at the size they are. Most of the ones I have pulled are the size of my palm of my hand these are red potatoes. I will be doing this way next year with my golds and russet potatoes. I planted my seed 4 inches a part rows are 20 feet long. I will have enough potato for the winter. They are sooooo good.

[@beckysmuck8771]

My neighbors grow fields of russet potatoes here in Idaho. Big spud cellar. I trade eggs and goat milk for potatoes from them.

[@Driftinbarbob]

Also from Idaho!!

[@MrBill0523]

Agree ~ Wait til tops die back, you'll have a better harvest ~ God Bless

[@Krayon08]

I’ve grown potatoes in California and Canada. We always planted them in deep soil like 15” or so. We’ve always gotten big yields that have been large and plentiful.

[@robynmize4713]

A potato... fresh out of the ground is soooo light and fluffy and amazing.

[@ronsmith6233]

I agree with others. We also grow Kenabeck. Wait till tops turn brown and your potatoes will be two to three times larger, and lots more. Potato also like to be hilled or covered with hay or straw. Don't give up on Kenabeck, thin skin and buttery, creamy taste, love them.

[@kenandree7102]

When to Harvest Potatoes: For mature potatoes, wait 2 to 3 weeks after the plant's foliage has died back. The tops of the plants need to have completely died before you begin harvesting. Cut browning foliage to the ground and wait 10 to 14 days before harvesting to allow the potatoes to develop a thick enough skin.

[@michaelwest9311]

Sun = Energy = Growth = Food Well Done!

[@gerryfelted7101]

I planted my potatoes in old HAY that I made into a 40 foot bed and left over the winter. Then in the spring I planted whole potatoes and the plants grew 4 ft tall! Great harvest some potatoes were larger than my hand. I will always grow potatoes this way! Purple and gold ones!!

[@cgc1581]

Do you plant potatoes from the grocery store, or special ones?

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

Those beds will produce what you need. The main issue you had was a nutrition problem. Potatoes are very heavy feeders. Load the beds with fertilize and then plant under the plastic and I think you will be impressed.

[@laurachastain7116]

What fertilizer?

[@0813christina]

10 10 10 fertilizer

[@clt1441]

you could even do 19-19-19 or any of them in between 10% through 19%

[@sunny45488]

Nitrogen and Phosphorus support the foliage and root system Potassium feeds the tubers.

[@JohnVBenson]

potassium

[@redcolley6486]

In my opinion it’s too early to dig them. But you can grow a second crop. You still have time!!!

[@analarson2920]

Agreed, they have to for back, was s not early.

[@MommaOG]

Well you no what they say about opinions.

[@roberttombrella6764]

Leave in too long in Missouri and bugs eat them

[@imablank9701]

I was wondering. I'm doing taters in my pots and grow bags and everyone's said wait til they flower or they are bitter or not good in someway. Im not in MO. So maybe it's good timing for them? Idk.

[@sandiekaye5241]

Thank you. That was my next question.

[@kerryl4031]

I love harvesting potatoes - it's like finding buried treasure! Enjoyable video thank you.

[@pattidalrymple3055]

I loved watching Kevin dig those potatoes. He was like a giddy little kid😁 It is SO satisfying when our hard work pays off!

[@bjarnehansen5946]

In Denmark potatoes are harvestet in september/oktober when the green top of the plant is not growing. Should give 20 potatos in one plant. Love to You from Denmark

[@Hippabellita1]

Same in Germany and Switzerland ... I would have cried having so few potatoes on the stems like in the video ;-))) But we use - like many in the other comments mentioned - to hill our potatoe plants - this way the potatoes add additional layers along the "branches" and you have a much longer potatoe "chain". So, if Sarah and Kevin add this technique to their potatoe beds, they will outreach their potatoe goals.

[@willieclark2256]

Same here in America too... Florida to California

[@banrircardot]

And West Virginia

[@dianafertig2188]

I am thinking a deeper raised bed would be the equivalent of a mound.

[@donna9384]

Kennebec potatoes are determinate. I have planted them as well. And I am in Missouri. They do not grow up the stem like indeterminate potatoes. They only produce at the root on the bottom. So even though I rehill all my potatoes it doesn't make a difference with determinate verities. Like determinate tomatoes, determinate potatoes set a certain amount at once and are done. And I left mine in the ground until they were completely dead. Only because I just didnt have time to dig them and still get the same amount as they did.

[@michael7423]

I love the joy in your voice when you uncovered the big taters Kevin!

[@chrisbronson5341]

It is great to watch this glorious enthusiasm of Trial and error that is so Green at times and the community of comments Rallying to help....like the rest of the herd going back to lend support one of their own in distress . It is great to be apart of this community.....

[@mrs.dirtdauber5384]

Honestly, once the plant starts turning yellow, your potatoes are as big as they’re going to get. So I did the same thing this year and also had way less insect damage. We have a long growing season so I will be planting a fall crop as well. Overall, a really nice haul of potatoes. Good job guys!

[@paulkazjack]

Can potatoes thatt have just heen harvested be used as seed potatoes and planted for fall potatoes? Thanks.

[@rainlyte2003]

The cool thing about gardening is that it is a learning process and no one has the exact same growing conditions. I'm in agreement with the others as to having harvested too early but you do have a nice supply. Country Blessings from another Missourian!

[@anitahouse3600]

So glad to see you are being smart. it is so tempting to 'help' and ends up delaying your recovery. yes, voice of experience. 🤣👍

[@wrefordjones4021]

Hello Kevin ans Sarah, you mentioned the variety "Kennebec" potatoes, it reminds me that I worked for a company that imported seed potatoes for re sale to farmers. We imported Kennebec, Green mountain and Sebago potatoes from Canada in 125lb crates. We also imported " Up to date "variety and" King George"from England, Susanna variety from Germany. So it is refreshing to know that the are still grown in Missouri. I am in South Africa.

[@debbieparnell2936]

When you put them in the seller, you lime them. That's how we do it, in Missouri. Been done like that for many years.

[@macatcas]

My grandparents stored root vegetables in their basement in boxes of sand for months, all through fall and winter and into spring and those veggies stayed fresh. The sand controls the moisture levels. Maybe you could try it!

[@shishkebab5306]

Here in UK we don't harvest until tops have died right off, and others we leave until October (weather permitting) before pulling.

[@paulagardner3218]

I'm always amazed at how different gardening is in different parts of the country. In western Washington, we basically just show seed potatoes the dirt and they grow with no further actions on our part.

[@45Colleen1]

That is an awesome crop of potatoes. Thank you for showing us your harvest. God bless!

[@barbaraanderson4175]

When I gardened my Kenabecs were huge! You need to mound those plants

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

@soaringtractor There are MANY OMRI approved fertilizers on the market. I agree, I would not be productive if I quit eating, what makes plants any different. Even just amending the soil with Blood Meal, (plant/foliage growth) and Bone Meal, (phosphorous, Root growth) both "Organic" would go a long way toward better production. I still applaud them for trying what they did achieve and being happy with the results. I DON'T disagree with trying to grow as Organically as possible, I DO however disagree with the whole Organic Certification process and guidelines. It's onward and upward for Sarah and Kevin from this years success. They'll live and learn as we all should.

[@tonyapedraza180]

That's what I call adult Easter egg hunting!!😁💕

[@heather8607]

We live in south eastern Ontario and have found that planting at beginning of July prevents potato bug infestation, and then when they are ready to harvest it's cooler and they don't have to store as long. There seems to be a wide variety of opinions on planting and harvesting potatoes!! Congratulations on your harvest and more importantly, on everything you learned along the way!

[@peggybowe5556]

I always loved digging potatoes. It's like looking for treasures!

[@renea.s5221]

I had to pause the video just to say, I love that shirt with the “quote” 😆😆😆 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂 you two are such a breath of fresh air and I hope you know how much your videos help so many of us to escape for a few minutes as well as to learn from you as well. You are so very much appreciated! Thank you!

[@KingofalLlambofGod]

That is a great harvest. I sure enjoy your channel, you kids are such hard workers and never stop working to find better ways of doing things.

[@robotnik77]

The rooster gives his approval of the potatoes in the in-ground bed !!

[@mtnblubird4304]

I just love you guys! And I love that you let us learn right along with you. I’m always cheering for you! God Bless You!💕

[@brianeisenga882]

Just like beans you can never have enough potatoes. My family planted extra everything this year do to circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully we all have enough for winter. Awesome looking taters. 🍟

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Good plan Brian, I did too, but, better be prepared to have/learn new storage skills. Kennebec's as example, average fresh storage is 5 months. So you harvest 300 lbs, instead of 150 lbs. Harvested in July, you are still be out of potatoes in December. Even if you have plenty left. Just a thought. Good luck.

[@rustyvt4470]

If you can do it, waiting until the tops die will add size and improve toughness for storage, but blight can be a challenge. Enjoy the harvest!

[@nahnisjourney1406]

I planted sweet potatoes in huge black pots, kept them nourished and in full sun. They did really good and produced large potatoes. In the pots, they had good depth. I put straw on top of them. They had lots of vines. When the vines all dried up and died, I turned the pots upside down on a tarp. It was like treasure hunting! My husband and I had a wonderful time digging out the potatoes. Best wishes!

[@hickoryhillinthebigwoods-r759]

What a blessing! I have two rows of potatoes which isn't near what we need as a family of 7. My plants are still in the ground, but half dead and leaning. I dug up two plants today and was quite pleased. One plant was in the end that is majority shade and there were just a few small ones. the other plant was full sun and had several potatoes at bigger size. After Six years of no luck with potatoes, I am thankful for His blessing this year.

[@kayfr3841]

You are digging what we call "new" potatoes, the young early ones that are good for a meal. Here in southern IN, we don't harvest as early as you are doing today. All the books I read, and what we have always done is to wait till the tops of the plants are dropping and going brown. That yields the more mature potatoes which will be bigger.

[@jennifert2469]

Kay Fr could they still plant another crop right now and wait longer next time? Or will that be too late

[@kayfr3841]

@@jennifert2469 hi, Jennifer. Yes, they could plant again, but might have to harvest early. They could still get a harvest, but might be smaller if the weather turns really wet and cold early.

[@glennienewton6201]

Love watching your adventures. It seems you picked the potatoes too soon. The plant has to die off, leave it a few more days, then harvest. Also potatoes grow really well in big containers with a lot less work. I learnt a massive amount from Hollis & Nancy Homestead about gardening (KZbin), if you can get it.

[@stephaniebush6526]

Hollis goes in depth about the plant itself. He is very informative. Worth looking up. I love your channel. We started a year and a half ago on our homestead and have the same goals. I think we live pretty close to you all as well. Thanks for all you do. Get well soon.

[@grammyb5216]

I am so thankful to find y’all. Y’all are sort of living my dream as well. I’m blessed to be able to watch, learn, cheer you on and say a prayer for y’all each time... God bless your family.

[@duanetaylor9599]

Loved watching your experiment. Good to see Sarah is recovering....missed your videos. Thankful God helps doctors and nurses as they help us. Another Missourian.

[@patriciasummers8881]

I’m so proud of y’all! I live to do growing experiments. You can bet the old timers did a lot of that as they moved west and encountered new growing conditions. Ninety pounds of potatoes is enough to deal with at one time. Why don’t you amend the areas and replant the smallest potatoes and see what you get by Fall. Might make up the different you mentioned. I wish y’all the best! Good job!!

[@leahtucker1146]

I don't think the new potatoes will sprout till next season !

[@harkless8231]

Well, I can understand why you harvested early if you dont wont to feed the bug population! Awesome job as always, well done! --Shirley

[@Nancycraft22]

I love digging up potatoes. Its like digging for treasure!

[@claires9100]

Glad you are taking care of yourself and letting your sweet husband do the digging. Had a hysterctomy too. It is hard to resist movement.

[@jeanrichards8042]

I love that you were able to get a good harvest this year as opposed to previous years. Keep experimenting and you will hit your goal. You've inspired me to plant potatoes, even though it's late in the season. Because of your experience I know I can still get a harvest this year. Thanks so much for sharing and I look forward to your future experiments!

[@simplynikkinicole]

Hey guys, so glad to see you, especially Sarah. I've been growing Kennebec potatoes for a few years here in Kentucky. Some will say mound them etc. Kennebec is a determinate potato so if you plant them deep enough in a raised bed or container they do just fine. What I do with mine is make sure to fertilize the area first, plant the seed potatoes (I never cut mine up), sprinkle a little more fertilizer, cover with dirt, water, and then water when needed which starting out is about every few days until the heat kicks in. I think with your first bed you all probably dug those up to soon. The plants needed to die off as well as sun probably played a part. However, gardening is such a learning experience and what does great one year can be a no go the next! Enjoy your fresh potatoes!

[@preparedbrad5736]

Going from many discouraging years to producing half of your annual consumption is a HUGE leap!!! You learned a lot to be even better next year. That is how success works. Really happy and proud for you!

[@bobwilliams5506]

The wife and I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.

[@crissymurray6176]

Hello from Australia.Recovery is hard when u r used to doing things certain ways...hey, i was a potato picker when i was younger and i dont know if its different over here or the different potatoes but we leave our potatoes in the ground til the whole plant is nearly dead.. i think what the videos shows the colour ok.. that yrs was still so green and i think if thats being the case, in my experiences with the farmer i used to pick for they wait til the plants looked brown and nearly dead plants coz u had alot of babies on those plants and they looked so good still and i think u could of gotton nearly double what u got in this video... so food for thought maybe something u might wanta test out... love u guys love yr family structure, the love and respect u have with each other. Yr videos are so educational and so cool too.. and i hope the next generation sees this is the future.. thanks guys..

[@naomidunbar719]

I remember being sent out to the garden with a small container about 1/3 full of soapy water and picking off potato beetles and the larva. I really hated that job.

[@moles10.vs.turtles0]

I'm a landscaper and I bring home all the grass clippings and any leaves or weeds I get from my clients. We layer all this i a raised bed and plant our potatoes, yams and zucchini in it, This year has been our best so far, Our plants our over growing the beds tey are in. Makes for some really good soil for next year as well.

[@conniejordan4643]

When we grow Potatoes we always wait until they are died tops. Great job.

[@catchmeifyouvan7754]

You might have better luck hilling the potatoes with straw to give the roots a chance to come up above ground and spread the tubers out.

[@SSKnerrTN]

Like others have said, wait until the plants start to die back before harvesting. I live in the Memphis area and our cool spring slowed all our plant growth. When the potatoes bloom the potatoes are actually starting to set, then they just continue to grow until the plant stalks die off. Your first bed of potatoes may have had some difficulty due to not enough sun but all would have been even bigger if you waited a little longer. But the beauty of potatoes...you still have a good harvest for your family!! Love your channel; glad to see you're taking it easy, Sarah. It's easy to see you are itching to get in there and work. Keep up the great work.

[@jemmiestone5731]

Now you guys know how the potatoes grow best. It was a great harvest. Next year will be even better, is what my Step Daddy used to say. And it usually was better because he took what he learned from the year before and used it. I love watching you all. Stay healthy and safe. God Bless Y'all.

[@hairdesignerbg]

My grandfather planted his potato 🥔 and garlic together. He had potato's all year mostly

[@hairdesignerbg]

He did the garlic to keep bugs away. And under his grapes.

[@joescott3393]

There is still time to plant a late crop of potatoes. I always plant 2 crops of potatoes and we are away up in Manitoba, Canada. God Bless Joe

[@foxglove8836]

To early to dig up :-( Cover them up, like the old farmers used to. It works. When my pots are ready, i always put second crop in.

[@barhall34]

I was thinking the same thing, and they should be able to do a second planting

[@mariemorrison1244]

Yes, I think they look like early potatoes.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@M. Faith if you plant small fingerling type potatoes you might get a few this far north. I'm in mi and have planted in early July but they were mini little creamer potatoes I did get some by late Sept. Hope this helps.

[@markkristynichols845]

So do you plant another crop in same holes as just dug? And @ Emerald witch- I’m in MO but heading to MI next week to see big sis WHO took me to see WICKED years ago! Was just talking about it last night so your name stuck out to me! Kristy in West Plains 😃 MO

[@cityfoodiefarm]

M. Faith you could try it! For some fall potatoes. I’m in MN too!

[@johnndavis7647]

That raised bed will be better next year as the mulch continues to break down.

[@sjohnschafer]

I have fond memories of potato harvest with my farmer grandparents way back in the 1960’s. They planted a large field of potatoes and when harvesting, they turned over the rows with a plow. Then, we would all go through the field and pick the potatoes out of the loosened soil. As children, we played in the turned soil more than anything, making “frog houses” by packing soil over our feet, then pulling out feet out, leaving a little cave. It was always a carefree time and always exciting to find the potatoes hidden under the loose soil. 😊

[@spitfire-1]

Those 'taters need food! We grow Kennebec's in Virginia (hot, humid, lots of bugs) and in 2019 got 500 pounds per 250 linear feet of in-ground rows arranged as 5 rows of 50' in full Sun. We plant cut pieces every 6 inches with about half a teaspoon of Gurney's Potato Food (organic 3-4-3 fertilizer) under each piece. When we fertilize the yield literally doubles. We've tried mounding dirt up as the plants grow but didn't get enough extra yield to warrant the effort. Drip irrigation has also helped with overall plant health, bigger spuds and higher yields. Our Kennebec tops are typically 18" in diameter and height; yours looked like ours at the "new" potato stage. If you're having bug problems, I'd try digging a plant every few days to check, the goal being to leave the spuds in the ground as long as you can before they get attacked. Also, I think you're smart to be concerned about food security, we're not done with Covid yet as we'll all see in the Fall and early Winter. Keep growing!

[@kellyestes5482]

Put in a second crop now. Bugs shouldn’t be as bad in the fall. Feed heavier and harvest later. Schools start later in Northern Maine because of potato harvests. Love your channel.

[@shawnandrews1567]

We live in central Alberta Canada we had four rows of potatoes two red which were Pontiac and two russets the rows were 25 feet long and we yielded about a thousand pounds

[@sandraleishman878]

Great amount of potatoes. Sarah, you're looking great! Love your videos. Have a wonderful day!

[@FarmerC.J.]

I let my green tops die before I harvest... way to go almost 100 lbs! Congratulations!

[@lechatbotte.]

I love kennebec and Pontiac reds. They grow well in Virginia. You’re digging them early. I wait till the foliage dies back,usually don’t dig until Sept. digging early gives you small potatoes, those grow much bigger.

[@jeffrobison2013]

i think your harvesting way to early, my grandmother never did till the plants were dead and she had large potatoes with 15 or 20 on each plant. we are in sw missouri also

[@cheerfulleigh]

You are absolutely correct, potatoes are harvested after the tops die off

[@terrinewton39]

We go by : Let them flower, then let the green stems die back, then it’s harvest time.

[@gingiegirl6963]

I agree as well. I am from Northern Maine where potatoes are big business, (I'm talking cancelling school for a month every year so that kids could help with the harvest) that is pretty much all there is up there and they produce mostly for McCann's and other companies. They always wait until the plants have flowered and died back a little.

[@mingli6753]

Terri Newton : If you pinch off the flowers, then you will get bigger potatoes.

[@ec324]

I have better crop planting hole potatoes I

[@FosterFamilyFun]

We grew potatoes for the first time this year in containers. We’ve harvested the first crop & our second planting is still growing. I’ve learned so much from you guys over the years - thanks for sharing❣️

[@Flamekaat]

I prayed thoroughly that you would be blessed with bounty in your potatoes. I am so glad you can eat from your land for about half of your potato needs this year. Next year sun and mixed soil for all and I bet you will clear 150!

[@marinigrey4913]

I started last year I started for the first time ever by putting potato's in a container and with just one plant i got about 10 potato's from it. So this year i tried a couple of container's... One is a tall laundry basket. That should be interesting to see how many come out of that. I'll let you know how many I get when i dump the dirt out. They are still growing... Ya see i dump the dirt onto a tarp and then just unburry what grew.. Then mix the soil with new soil and plant something new in that same dirt...

[@randyhoward7460]

I've been growing potatoes in used corn tortilla bags with good luck, using just the peeling with sprouts to start with good luck. Poke holes in bottom for drainage, roll down sides to start. As the plants grow, i add compost/ top soil/fertilizer and unroll sides. Harvesting is sooo easy.

[@micheleolson9914]

I did it similar to you Mari! I grew potatoes in half of a food- safe plastic barrel one year also. I lined it with black professional landscape fabric on the sides to block out sunlight after drilling drain holes in the bottom. I had a really light & loamy mix with compost, manure, peat moss and worm castings. I planted 7 cuttings with eyes and added more soil every few weeks. I was very pleased with the harvest, and it was so easy to harvest. Not practical for mass plantings, but for anyone wanting to try growing potatoes it was fun! 🥔

[@aliceserna614]

Another experiment to learn more from. Following my Dad's lead he waited till top foliage died back but still left them in the ground for a couple more weeks which is suppose to help the skin to cure. A second harvest for sweet potatoes he left in ground till the earth or dirt started cracking and waited till after first frost to dig up. No matter how you do it as long as there is something there it's a win win. Everything is lush and looking good even Sarah, y'all take care

[@diannamc367]

Growing up my mom bought a 50lb bag of potatoes each month in a household that fluctuated between 4 and 7 people. We loved potatoes!

[@jensenhomestead3269]

Just a suggestion, I have fun planting my potatoes in pots.. use five gallon pots or larger and plant one or more plants per pot. Then just dump the pot on a tarp when they ready.

[@jennifersinclair6044]

I have a deep unapologetic love for potatoes, & it hurt my heart to watch his video. When I watched the original video of when the new bed was built & potatoes planted. I was immediately concerned. Unfortunately those concerns came to fruition. While sunlight & soil composition are extremely important. The defining difference between a small harvest & a large harvest is hilling. My concern was the plants were so close together, it would be difficult to hill each plant as it grows. Then my concern grew to, if you even knew potatoes have to be hilled for a high yield harvest. And apparently you didn't. It's a common mistake & a short scroll through the comment section proved that point. As I'm sure you know, but for those that may not, potatoes develop up the stem, not from the bottom roots like most tubers do. For that to happen the developing potato has to be in the dark. Which is why you got a better yield under the cloth even without hilling. So, bc you didn't hill any of the plants to allow for more potato growth. It's better you harvested earlier than normal. This will allow you to get another crop in to try out hilling for yourself. No part of the main stem should be expose to sunlight. There are many youtube videos that teach how to hill properly. I understand bugs are a concern, but you already have row covers & they will do double duty for potato plants. Not only protecting from bugs but also from a potential early frost, like we got last yr. As for storage, if you can find a reasonably rock-free spot on your land. Dig a hole at least 4ft deep, wt a diameter of at least 2ft. Lower your cured potatoes down in a biodegradable closed basket or sack or something along those lines. Then wt the rope still attached, backfill the hole & mark the spot. At that depth they will stay cool enough to last a few months. Now that's the original way of storing tubers for ppl that didn't have a root cellar. Today there are many different ways ppl have designed to mimic this storage technique. You'll do what's best for you. But it's a great way to store food w/out the cost, time, & energy of building a walk-in root cellar but wt all the same storage benefits. I know this was long, but I truly hope it helpful to you &/or anyone else. Potatoes are so important for a healthy diet & healthy digestive function, & being so cost effective to boot! I'm passionate about everyone have success in growing & storing them. Many blessings to you & yours! ❤

[@mrssugarlump2]

Jennifer, thank you for the tip about how to make a root cellar the old-fashioned way.❤

[@siry5164]

You mentioned that you ate 4 potatoes the day before 🥔 and cured the rest how did you eat those four, thought they all had to be cured first with the rest of them? I’m new at this and experimenting from So Cal. Wondering if I can plant them now at this time in my small garden next to onions 🧅 or garlic, one crop. Thank you and to all that can answer me soon

[@terridobbs6153]

I mixed sand into my soil. I planted potatoes and sweet potatoes. I had 4 hilled rows and I had so many that I was giving them away

[@jennifersinclair6044]

@@siry5164 the curing process is for long term storage & transportation bc their skin is so delicate w/out curing. It's not to make them edible.

[@lindaduke6751]

Thank you for your tips! God bless you!

[@upta-q.a.m.p343]

I do towers it takes less room and as the plants grows I add soil and continue to build as it grows. 1 month after they flower I harvest. I get around 50lbs per tower. 4 towers takes up a 5x5 space. That's 200 lbs on average and lots of room for other vegetables. I do my onions in a tower as well with 130 onions in one tower.. Just regular chicken wire or fencing.. Onion tops grows up the side which looks so cool. Unhook wire and open.... No digging.. It's a learning curve, in Maine we have a short grow season so we have to produce a max load BECOUSE no time for second harvest..

[@devrabiallas1292]

It sounds really interesting you should do a video starting the crop and what the end production was

[@tonia.5861]

I’ve never seen potato towers but this sounds very interesting! I’d love to see more on it.

[@nancywager4956]

I would love to know more about this.

[@workingfolk]

You can't grow Kennebecs in that manner and expect to have higher yields. They are determinate potatoes. Continuing to add soil does nothing with this variety.

[@dianerathe5049]

What potato variety did you plant?

[@salonisalvi3484]

All that hard work paid off ,,, I mean I’m excited seeing the harvest,, you must be so much more . We were with you while you planted so 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👍🏼👍🏼👌🏽

[@EventheSparrowHomestead]

Agreed! Get another round in before the last frost! Nice haul and yes, the bugs here are Crazy!

[@RyoshilovesKabosu]

I think the ground cloth underneath was a big mistake, you could have planted your potatoes 12in deep in the virgin soil and as they grew added soil and added the frame that way you have much more space for potatoes to grow because they typically grow above the seed potato not below. Keep the ground cloth out of the equation and you'll have much more success

[@JaniceCrowell]

I don’t think you’re supposed to dig them up in till the green plant is dying back.

[@wildchook745]

Lovely potato harvest. It's my favourite thing to grow. Having my full hysterectomy was wonderful, I no longer have pain and women issues. I had no choice but to opt for surgery because I was diagnosed with uterine cancer.

[@knitswithdirt]

Thats the kind of gardening I like! Sitting on the bucket watching! lol

[@kylesweogard5013]

If you totally soak the ground with water when the blossoms first appear morning and night,you may be able to double your harvest. P.S this was discovered by accident.

[@Lily-vi5cy]

do you mean when potato starts having flowers?

[@helenholmes3018]

Always let your potatos to die right back you so you get the goodness out of them

[@lindawatson8795]

That weed fabric held up good!!! Yummm potatoes !!! Great video! Yes I liked and shared!!!

[@paulkazjack]

That black weed cover thing was holding in the damp! Ideal for potatoes. Of course the sun helped too!

[@sandybailey1587]

Here in Kentucky when the tops start dying you dig them up, I planted some in 2 pots there in full sun they have been growing for 10 weeks now and the tops are starting to die but I was told that the potato will still keep growing till the tops were gone , I pulled one up and the potato's were small so I'm going to let the other pot go till the tops die off and see if it make's a difference. By the way your potato's are beautiful, I have tomato's in a box bed its my first time growing them like that and they are doing great, God willing next year I want more box beds and I want to plant lots of stuff God willing, you never know this day and time. God bless you and your family.

[@danielkirk2916]

One potato, two potato,three potato more mmmmmmm

[@petrhoward]

I couldnt believe you dug up these plants so early. For all the video's I have watched and enjoyed, I think this was a huge error. But so long as you are happy with what the good lord provided, thats all that counts.

[@DonnaRatliff1]

You had A GREAT Harvest! Congratulations!? 😃👍

[@marshacarey9538]

We are what some in this area call neighbors now. My husband and i just moved to the Ava area and I'm hoping to see you at the Saturday farmers market. I got a jilt of excitement when you said you can potatoes. We started canning potatoes a few years ago due to lack of area to cold store them. I love doing this because they end up being a convenience food. We are loving our new home and excited about what we can do here. God bless and see ya soon, neighbors.