We THOUGHT We Were Prepared...But We WEREN'T!

There is one area of food preparedness that we continue to fall short at. Today we are doing something about it. Will it be enough?
#foodsecurity #growingpotatoes #foodshortages
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[@dodoboodrough6044]

I was brought up on a farm, and my mother started a garden when I was around 10 years old. Well that garden grew larger each year, and after a few years she was selling her produce to locals, and summer visitors that drove by our farm. I remember the highs, and lows of working that garden. The years when everything went great, and the years when the weather, the animals, and diseases wrecked havoc on that garden. Growing a working garden is no easy task, it takes a lot of trial and error, doing things this way and that until you finely tune the garden. For me it was a great adventure, but for my mother it was what kept her going year, after year, after year. Then the time came when she could no longer work her garden, she pretty much gave up on life. That garden was everything for her, and gave her far more in return then she ever put into it. I am now 70+ years old, and I still have wonderful memories of that garden of my mothers. PEACE!

[@camilledvorak7151]

♡

[@JojoCrazyCat]

Cool story. I liked your story. My mother grew some flowers, but not much else. My father grew a few small gardens. My grandfather is the one who inspired me to grow my first tomato. And i got so much praise from the grown ups in the town i kept growing stuff after i got out of school. I came home one day to see around 6 grown up looking at my tomato plant. One turned and said, He is the one who grew that, then an old woman around her 60s said, wow you must love life to grow something like that. I was 11 years old when i grew that tomato plant. I got the seeds from a small tomato i was eating for dinner. I didn't even like eating tomato's. I thought tomato's was pretty, so i wanted to grow a tomato's plant for it's beauty.

[@bluestarrbeauty]

Beautiful story. Thank you ♥️

[@rebeccalooney707]

That's awesome memory

[@64samsky]

God bless you and your Mom.

[@kiraholley5491]

I learned recently that potatoes are determinate and indeterminate. Determinate potatoes don’t produce tubers along the stem so you just plant them and the root system will produce a set amount of potatoes. Indeterminate potatoes will produce potatoes along the stem so those are the ones that you continually hill up to produce more and more potatoes. I know this information isn’t widely known so I thought I’d share!

[@queenme02]

OMG had no idea. when ordering potatoes I have never heard them described either way like they do with tomatoes. I just ordered a bunch of potatoes and I have no idea which type they are :(

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I was hoping someone else posted this. My favorite potato is German butterball and it grows potatoes all along the stem so hilling up really does increase your yields.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Never heard that before.

[@car9140]

That’s good to know! Thanks!

[@kimberleygirl7533]

Kira Holley thanks for the info

[@WadeKingston]

When I moved here and put a garden in my back yard my neighbors looked at me like I was crazy. Theirs are filled with huge plastic swing sets, doghouses, and trampolines. I don't look so crazy now though, do I?

[@86TrapHouse]

Yes, you do.

[@robynhanda1008]

Same here!! I live in Flint, MI now and that was the FIRST thing I did with my new property. My neighbors now comment how nice my backyard "garden" is! Funny thing is - before all this pandemic hit, neighborhood gardens started being developed around the city and now we have many greenhouses on vacant "green spaces" . I'm grateful to have my garden. No worries!!

[@EskimoInAlaska]

Mine too!! People were angry at me for having a garden. lol strange!

[@marymcavinchey6014]

@@robynhanda1008 Hi Robyn, I live in Otisville, about 20 miles north east of flint. I've never heard this about potatoes but that explains alot. I hardly ever get much of anything from planting potatoes and I've tried all different ways. I am planting in large pots this year and I'm going to try not mounding since it has never worked for me in the past and see how my harvest goes. I also started a hugelkulture bed this year and my husband is worried the neighbors are going to throw a fit. But...so far nobody has said anything. And...since we moved here and have been gardening all over my yard there is a community garden at the senior center where there was nothing before. I can't say I've seen too many other people gardening much but I generally can't see into their backyards. Every year I get lots of compliments on my gardens which makes me feel great. Anyway it's good to see someone from my neck of the woods posting.

[@evalinawarne1337]

I am in AUBURN HILLS. WHERE THE PALACE IS HALF DISTROYED. LOOKS TERRIBLE. HAD MANY GOOD YEARS OF MEMORIES. LOVE HUGS PRAYERS FROM MICHIGAN. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@daintyannpaige6028]

I AM NOT A FARMER I AM WATCHING FROM JAMAICA SO THST IS A PLUS I SUBSCRIBE TO UR CHANNEL BECAUSE OF YOUR PERSONALITY , THANK YOU 🤣

[@davidstous8213]

when the plants are a few inches high, I would add another board height to the raised bed and fill with more soil. would give you a higher yield.

[@donnajoyner1474]

Or add composted hay/bedding with chicken or goat manure on top...but definitely another layer up .

[@pattylevasseur2645]

yep potatoes need DEPTH TO HAVE THE ROOM TO GROW here in maine we have 1/12 ft high above grd mounds in the fields and the "digger" has to go even deeper to turn them up to pick them... our season is short due to rain/ cold. we harvest around august /sept and could be as late as oct DEPENDING on the weather....so id def be building ALOT HIGHER /DEEPER . good luck ..things will get back to normal stay positive;];];] stay safe !!!

[@cjblack5925]

Patty, I am from “The County”, yep, gotta mound them!

[@kathleenlaverty3713]

Or use piled up straw as I plan to do.

[@hippiechick-offgridmaine6039]

Or add leaves etc to the mound

[@stephaniecruz8260]

Keep up the good work, God is going to take care of you, praying for you

[@laceymiles8455]

When I lived in the Ozarks, I would lay down about 4 to 6 inches of old leaves or spoiled hay, then set my potatoes on that. Cover with another 4 to 6 inches of straw or old hay.When they come up threw that cover again with hay.Water as needed. I had my best potato year ever using that method. They were clean, big and beautiful. And the best part was no digging. Sweet potatoes grow well that way too.

[@Dovey62]

Ruth Stout had it right!

[@cavettishihara1062]

I added a very similar comment and then read your note. I agree!

[@marymcavinchey6014]

I've thought about doing this but have read that they don't grow good because there isn't any soil and nutrient in hay or straw? I might try that still this year and compare.

[@MaryMerryMarry]

I think I’ll try that this year! Though I think I might add a couple inches of fertile soil with each layer for the vitamins/nutrients. I think that the straw/leaves method that you describe sounds great for drainage especially when there is a lot of rain in a region. This will prevent rot from too much rain (which I experienced last year). My modification of your method is just a theory of mine and is not based on experience so just take it with a grain of salt. I live in DE where it is hot and pretty humid in the summer and my garden is in the sun all day. But we do get a fair amount of saturation with rain in all of the seasons.

[@phyllisoviatt3185]

My husband puts a heavy tarp in the bed of his trailer and then loads soil or brush on top. He ties ropes onto the tarp (through grommets) so he can pull the contents out of the trailer easily. There is no sweeping out the trailer afterwards, either. His tractor can then scoop up entire trailer load or "drag" the loaded tarp to its destination.

[@frijolsmom]

Thanks for sharing, that is an extremely helpful tip.

[@cob2384]

This works very well for brush

[@yvonneconlin9399]

PERFECT SOLUTION for the family!

[@nancyzawol1374]

You may want to add another tier to that bed so it's deep enough for potatoes to set.

[@robertderoeck1255]

I second what Nancy suggested, mostly to increase your yield. I would put a second story of either 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 on top of your existing 2 x 10's. This will greatly increase your yield, I suspect by at least 50%. There's no need to do this immediately. Add the second story before you start adding additional soil as the plants grow, sort of like mounding potatoes in a row. Re small seed potatoes, I save small potatoes from each harvest to use as seed potatoes, keeping them over the winter in my basement, though a root cellar would work. These seed potatoes vary in size from 3/4" diameter to golf ball size when harvested, though they shrink and shrivel considerably over the winter. They reliably send out healthy shoots each spring .

[@bklasala]

I agree that it would be helpful to have more on top of the potatoes as they grow, but there is no reason to use soil or compost. Hay, dead leaves, dried grass, any of these materials would be fine heaped up on top of your bed. Bird netting or similar materials can cover the dried leaves or straw to prevent them from blowing away.

[@denisewilson8367]

Either add on a "2nd story" or go with the Ruth Stout method and bury everything but the top 2 leave sets with shanken flakes of hay/. Either works well. Repeat when the plants get 4" - 6" taller. The taller the pile the more roots your plants should grow out, means more potatoes. Sprinkle a layer of bone meal before you add the next layer of cover. Bone meal helps root crops to grow bigger /more fruits. Put it on your carrots & beets, asparagus, onions, any root crop.

[@mammahoney29]

I hope the one good thing that comes from all this turmoil is that people learn that they need to slow down and enjoy life a little. We weren't born to work our entire lives and not live. This year I have tripled our growing space, and converted from raised beds to a larger in ground garden. It wont provide all of our food but it will sure help! Bless yall! Trust me if I had the space I'd be planting potatoes as well!

[@LisaOuwersloot]

Shanna stevens potatoes grow well in buckets too, and buckets don’t need all that much space, possibly a solution for you? Good luck this gardening season!

[@emartin945]

I am planting potatoes in 10 inch pots. We don't use a tremendous amount of potatoes at home but I feel the need to plant them anyway.

[@mercpsd69]

I tried the bucket method two years ago and got three potatoes I think. And not even big at all. Amazing green stems or whatever from them, but gave me nothing. So now I have to figure out another plan. Btw I used both methods mentioned in this video. So I don’t know. Lol

[@emartin945]

@@mercpsd69 how much water did you give them?. I understand if you water them often you get a beautiful bush but not much potatoes. So I water with the rain and the dew. Unless we are in a drought for sometime. And plant deep because it only produces potatoes along the stems of the plant. Try again in a pot. Just one. It might even have been something like a beetle eating your spuds out. Or maybe the variety you planted.

[@anthonylutz118]

Some things to consider with potatoes is that they are heavy feeders. If you're using 5 gallon buckets, that isn't a huge amount of space for their roots to spread out to "forage" for food. So, in buckets I would recommend a regular feeding schedule. As far as water is concerned, potatoes need more or less water? I'm not sure. However, small containers like 5 gallon buckets dry out really fast. If you're growing like that, daily watering is a must in hot summer heat. perhaps morning and afternoon. Remember that as far as watering is concerned in buckets, one of the major advantages is that they excel at dranage. Just saying...

[@graniteridgegreens6278]

One of Our favorite couples on KZbin, We appreciate you honesty. Cheers

[@lutherangirlapologetics]

I grow determinate potatoes so I don't have to keep adding soil.

[@smichel4529]

Sarah, I love your pretty smile and happy attitude that comes across is every video. I'll definitely be keeping ya'll in my prayers for an abundant crop of potatoes and food for your family this year! I'm anxious to see your yield! God bless!

[@johndalton9824]

God bless the L.T.H. family. May your harvest be abundant. Kennabek's are awesome. Blessings.

[@sherryadams7965]

It's always nice to watch your videos. They always lift my spirits. God bless your family

[@mizztorian8844]

If your ground stays hard, add sand next year to help with drainage and to keep the soil a bit looser. I was born and raised in Indiana and our soil is a lot of clay as well.

[@cindyclark540]

I am 72 and I live with my 90 year old mom. We live in a small town and dont even have a grocery store. We have done ok so far. My sister helped us but I hope things will get better for everyone. God be with you and your girls

[@evalinawarne1337]

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH

[@eneal2056]

I’m a senior too with the same problem. I order food online from Walmart. Are you able to do that?

[@arthurdewith7608]

oh my how do u eat but u have will find yes??

[@yourrealtor957]

hello Cindy. how are things for you one year later?

[@RestingBitchface7]

This is why I have ALWAYS done terraced raised beds. I grew up in Idaho, and I hate potatoes, but I’m damned good at growing them. The key to growing good potatoes? Tilth balance (clay is not your friend), ARIDITY, excellent drainage (clay is definitely not your friend) and elevation. Now that I live in Ohio, and just as when I was in Wisconsin and Tennessee, I only grow potatoes on terraced hillsides impregnated with french tile drainage throughout every four feet. I also amend my soil (NO TILL) according to the way the First Nations did it for potatoes (read Jefferson): two years of leaf mold, sand and peat to soften and emulsify the clay, burying the potatoes in a layer of the same on top in several layers as the vines come up. Layering your planting is the key to a huge harvest - thinking garbage can or bag potatoes, only on acreage. By the by, that hardware cloth is going to impede the growth of your tubers by keeping too much moisture in. Tubers don’t care about weeds. PS: if I had planted this bed, I would have started with half the compost mixed with sand and forest mulch, and added an inch or so more every time the plantings gained several inches of growth to cover all but the top leaves until you mound the top. If you had done that, you’d not only have enough for your family for the year, but plenty to sell, too. There’s a ton of wasted specs in that bed where the vines will not travel on their own.

[@MsKK909]

@ Resting Bitchface OMG!!! How can anyone not like potatoes! 🤣🤣🤣.

[@RestingBitchface7]

MsKK909 my mother fed them to us at almost every meal. #1. Food hatred? The Russett. #2. Goulash. They’re both child abuse in my book. 🤣

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

@@RestingBitchface7 LOL! The only way I like Russett potatoes is with as much butter and sour cream as potato. 😜 But, I do love new potatoes.

[@michaelcook768]

@@RestingBitchface7 What varieties of potatoes do you plant? Reset is ok for a baked potato, but, is trash past that. I love the Kennebec and Red Pontiac.

[@stylus2253]

Critters. Potatoes beetles and voles. What to do? Got the terraced hillsides.

[@paidicampbell1972]

When I run out of buckets I use the compost bags, or builders bags - they work, just start with a few inches of soil and keep building it up as the plants grow :) Prayers for a great harvest. As for Covid19, we're on lockdown now in Ireland although thankfully I can work from home, the up side to that is more time for the garden x Things are looking bleak at the minute but if we all work together from inside our homes or from 6ft apart we'll get through this, prayers for all the people who have lost someone, prayers and heartfelt thanks too to all the frontline workers - hospital/medical staff, shop staff, truckers, carers etc. without whom we'd be in serious trouble. God bless and stay safe x

[@reeree6036]

THANK YOU!!! I have 20 of those Tyvek type builders bags!!! Perfect! I bought 13 white buckets. I've purchased seeds. I will grow what I can.

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

paidi campbell I’ve started using old feed bags 😉

[@crissymurray6176]

I AGREE, couldnt of said it better myself.. If everyone wore a scarf or masks if they have to go out but hey guys to the ones whom think OH IF I GET IT I'LL BE FINE! U dont know that for sure! But ok say u do get through it but stay at hm if yr bloody sick. 14days.. Get woolies or coles deliveries.. or go before they close when no ones there.. coz u might feel sick but not a issue but the ones whom are in that high risk of not makin it through .please think of them like extended family and think ok I be ok but will the staff at woolies will all of them be ok and make it through. No one out there can say . Yeah they'll be fine! U dont know that! So I am in Australia, and it got crazy at the start! Now is the wait it out and be smart as well as safe but guys we understand that the internet would be slow now more ppls are at hm it all companies would be under alot more wifi usage .. but we all gota realise and I am sure all yr followers will understand if u want to change times maybe... due to what's going on at the moment.. u guys from gota think what's best for your family too . Yes we love watchin u but if u can not pick the camera up coz u both gota get into planting and making sure u got every your family needs must come first.. your true followers will.. everyone plz be safe and be smart and consider others! Thank u for yr videos but most of all thank you for your honesty, I love the honesty.. peace to all😊

[@CheryllWesoja]

@@libertymicrofarm6032 What a great idea. I am overloaded with feed bags that I just can't throw out. Thank you

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Last year I used old feed sacks, just put drainage holes in them. I also used the cloth grocery bags. This year is going to be something the world hasn't seen ....Eggs are already being marked up 3 times what they were (I'm sure the chickens didn't go on strike over CV 19)...that loaf of bread may end up a days wages yet.

[@bethdepot-jackson7054]

I live in the city, but every year I have expanded my garden and growing more nutritious foods. watching lots of videos on how to preserve them the best way for our family and encouraging neighbors to grow gardens as well.

[@tay138]

Love you Beth!

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

I am in SE MO and we had rain today and I worked outside in light rain. So glad I have raised beds I have radishes peas, chard, lettuce and several root crops planted and coming up.

[@katemcpherson3492]

The potato garden looks great. I hope it gives you a ton of potatoes! I have to admit, I’m actually happy you won’t have the stress of the farmers market during this crazy time of uncertainty. Less obligations is a good thing. Use this time to recharge, renew, and reconnect.

[@marykelly8408]

I love you guys and wish I lived with you....to help you and to learn!!!! I'm going to start growing potatoes and herbs...I live in Cuenca, Ecuador and we can plant year round...love your videos. I also want to raise a few chickens also...roasters and egg layers. Also, the province of CANAR, Ecuador, is where all of our potatoes come from...every imaginable potato...so many, are grown in dark soil...on the sides of mountains...all shapes and sizes. I said a prayer your potatoes grow fast and healthy.

[@leal536]

My dad NEVER planted whole potatoes. He always cut the seed potatoes leaving 2-3 eyes per portion. We had abundant potato crops!

[@womensarmycorpsveteran2904]

Leanne L I’ve never used “seed” potatoes. My granny always did the same, cutting the taters she had to have at least one eye in each piece. She let them dry off for a day or two before planting and we always had lots of taters. She and I have also used store bought taters and grew them with no problems.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

My grandpa used the same method. The grandkids would cut the potatoes in pieces and then put them in rows. The first year I was old enough to help, I used my feet to push them into the soil. My grandpa watched me and never said a thing. That year they had a late frost which killed the early potatoes, mine were the only ones that survived. 😂

[@actionvlog4606]

@@SimplyBeautiful516 That's a great story! Thanks for sharing it!

[@tonia.5861]

I’ve done it both ways and been successful but can’t really say one method yielded more than the other🤷🏻‍♀️

[@RoderickGMacLeod]

I can't wait for the end-of-season nerdy spud math.

[@carolmichael9035]

Reusable cloth shopping bags make great plant pots to plant potatoes in them. You could put the bags right beside your raised bed.

[@jerryprewett5294]

Save your waste hay to cover them as they start making spuds , planting late you will be fighting bugs,good luck with everything

[@ninabeason2520]

My brother n law planted his potatoes in tires he started out with two and when the plant came up he would add one more tire tell it was about 6'tall or higher

[@emartin945]

Wow! Interesting.

[@michellesealey1709]

My husband recently suggested the same “stacking-tire” method. I’m now also curious to try the no-dig straw method mentioned in another comment.

[@Noahsoak]

I always wonder about contaminants from the tires.

[@MTknitter22]

We have changed focus, sweet potatoes so so nutrient dense that we are sticking with them. Deep South Homestead helps get success. Good luck ya’ll

[@kritterperson]

I had a great crop of Kennebec potatoes last year. Planted them on top of a manure pile that I leveled out, covered with old hay. Big yields and no digging. God bless.

[@debbiealtman4572]

Yes we’re getting prepared. We have our garden in and yippee!

[@kansasmisfit7404]

I was told when I was growing up to wrap my potatoes really good so when you plant them in the ground they dont get dirt in their eyes. Did not know it was a joke though. Just wanted to give you a little giggle to lighten things up a bit.

[@ouch65]

Heavy Prayers to you, your family, your listeners, Our Country, and Our Planet! 🇺🇸🙏

[@heidigib01]

For heaven’s sake don’t apologize for videos being a bit late! With all the disruptions to people’s lives, we are just so happy to have you to watch.

[@highstandards6226]

💞👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@3258pamela]

I started "green thumb'n" LOL, when I was probly 11 or 12, 50 years ago LOL, Life is life but when I moved into my little house of a lot only 50 x 100' I did first hand dig my garden in the back part, Georgous!! but a lot didn't produce..........but was so pretty LOL.......I lost my Son Rustie, 7 years ago this August and God has finally seen me through and gave me the "get up and go" again. So I tilled yesterday......and now figuring out my beds in the area..........God Bless your Homestead

[@tinatarr]

I am sorry for your loss but happy you have found some peace. The gardening will probably help in your continuing healing process. I hope you enjoy your garden this year as you plant and get to see all your plants spring into life giving you a good harvest. God bless you.

[@janetbeebe1785]

Pamela, our property is just 50 X 100 as well. Hand digging-I get that, but also sometimes now use a little electric tiller. Our yard in town is mostly garden, meat rabbits, and chickens. Growing as much as I can in the space we have. This year actually before this virus thing started thinking about some LARGE pots to add to the garden space alongside the walkway and anyplace I can get some more in. Pamela, sounds like we are about the same age as well. Happy gardening.

[@rebccarae7669]

So sorry for the loss of your son but there was a Shining Light there in the end that you finally come upon. And I'm so glad glad got that fire lit again plants Grill tender loving care and then a Great Harvest be proud of what you're doing God bless

[@PlainJane48]

Digging and growing are healing things to do. So sorry for your loss. Hoping you find even more healing as you grow things. Blessings!

[@juniper583]

I am tripling my garden space this year! I'm also growing starts for friends and family so they are able to have some food security as well.

[@highstandards6226]

👏👏😍

[@bethjones8447]

We've been adding rabbit manure to our garden this year. It has really made a difference! The potatoes and onions that have the manure are twice as big as those that don't. All planted at the same time. I haven't tried planting whole potatoes. It'll be interesting to see how it goes for you. God Bless and stay safe.

[@intrepiddevildog]

There will be a Huge demand for plant starts if things get worse. Maximize all production and Food preservation efforts. Good luck and blessings.

[@ptl5799]

Thank you for all you do! Following my grandpa's advice: "Plan for the worst, hope for the best and do all you ne

[@dwaynekendall]

you guys are an inspiration to us thank you so much for sharing your story praying for a great harvest and that this still turns out to be a great year for you and your family

[@kimberlywalders6063]

Let’s hope all turns around as soon as possible ! This is just crazy ! I wish you and your the Great planting season this year! Blessing to you and your! Prayers sent for you and your garden !

[@danellehoward1906]

I’m about an hour north of y’all and oh my goodness, my garden is soup right now! We have an old barn foundation that I put potatoes in. We do cut them up and just scatter them on the ground and start layering straw over the top. Those extra seed potatoes you have? Stick them in between what you’ve already planted. We plant probably 2x as thick especially if you have such good compost. Plus, my grandmas always said, “You can get more planted in a crooked row!” LOL!

[@jenniferrush8231]

I’ve had a lot of luck with cardboard and newspaper and they bring worms in like crazy too

[@tipgiles5432]

Hello from Austin, Texas, where we planted our seed potatoes on February 8. The old adage is to plant between Valentines and Presidents Day. We've had friends' children help us since they were two and 1 month old and had to work around their schedule as they are busy 14 and 18 year olds. This had been thus far a lifelong learning experiment for them. Anyhoo. We plant one 8x4 raised bed and last year we got 36 pound of potatoes out to that one bed. We harvest (usually at the end of May) and share with them. Our portion lasted until December (only 2 of us). We planted small whole potatoes and feel that is what gave us our largest harvest to date (Kennebec and Red Pontiac). One year it was raining so much that we put hoops over the bed and plastic( that could be removed when needed) over that to control the amount of rain in at the bed. Otherwise we feared the potatoes wold drown and rot. We also had to do it to our two raised tomato beds one year. Didn't lose a plant as many in the area did. We live in the suburbs with an extra lot we purchased next to our house and have found raised beds to be the most beneficial to us. We have also had to adjust planting dates due to the changing climate -- earlier for spring and summer and later for fall and winter. Take care and keep on keeping on. P.S. I just noticed the potatoes are about to bloom. Joy Giles

[@sicox1278]

I'm from the UK. This was great. I've been sourcing my seed potatoes to plant from the eating potatoes I get from my supermarket. They are usually the small potatoes at the end of the pack. I don't know about the US but in the UK they also identify the variety of potatoes on the bag.

[@gailreese4699]

Man you made that trailer spot on . The shovel went in perfect .

[@jeannedellapenna-conner4236]

Lord God Almighty please let Kevin and Sara’s hard work and efforts to grow to feed their family be fruitful in Jesus Christ name, AMEN🙏🏼

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

I've been lining my garden beds with the ground cover you recommended. I'm pleased with this covering!

[@gumonyershoe]

My husband recently found your channel and we have started what we can. We aren't necessarily *worried* about anything, but we've wanted to work towards self sufficiency for years and this just gave us the jump start we needed. So far we've started raising chicks and just got fertilized quail eggs and we have a few plants for gardening. Ultimately, we would both love to have more of a homestead style life, and watching your videos has helped us realize that we can probably do this. We just do what we can and add what we can when we can! Thank you so much for your channel. It's been a blessing to us.

[@veracampbell9583]

I put potatoes in buckets. I have a raised bed for other veggies. This is the first time I’ve had a garden in 7 years.

[@ashleyshrader6679]

Mine are also in buckets for now.

[@SalongirlGardens]

I’m doing potato grow bags this year. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@sherry2836]

I also grow them in containers.

[@kellybryson7754]

I tried a bucket method and have some in the ground.

[@pinetree2675]

Do you put them in cover, wait till they sprout up then do more soil, etc???

[@gloriagloria716]

I remember my Dad teaching me how to plant potatoes when I was a kid. It is one of my fondest memories of him

[@quiverfullmomma137]

Me too, he always told me, the eye goes up so it can see where to grow 🙄💚

[@funmom9889]

I love how honest your videos are 😍 The good the bad you share it all and I thank you for that ..

[@connietate973]

We appreciate all your informative gardening and prepping information! God bless you all!

[@caewalker9276]

I put potatoes in old feed sacks, stuck them all together and it seems to be working. I just folded the bags over at the start then layered more soil every week. Just waiting for the plants to die back now to harvest. Thanks for sharing. Hope your harvest is bountiful.

[@pennynewell3459]

I used cardboard on the bottom our mine 2 years ago. I moved them this year and could not believe how improved the soil was. We also have clay soil. I also use whole small seed potatoes. I would like to think it’s going to blow over, and be back to normal, but I don’t. It will blow over, but things are going to change for sure. Looks great.

[@audioawesome9527]

Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you both so much. The effort that you have both taken to educate me..... I know you have done this for everyone, but I want you to know how much I appreciate your help for me and my family. Thank you.

[@dawnmorris3252]

So glad you got them planted...I got mine in about 4 days ago and have more to plant💚🌱💚

[@shannonlee745]

Thank you for doing this potato experiment! I also wondered which would do better! I am doing the same this year. It will be great to see if we get the same results! I'm in WA state. God Bless!

[@richardparker1699]

I hope y'all are doing well and I hope you have good grow with your taters. At least this raised bed will give a better chance to grow taters. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@dianneiverglynne]

You guys are so lucky to have each other...I've watched a lot of your vids and this thought is always on mind. It's rare to find another person who cares what you care about, and works just as hard shoulder to shoulder to reach your goals. It's a blessing to even watch. Thank you!

[@bomaite1]

We have been getting a lot of rain here, too. The last few years I have gotten late blight, which can be worse in wet conditions. You should consider planting varieties that offer some resistance to late blight, like burbank russet or ranger russet. Look for other varieties, too. Late blight can affect tomatoes as well.

[@alisonhallock7870]

I am going to keep growing what I can and I am starting things in large pots as well

[@conniemcgehee2851]

in los angeles, they are keeping the farmers markets open. it is considered an essential food source. they are spreading the vendors out and removing the tables that sell crafts, etc.

[@bethanyprior60]

In Columbus Ohio they've organized a drive thru pick up farmers market

[@tinnerste2507]

@@bethanyprior60 cool idea i miss my market i used to buy bulk for canning, so this winter will be much more expensive!

[@anjelmeyer653]

I never understood craft tables at our farmers market. When I go to farmers market I’m looking for food. When I go to the craft fairs I’m looking for crafts. But that’s just me.

[@1MSally1965]

Crafts are usually crap anyway. First smart thing I’ve heard come out of that state in years!

[@blaithinstuart-kelly2537]

Thanks guys for getting back to me re my potatoe issue .Keep safe .love watching you on KZbin.

[@reginawozniak3935]

Did the same as you made my garden bigger to add potatoes to my garden too. Just finished it today going to plant tomorrow. Love your Channel been watching for a long time! Thanks for all your hard work to make the videos.

[@rebeccamccoy1763]

There are a few of us want to know what you are going to put on top of plants as they grow out of ground? You will need more cover on top.

[@sabinebresser9539]

you my want to add another level of surrounding and add soil to get more potatoes!

[@evelyngoodling2780]

I just love to watch you two. You have great time management to get so much done in a day.

[@KristineLeach]

I am definitely increasing my growing this year and plan on putting up as much as I can. I think just like an earthquake, what is going on will have some aftershocks that we need to prepare for. Thanks for sharing! And I think we are ALL praying that our crops will do well this year. I sure know I am! God Bless.

[@izby2652]

Gardening is just one big experiment. I always say, 'I'm experimenting with this', when I try something new, but I think it might just be a way to reassure myself if it fails, that it was no biggie. :-)

[@gdstout]

My wife and I first had our own garden in 1966 so we've been at gardening awhile....but have't done it every year do to job constraints, etc. For the past near twenty years now we have had our yearly garden. Our potatoes here this year are going to be the Ruth Stout method...ironic because that is also my mom's name. We are a tad more north in lattitude than you so we put them in a bit later. Will let you know how ours came out at harvest time. ;) Enjoy your program.

[@vickijones8280]

We are increasing our garden this year. We enjoy your videos very much. We live in East Texas. We enjoyed our first fresh potatoes and cabbage this week. We have learned many good ideas from your videos.

[@karenwheeler3729]

Love your videos. Showing how you process what you grow is so helpful. This the first year I have planted a garden in over 15 years I built 4x4 raised beds and have some grow bags with potatoes and sweet potatoes. This was not enough so I added some I ground no dig beds. I still have some room to expand. At 61 this has been some hard but joyous work. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@gailpurcell3209]

I love that you are trying to grow the potatoes in a bed. I just worry that it isn't deep enough. We are definitely getting ready to grow lots more food this year. We are going to start ours inside this weekend and put food everywhere around the house. We have never achieved growing all of our food , but we try to get closer each year. It is going to be a rough year for a lot of people. If I have extra, I will be selling or giving away food to help others. God's blessings to you and you family. I enjoy your videos and am willing to wait no matter how long they take to upload. Thanks for all you do.

[@sharonhuelsman]

I’m going to try growing potatoes for the first time. I agree with you about possible food shortages and how we need to be more self sufficient (with God’s help!). This video is so helpful to me. I will definitely pray for a plentiful harvest for you and ALL of us growing our own food. ❤️

[@Flamekaat]

Shared video and sent up a prayer for your abundance. Stay blessed lovely ones. Lots of crop yields to you!

[@leslieMClass80]

It’s just my husband Tom and myself and we have a small raised bed garden, however, we just added 3 more 4x16 beds and 4 4x4 beds for squash to grow more. We are new at this and just learning. Have learned so much fro you both . Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@mikekuehne5393]

You might as well set up some hoops over the bed. You're going to need row covers to help control the potato bugs.

[@michaelcook768]

I quit growing potatoes around 2000...I spent more on bug spray, soil additives, and work, than I would eat in potatoes

[@j.l.emerson592]

I think that we can expect a recession to hit during this pandemic, possibly followed by a depression. Recessions & depressions are cyclical in nature & I think that we are probably overdue because of how the lockdowns will affect the economy worldwide. Let's hope & pray for a short & mild recession.

[@KC6JERRY]

Everyone feels that something big is coming down the tracks. Not too sure just what yet but there are long lines at Bass Pro these days. Maybe they have taters!! I just picked up some taters last week myself.. GBall!

[@JamieSantos]

Cyclical!!!??? Are you kidding me? They are PLANNED and Executed by those at the top. This "Virus" is the dismantling of this society in order to bring bout the NWO; One world government, police and currency. The weather is due to a coming Pole Shift that those in power knew all about decades ago. That is the only thing that is "cyclical" in nature.

[@davebox588]

Hard times have a way of teaching us what's important and I'm hoping we'll all learn out of this. A garage full of cheap rubbish you'll never use is less important than good tools you know how to maintain. Influencers are losing their followers? Well, good. Perhaps we'll also learn that the people who work long days to produce our food are of more value than venture capitalists. Hopefully. I'm pretty old and I don't think I'll see it, but something has to change in our value system. The wrong people are always the ones who give and always the ones who suffer.

[@laurakiebler8786]

We have also has issues finding certain food items. I have not planted potatoes but was hesitant. Now after watching this video, I plan on doing it this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@MistyRoads]

We haven’t even started our garden yet. Oh my, my! You are doing great.

[@amandaevensonthehappyhippi5110]

I am planting lots of potatoes too this year, I haven't planted them in years because of the space they take up, but we put in 2 new raised beds last week and put up 2 greenhouses and have aquired some chickens to help supplement what we can grow with eggs! And I ordered some wheat and oats and Quinoa from Baker Creek , so I am going to attempt to grow our own grains if things go as I believe they will! My intuition is screaming "Get Ready".. I learned long ago to always listen to my intuition, I pay for it dearly when I dont... Thank you for sharing your luves with us!! We only have just under an acre but I am going to homestead the heck out of our little patch of dirt!!! You guys are an inspiration!!

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Potatoes work in buckets

[@camilledvorak7151]

I have chickens as well. I shred everything with a crosscut shredder and use the shreded paper for bedding. Cereal weight boxes will shred easily in single layers tear them into strips when shredding so you don't burn out your shredder. They help to keep the chicken manure from clumping so you can compost it more easily. Save your eggshells in a loaf pan by the stove and toss the pan in the oven after you cook dinner then grind them and store them in a coffee can until you need them. Whole eggshells don't break down in the garden or compost so the plants can use the calcium, which is why I grind them, you can put them in a bag and use a rolling pin if you don't have a food processor. Hope this helps!

[@JanetKarasz]

I suggest you mound your potatoes halfway through the summer to raise production.

[@mywonderfullife4491]

This video was what i needed! I built my first huge raised bed, 4x20', and my ground is not level AT ALL and not only that but i live in the PNW on a ridge and we have BOULDERS underground so there is no leveling. I wanted it to be a little more perfect but figured, eh it'll still grow stufd just the same. Glad to see you feel the same lol. I also just picked up my first potato and onion starts today and I'm sp excited to get to growing!

[@dianeclarkrobinson]

as soon as i heard that we had to stay home, i planted my veggie garden. we've been enjoying stuff for the past two weeks. it's great to live in Southern California sometimes.

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

We’ve had the same issue with our local farmers markets. My little farm has changed its focus to not just feeding our family (and extended families) as well as a local food bank. I have partnered with my sister to use her garden space for this as well.

[@1MSally1965]

Liberty Micro Farm we are surrounded by Amish here in Southern MD and they have not been in their market areas yet.

[@chrisbitonti4106]

My heart goes out to you. I can relate because I've lived in the Rockies. Take advantage of the situation. Grow things like rice. Also, some people have hanging flowers, I have hanging string beans, strawberries, etc. Never depend on one source. A makeshift raincoat is to take a large garbage bag and cut a hole for the head. Also, wrap your body parts under your clothing. It helps to stop soggy socks. I take old shoes and use them as cute planters. As always, Chris Bitonti

[@marthabickford7914]

I never thought about hanging baskets for beans. Thank you for the idea.

[@1MSally1965]

chris Bitonti my trellises will be full of yard long beans. I already planned that. Flowers and food all summer long!

[@dawnmeier2834]

I love you raised bed idea with the woven fabric. The way you water is a great idea to.

[@elizabethhall1716]

I enjoy watching you guys. The last 2 years it's been to wet around here (east Texas) to plants some things, or to even get them planted. I hope we get more planted this year. I've gotten back into pressure canning. It really is nice to go grab something already cooked. Just buying from the store for now, trying to preserve it for harder times. Good luck with your potatoes.

[@Mulberrysmile]

Y’all need to watch Ruth Stout potato video...she lays straw/hay deep on the ground, pretty thick, then puts the potatoes on the straw, and just covers with them with very deep hay/straw, if I recall...

[@rickgamelin3436]

Ronnie in VA, did mine in hay last year. I’ll never do it another way. Like I said above, 95% less work and great yield.

[@sherryk30]

That's what I'm planning to do this year. Seems everyone has a great harvest. Now I've just gotta get more hay!!

[@jeanannl3211]

Will the seeds from the hay/ straw be a weed mess. Would cedar or pine from a feed store (like a tractor supply) work to have less weeds?

[@brendastratton1306]

The pandemic happened just as I was getting ready to stock up on potatoes again, so I was also caught a little short on fresh ones. Fortunately, I canned/dehydrated/froze about 100 pounds of them over the winter. I'm going to double the size of my (square foot) gardens this year, possibly more. I think there is a strong possibility that there will be a need to self-isolate for longer than initially predicted, so I want to be prepared if it happens that way. God bless and keep you both and the girls!

[@marilynhoopes271]

You can make the bed deeper and add more soil. Potatoes like a lot of potash to produce large potatoes.

[@carolechamberlain1766]

I think the our food issue have only just begun. I’m so thankful for your video. My husband and I did canning for the first time today.We have a small veggie garden and we are talking about making it bigger. We are in Florida so we do most of our gardening in the fall and winter.i pray you have a fantastic potato harvest. 🙏

[@celiawiggins3161]

You guys are an awesome team. I really enjoy watching you guys working together. Such respect for each other. Blessings to you both and the family 👪

[@cindypack5151]

Maybe since you don’t have to fill up the first greenhouse with starts you can put lots more big tubs in it for stuff you’d put in the big garden, at least until the ground dries out. Prayers for all of us!

[@trockodile]

Just been thinking similar thoughts! I've a whole bunch of salvaged wood I could build one from and an even bigger pile of used up poultry bedding making itself into compost, sounds like a combination begging to be made into a raised bed. The weather in the UK (Highlands of Scotland) has been equally bonkers, rain galore to the point much of the croft (homestead) looked like a rice paddy field of late and then snow and hailstones just now (thankfully none has lay)! Josh Sattin (here on KZbin) recently shared a great video on similar dilemmas he is facing as a market gardner and remodeling your business to supply to changing demands in a changing environment. Many small scale growers here utilise an honesty stand where customers come to the edge of your property to a small stall and buy right at the farm gate, dropping their cash into a strong box. People will undoubtedly still need awesome produce and I have no doubt you'll find a new income stream or streams in these difficult times. God's love and support is endless, it just doesn't always come prepackaged as we think it ought to, but it's never far away for the taking. Your god given skills and passion for what you do will undoubtedly help you through. Your channel exudes positivity and enthusiasm and is an endless source of cheer, inspiration and strength to so many of us. Thank you, stay strong and stay safe. 👍 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@chuckwright2967]

You two are doing awesome work. I went from 9 raised beds to 23 this year so I will be busy, busy, busy. God Bless you all.

[@marlesrowley4565]

Even though I am in unable to have a garden l still love it and all the information you give . Thank you so much and God bless you

[@alancarter4270]

We use byckets and raised beds here in North Texas, we have clay here to. I mix equal parts compost, peat moss and perlite.

[@spfb]

I always love watching your videos and how well you work together to get a project done! I think with having the raise beds you should have a good crop especially since you put the cloth down and you will get good drainage. Totally understand the Internet issue my brother-in-law's in the same boat he has satellite and it takes for ever to upload or download a file.

[@marygyeszat1980]

You two are on the ball, I started a little garden and because of watching your show I ordered some new canning supplies and am going to start putting a few veggies and jams up this year, my mother taught me how to can foods and your show is a great refresher course. I have so many new ideas from you two, if push comes to shove I might even get a milking goat and a couple of laying hen, we will see. Thank you for your show and please tell us how we can support you during these hard times. Mary

[@vicdogger3088]

Well done we have the same and now have at least one year of food for the family in the freezer and pantry .. Thanks for your encouragement