Growing Carrots in Idaho: Soil, Sowing and Forked Roots
Idaho’s representative state soil, the Threebear series, is a light volcanic-ash soil that drains well and holds moisture better than most, but it runs…
Growing Carrots in Hawaii: Soil, Sowing and Forked Roots
If you’re gardening in Hawaii, the answer is straightforward: your carrots will likely fork unless you build a raised bed or dig deep and mix in compost.
Growing Carrots in Georgia: Soil, Sowing and Forked Roots
Georgia’s representative soil, the Tifton series, is 84 percent sand with only 6 percent clay, which sounds like ideal carrot country.
When to Plant Potatoes: Soil Temperature, Not the Calendar
Soil temperature decides potato planting, not the date on a calendar. Plant as soon as the soil reaches 50°F, a point that typically falls 14 to 21 days…
Storing Potatoes: The Temperature and Humidity That Decide
Two extension services, two numbers. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension puts ideal storage at 38 F with 95 percent humidity.
How Deep and How Far Apart to Plant Potatoes
Plant seed potatoes in a furrow 4 to 6 inches deep, then cover them with about 2 inches of soil, according to the University of Maine Cooperative…
Seed Potatoes: Why Certified Seed Is Not Optional
Certified seed potatoes are not optional because uncertified seed carries plant virus that can quietly wreck an entire planting, according to Utah State…
Hilling Potatoes: When, How Often, and Why It Is Not Optional
Hill potatoes once the plants reach about 6 inches tall, and plan on doing it up to three times over the growing season, according to the University of…
Why Potatoes Stop Sizing in a Hot Summer
When soil temperatures climb above 90°F, potato tubers stop sizing up, according to Utah State University Extension’s guidance on growing potatoes in the…
When to Dig Potatoes: New Potatoes or a Full Crop
The choice is a trade, not a date on a calendar. Dig new potatoes early and you get thin-skinned, tender tubers meant for the table that same week.