Select a sunny site, away from trees and close to a water source if possible.
Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller) to a depth of 12-16” (30-40cm). Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients, and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy. Give plants an extra boost by adding a granulated fertilizer formulated for vegetables or and all-purpose feed (such as a fertilizer labeled 5-10-5).
Plant seed potatoes in early spring as soon as the chance of frost is past and the soil is easy to work. Dig a row 6” (15 cm) deep and place the seed potato with at least one eye facing up. As soon as the plants are about a foot tall (30cm) mound soil around the plant leaving 6” (15cm) of the plant exposed. Repeat this mounding process as the plants grow. Potatoes can be harvested as “new” potatoes in 2-4 months, or wait until the plant dies to harvest larger, storage potatoes.
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