Today I remember the birthday of George Washington, the first American president. He is often referred to as "The Father of our Country". He was also known for his love of the land and farming.
So, maybe it is fitting, that my Texas Organic Gardening Book suggests I plant my potatoes on February 22. I have always planted things when time allowed. This year, I thought it would be patriotic to plant the potatoes on our first president's birthday.
Usually I cut the seed potatoes in chunks, let them air dry a day, and then, plant.
This year, I'm trying a different approach by planting the whole potato.
One long row of Red Pontiac and one row of Kennebec, now covered, are ready to start growing. If you have not dug for potatoes, you are missing one of life's rewards in gardening.
Children love to do this too! Even for me, just thinking about all the potatoes I will find under the soil of a single growing plant, puts a smile on my face.
If you are one of my blogging friends who home-schools your children, check out When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story. It is a history book filled with beautiful illustrations.
Meggie Mac
Are you really planting potatoes where do you live?
ReplyDeleteI'm in Texas....today's high will be 79 with tomorrow and high of 80. Our weather is up and down and we will probably not see another freeze this year.
DeleteHi Meggie, Your soil looks really good! Ours is full of clay and stones, but gradually improving year on year as we work it. The flavour of home grown, freshly harvested and cooked potatoes is wonderful. Well worth a little honest toil. Sounds as though it should be a very auspicious day to plant them. Happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine, It is blackland and I think I could grow a twig into something. But, in the hot summer months, if there isn't any rain, the earth opens up with wide cracks. So bad sometimes that I can't ride a horse for fear he will step in one and fall.
DeleteWe have wild strawberries, currants, white raspberries and cherry tomatoes in our garden. And every year, we enjoy eating something that comes directly from the garden.
ReplyDeleteI really love country life.
I don't recall seeing white raspberries...I'm sure they taste good over yogurt.
DeletePotatoes are traditionally planted on Good Friday here, though I don't know why. It's a movable Holy Day , so some years the weather definitely isn't right for potato planting. We usually plant ours in April. We are forecast to have as high a temperature as 17 degrees tomorrow. That would be lovely as I am going into town and having lunch in an Italian restaurant with KL and my Mum - a rare treat!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me to believe it will be a high of 79 here today. Our weather has been very warm for February. Lunch sounds nice....bundle up with that temperature. If you have a dessert, let me know what you chose.
ReplyDeleteHi Meggie - I haven't even ordered my seed potatoes yet. Good Friday is our traditional day in Scotland - probably becaue it was the first holiday after the New Year, so working folks had time to spend in the garden. Interesting link. Although we are not homeschooling. We have been reading The Puritan Twins.
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Lovely post, Meggie! I love planting and harvesting potatoes, too - so satisfying. Mine won't be in the ground for another month or so.
ReplyDelete-Jaime
Dear My friend Meggie, first of all I am very happy for all your comments on my blog. I answered late so sorry but I returned back so I can write easly now. I ll buy the book from that site you wrote. I am very interested in all world cultures and really try to learn all cultures. I really want to send some little gifts to you but I don't know how. I made some little crochets How can I contact with you? Best wishes and best days forever...
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