Video: Potato Growing Competition Results
If you’ve been following along with me during this season, you know Bill and I had a potato growing competition. We just harvested them and now you get to find out which of us won!
It all started with Bill being intrigued by an article in Mother Earth News. The topic was how different potato-planting methods can impact yield. Bill was particularly interested in the straw method. That involves planting seed potatoes directly in straw, rather than in soil. And the idea was that you’d get a larger yield plus the potatoes would be much cleaner. I would have to agree with that last part!
But as he was discussing that potato growing method, I was dubious that it would yield more potatoes. I was especially concerned they might be exposed to more sunlight, which causes solanine to build up. Solanine is what causes potatoes skin to turn and is poisonous.
We decided to have a friendly competition. We bought a bag of 9 ‘Russian Banana’ seed potatoes from our local garden center. I would plant mine in soil while Bill would plant his in straw.
We planted our spuds on April 26th. As Bill’s potatoes grew, he added in more straw for them to grow in. And I kept adding more soil every time my plants put on some growth. Of course, we garden in raised beds which made it a bit challenging. You’ll notice that Bill created a little “fence” made from branches around the perimeter of his growing area. That way, he could keep piling on the straw without it falling into the pathway next to the bed.
As the season progressed, I started worrying that perhaps Bill’s potatoes were growing better than mine. After all, you couldn’t see what mine were doing down in the soil! But this was a lighthearted potato growing competition. So even if I lost, I was still going to get to eat potatoes, right?
OK, so now you have the background. I also wanted to mention something as you watch the video. I only have one microphone. When I replaced my old microphones, Bill felt I should only buy one transmitter. That’s because he would rather be BEHIND the camera, rather than in front of it! And that hasn’t been a problem because I’m always the one making the videos.
Until this time, that is. He is fairly soft-spoken and when I was checking the video afterwards, I decided to add some captions. That’s why you’ll see them while Bill’s digging up his part of the bed. I hope that will work out OK.
Our potato storage method
In the video, I mentioned that I’d share the method we use to store homegrown potatoes. We don’t wash the soil off the potatoes as that can spread mold. Instead, we’ll put them in a box (in our garage) for 3-4 days to allow the soil on them to dry and (mostly) fall off. Then we’ll lightly-moisten some straw and alternate layers of straw and potatoes in a large plastic bin (think Rubbermaid-style). We’ll rest the lid on the top but not seal the container because it’s important to have some air flow. Then we’ll keep the bin in our garage or basement, whichever is cooler. We’ve tried different storage methods over the years and this has worked the best. If you do this, too, be sure to use minimal water or the potatoes might rot. And eat the potatoes sooner, rather than later!
Here’s my Potato Growing Competition Results video:
Well, what did you think about the results? And did you get a kick out of the video? I have to admit it was really fun to shoot. If you’ve never grown potatoes before, I’ve got a potato growing guide on my website. I tried to make each of my veggie guides really easy to use and helpful.
Here’s a link to my YouTube channel. And if you’d like to watch more of my veggie gardening videos, here’s a link to my Vegetable Gardening playlist.