From page 39
Potatoes only need a couple
of eyes per piece to grow, so
feel free to cut up the larger
potatoes into two or more
chunks, at least as big as a
golf ball. The smaller
potatoes can be simply
planted whole. Ideally, cut
the potatoes 24 hours prior to
planting, allowing time for a
scab to grow over the cut,
thereby reducing disease or
rot issues.
Next, it is important to
absolutely soak the compost,
as it often is on the drier side.
Do this after every potato
layer is planted.
Continue to lay down a new
layer of potatoes on top of 30
cms of compost until finished.
The whole bin will use about
VEGETABLES
2 kg of potatoes.
There are a couple options for
finishing off the potato tower.
You can finish it off with a top
layer of potatoes, along both
the outside and also an inner
circle, which will sprout out
the top of the bin. Cover with
about 15cm of compost.
Or you might consider
planting other plants or herbs
which will help to keep away
aphids and other insects. Try
Line the outside with straw and fill
the inside with soil
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lavender, wild garlic, nasturtiums or marigolds.
It is important to keep the bin
moist, from top to bottom.
In about ten to 14 days you
will see your first little potato
shoots sprouting out the side
of the potato tower.
Once the potatoes have all
died back in the late summer,
it's harvest time. Simply tip
over the potato bin and pick
Continued on page 40