Growing Potatoes

Health Benefits of Potatoes

• They help reduce inflammation
  
• They are a good source of VItamin B6, potassium, copper,  vitamin C, manganese, phosphorous and niacin.
• High antioxidant activity
• Support digestion of food with its high fiber content
  
• Effective for brain functioning 
  
• Improves Heart Function as it contains Carotenoids
  
• Regulates blood pressure
  
• Beneficial to the skin

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Growing Potatoes
Potatoes can be grown in many different ways.  They can be planted in the dirt in hilled rows, in straw mulch, in a garbage bag, in a wire cylinder, a wood box,  a plant container, a raised bed, an old tire and any other way your imagination will take you.You don't need seeds, just take the potatoes that you have had too long and put them in the dirt, but be sure to use only organic potatoes otherwise they won't sprout as non-organic potatoes have been sprayed with chemicals that inhibit sprouting. I use potatoes that have already begun growing eyes or small sprouts. As the potato grows beneath the soil by rooting itself, green vines will make their way to the surface of the soil.  Once you see the green leaves you cover with soil and continue until you have run out of space.  When the last leaves/vines begin to wilt, then start to carefully dig under the dirt to find your potatoes.  You will be excited and surprised by what you find :)  Store potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place. Never wash them until you are ready to use them, as washing them will help them rot faster and don't let them sit with apples, they will cause the potatoes to spoil.
I love growing my own potatoes! 

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At Harmony Homestead we are growing our potatoes in an old pallet.  So far it is working great!
Once the first layer of potatoes sprouts and starts to be very bushy, build another wooden 'level' on top of the first layer and fill it with dirt, burying all the leaves and sprouts from the first level. Eventually, the branches from the first level of potato sprouts will begin to root under the soil you've just added, and pretty soon, you'll have a whole new level of potatoes. Continue this process again and again as many times as you want to for a bigger crop yield :)

Happy Gardening! Let's all commit to growing more food.  You don't need space just a small place inside or outside to grow potatoes.


If you have questions or comments I would love to hear from you in the comment space below! 

Spring Blessings
~ Alex ,Earthie Mama