Potatoes 101: Just the Facts for No-Dig Potato Planting

Growing potatoes doesn't have to be hard. This no-dig method makes use of free leaf mulch from the yard, but you would also get the same results with spent hay or even loose well-draining soil.

Normal potatoes (not sweet potatoes) can be planted up to three weeks before your last frost date with no cover. Here in USDA cold hardiness zone 5a, I'm planting this first lot of potatoes on our average last frost date of April 30th.

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[glory]

This is the best no dig video I’ve seen yet!!. Short and sweet but packed with great information!! This one I am sharing!!

[suemar]

I know just what you mean about the "smells" of gardening. I think that earthy smell is so addictive.
Really enjoyed your video.

[evercuriousmichelle]

I really appreciated the compost talk--I'm a newbie so learning that you have a separate compost for weeds was enlightening!

[michellecelesteNW]

Very helpful to know. I'm toying with potato planting ideas and was thinking of the tire method. Fingers crossed. If it's not good I'll do your method next year.
Learning about your compost bins was helpful too. I have started a heap but want to eventually make a container. That three piece system looks smart.
Live long and prosper.

[Sky-vhfp]

Lol, a garden ghost knocks his basket over at the 5:24 mark. Hopefully he updates with the yield. I love watching people harvest their potatoes. It's so satisfying, lol!

[sheylamontoni]

At home I like to use a layer method in which we alternate between leafs and amended soil to grow potatoes. It works with our clay soil and for containers too. But your method seems just as good. I hope your potatoes grow better this year :)

[MsLookinup]

I loved this video, and none of it was too much info. I didn't get my potatoes in until today so I have no idea if I will get anything but the old horse manure hill they are planted on is shaded. I used some bone meal cuz thats what I had, and covered them with rotted straw. I wasn't even thinking of growing potatoes this year, but I found about 20 that were left from last year's crop in the basement refrigerator. (I had planted a crop in horse feed bags) and they were nicely chitted. With the crazy weather we have been having, I am hoping for a late frost. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[Mikidy]

Thank you for this video. Never tried potatoes. New plans for me now.

[clairespace]

No this wasn't more than I needed to know! Perfect for me. I too have a lot of leaves and am always wondering how to make the best use of it. Turning compost is difficult for me - shoulder problems. Separating the types of compost and leaving them is good for me. One question : do you put kitchen peelings, egg shells etc into any of these? Many thanks for this. I really enjoy your style!

[cameronmurie]

Good on ya - great advice
I watched your method before experimentally planting a few here on the KZN South Coast - South Africa.
Do a follow up for us in a few weeks- lets follow the results.
cheers

[e.t.preppin]

I tried a bucket last year. Just one. I’m gonna try my raised bed for potatoes this year. Great video. Love you didn’t edit out the planting seedoes. We love to know you are human too. 👍. I’ll have to see if you have any follow up videos on this crop. Care and harvesting ect. Thanks

[babu]

Nice video!

What music do you sample during it?

[jenniferharris]

interesting method I will give it a go!

[ryanau]

i think i'll have to subscribe to your channel now

[jonnybritnorth]

Try putting a layer of leaves down on top of the soil, then the potatoes then some more leaves then a layer of hay

[junnielaine]

So do you keep adding as the shoots continue to grow up ? Like every four or five inches, adding compost or are you just adding it to keep them moist?

[kyleson]

I'm growing potatoes for my first time. I cut one square inch around the best developed eyes out of 5 potatos. I planted the eyes I cut out and ate the rest. 4 shoots came up out of 5. Correct me if I'm wrong cause I'm pretty new still but planting a half of a potato, let alone a whole one seems a little less resourceful doesn't it?

[markeengillette]

Ok so I read, years ago in Rodale, that the reason you are supposed to set the potatoes in the sun before you plant them is so that they WILL turn green... that green is a natural potato bug defense.

[donaldpowell]

Will leaf mulch work for any raised garden? I’d like to try my hand and peppers, berries, tomatoes, and zucchini. I live in Kentwood MI. Thank you. I love your mix of woodworking and gardening videos!!

[sandravalani]

Hi Dude...for awesome seed potatoes! Take some potatoes on of your fridge and put them in a dark place and within 2 to 3 week they will start sprouting!✌😎🥔