TMD Feb. 5

When and how do I plant my potatoes?

Most people around here are looking forward to getting a little dirt on them and turning over the garden.  Potatoes are one of the first to go in unless you're still planting onions.  

Planting dates for potatoes vary, not depending on the weather, but who or what you believe.  I've always been told to plant them on February 14th and that isn't around February 14th, it's on February 14th as one man told me.  

Most books you read say to plant them 4 weeks before your last average frost date.  Centerville's date is March 12th.   That would make our planting date February 12th since the month only has 28 days this year.  

Almanacs differ depending on who's you read but most tend to go on the moon's signs.  Planting "below ground" crops on during the third quarter moon is recommended.   

To plant the potatoes, cut them up to where 1-2 buds (eyes) are on each part.  Let the cuts dry over night to help prevent rotting.  Plant them the next day 2-3 inches deep and about 12 inches apart.  

My quote of the week comes from Martin Buxbaum.  It reads, "Some people, no matter how old they get, never loose their beauty-- they merely move it from their faces into their hearts."