HELLO EVERYONE: I AM DOING POTATOES IN SCAPPOOSE COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON, THIRTY MILES NORTH OF PORTLAND ON 2.6 ACRES. I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR MANY YEARS NOW TO SUPPLY THE FOOD BANK IN ST. HELENS, OREGON. HAVE CHOSEN ONLY TO GROW DARK RED NORLAND SEEDS. THIS YEAR 300 LBS HAVE BEEN PLANTED. MY METHOD IS A SIMPLE ONE IN WHICH I DIG A TRENCH 6-7 INCHES DEEP, AND SHAKE IN TRIPLE 16 FERTILIZER, AND TOP OFF WITH A SMALL LAYER OF PEATMOSS TO PROTECT THE SEED SECTIONS UNTIL THE ROOTS GROW ENOUGH TO REACH IT. COVER EACH TWO EYE DUSTED WITH SEVIN WITH 2-4 INCHES OF DIRT, AND THEN PRESS THE TOP OF EACH ROW WITH MY FOOT TO REMOVE THE AIR. THE SEEDS ARE PLANTED BY HAND AT LEAST 10-12 INCHES APART. A GOOD SOAKING OF WATER HELPS TO START THE GROWING PROCESS. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONTINUE THE WATERING ACCORDING TO A WATER MOISTURE METER. RIGHT NOW I HAVE 26 ROWS WITH 17 VERY GREEN PLANTS UP. THESE POTATOES ARE THE BAKING TYPE, AND HAVE A FLAVOR ONE DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE. HARVESTING FOR ME IS WHEN THE PLANT MATERIAL BEGINS TO DIE. ONE CAN CHEAT SOME, AND HAND DIG UNDER A PLANT TO GET A FEW FOR A MEAL. THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO GROW POTATOES, AND AS A MASTERGARDENER SINCE 1983, I STILL VISIT THE PLANTING GUIDES OF THE PROGRAM TO KEEP UP ON ANY NEW CHANGES.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A 2000 LB CROP THIS YEAR AS THE GROWING PLANTS ARE DOING WELL. BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND THAT A PH OF 6.8 IS A GOOD NUMBER FOR THIS CROP. ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT ME AT
[email protected].
CHEERS!!!
RICH
