As I mentioned yesterday, I went out to my garden plot to plant some sprouty potatoes. According to the calendar, it’s supposedly too early to plant potatoes. But potatoes are so resilient, I really don’t think it’s a problem. Some of my potatoes from last year went into the ground even earlier than this, I think. And besides, these potatoes were ready to be planted:
Yes, that’s snow in the background. Originally from Trader Joe’s, the potatoes spent a few weeks sprouting in a paper bag in my cupboard before I brought them out to the plot and sliced them into pieces with a knife. As long as each piece has a sprouting eye, it’ll grow into a plant. And, I mean, yes, if they sent up shoots too early the shoots will probably get frostbitten and die, but I guarantee that more shoots will come up to take their place. Potatoes are ridiculously easy.
Which is why I suggest that anyone with a fire escape or stoop or deck or rooftop consider growing potatoes in a bag. All you need is some dirt, and some old potatoes that you were probably going to throw out anyway. The feeling of satisfaction you will get from unearthing buried treasure is so worth it.
This makes me especially glad I’m planting potatoes this year – even if none of my other plants work out, at least I’ll have one success!