GHOST FERN

HIGHLANDER ® FLAMENCO DELPHINIUM

APHRODITE HOSTA

Essential Tips for a Great Harvest

By Richard Zondag

( SPONSORED CONTENT)— Potatoes are a popular vegetable choice for home gardens and are well-suited for container production. They are easy to grow and are an excellent source of potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

Selection

When selecting potatoes for planting, choose certified seed potatoes from a local garden center or reputable online retailer. This will ensure the potatoes are diseasefree and give you the best results.

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Pre-Planting Process

Store your seed potatoes in a cool, dark location until up to a week before planting. Don’ t be alarmed if the potatoes sprout before planting— this is common. Use a clean, sharp knife to divide the potatoes into 1 1 / 2- to 2-ounce sections, each about 1 1 / 2 to 2 inches in diameter, with at least two eyes. To grow larger potatoes, remove all but the two best eyes from each section.

After cutting, dip the cut surfaces in lime to dry them and place the potato pieces in a warm area( 70 degrees to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) for several days to a week before planting to allow the cut surfaces to callus over. The callus will prevent the cut surfaces from rotting in the ground if the soil remains cold and wet for a long time after planting.

Location

Potatoes grow best in slightly acidic, well-drained, sandy soil in a full-sun location. Crop rotation from season to season will help discourage disease and insect problems. If your soil is heavier,( like clay), work a couple

of inches of sand into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. If you are planting into containers, they must have holes in the bottom so excess water can drain out. Adding some sand to a peat-based soil is best for container planting.