Think Cold Crops

Time to get your potatoes in! The varieties I have this year are Yukon Gold, Huckleberry Gold, Red LaSoda, Payette Russett & Purple Viking.

Each of these have been requested by customers because of their great yield and flavor. The purple potatoes also have a lower glycemic index.

Planting potatoes are an easy and productive crop that fall into the category I like to call cold crops. Cold crops include onions, broccoli, cabbage and greens. Here in Wyoming, we can grow delicious greens and cold crops. I didn't really start eating lettuce and kale until I moved here and realized how delicious it can be. Here are the steps to plant potatoes.

First, find the correct spot. Potatoes prefer a site with full sun (six hours at least) and a consistent light soil.

Prep potatoes by cutting larger potatoes in smaller pieces with a few eyes (the little sprout bumps) on each piece. Let them dry for a day to cure over the wound. This prevents rot. Make trenches 4-6" deep. Plant potatoes with eyes up every six inches. Fill trench in.

When the plants are 8-10" tall, start "hilling" up the soil around the stem.

Water consistently once to twice a week depending on the soil type and the heat of the day. Don't let them get too wet.

Potatoes take about 100 days to produce.

I would love to hear any feedback on tips for growing potatoes that you can share. One thing you may want to do after using a garden space is to add a general all-purpose fertilizer that will help replenish the soil.

Spring is coming more every day! We look forward to seeing each and every one of you. See you soon!