This is a GREAT thread, Rick. Thanks so much. This is a crop we would so like to plant and grow. . . maybe you can help me. Last year's efforts produced mostly potatoes that were rough-skinned. Can you tell me what causes this? I didn't think to google it--nor have I read Dawn's threads that you posted, yet. We're not going to grow them this year, but thought I'd be prepared for the next. Right now I have a bunch of native shrubs where the potatoes would normally be. . . for the shrubs, it's a temporary bed until I can figure out where to put them.

In the meantime, I think we'll continue with sweet potatoes at the school.

What variety did you try to grow?

Rick

I had not planned on growing Irish potatoes this year, but when I told my neighbor that, he said that he would grow enough extra for Madge and me. He will grow them in my wildlife garden, and I will get the soil ready for them. I just cant dig any more and I dont have a potato digging attachment for my tractor.

I've had problems with Russets too. When you said rough skinned I just about knew you did Russet. Try another variety like Red Pontiac. Your soil needs to be worked up soft and deep , as in tilling. ( Is that taboo for you?). Sources to order from ? Do you have a feed store nearby that has seed potatoes?... Or an Atwoods.. ? Seed potatoes can be ordered online from various places. I'll look around.

https://www.gurneys.com/product/red_pontiac_potatoes

Rick

If you have a lot of rocks in your soil that can be a problem for both onions and potatoes. Rocks can get in the way of a potato trying to fill out.

Rocks is a problem with Arkansas soil.

Rick

I have very few rocks in my north and south garden, the wildlife garden is more of a problem because I have not been working it as long, and still have roots and rooks to remove. I do not have good native soil, very few people in this area do. My soil is shallow with more clay than I would like to have.

Thanks for the tip, Rick. Too late for this year, but we'll try one of the other varieties next year, as you suggested. Is there such a thing as soil that's TOO good? Because they have had a place in our raised beds that has very good soil.

Nope, no such thing as too good soil. Russets haven't really panned out for me. They come out rough and too small. Maybe they do better up north. Red Pontiac should do ok here.

Okay--your confirmation is good enough for me!

Nancy, read the post about container growing. I know, Dawn preferred in ground, but we do what we have to. It saves the foot print, you can plant anywhere and you can plant the red potatoes, or Yukon gold.

bump