Transcript SACK OF POTATOES— A Junior Master Gardener Lesson

SACK OF POTATOES—
A Junior Master Gardener Lesson
Evelyn Neier
K-State Research &
Extension
SACK OF POTATOES
“Sack of Potatoes” is a lesson from the
Junior Master Gardener book “Health and
Nutrition from the Garden”. Students learn
how to grow potatoes in a plastic kitchen
trash bag. By planting in a bag the student
has the option of taking the “sack of
potatoes” home to watch the potatoes grow.
It also allows groups to grow potatoes where
no “in ground” planting bed is available.
SACK OF POTATOES
On March 7, 2007,
seed potato pieces
were planted in a
commercial potting soil
in a tall kitchen trash
bag. A few holes were
made in the bottom of
the bag to allow for
drainage.
SACK OF POTATOES
Potatoes are a cool
weather crop. In
Kansas they grow best
in early spring or the
fall. St. Patrick’s Day, in
mid-March, is a
traditional time for
planting potatoes.
MARCH 2007
SUN
MON
TUES
WED
7
THUR
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
8
9
10
St.
Patrick’s
Day
4
5
6
11
12
13 14
15
16
18
19
20 21
22
23 24
25
26
27 28
29
30 31
SACK OF POTATOES
Several days prior to
planting the seed
potatoes were cut into
pieces approximately
1.5-2.0 oz each. Every
piece needs at least
one good “eye” or
node. Allow the cut
surface to “heal over”
before planting. This
helps prevent rotting.
SACK OF POTATOES
The “Sack of Potatoes”
was grown in a sunny
area. The plants were
fertilized and watered as
needed. When the plants
were about 8-10” tall more
soil was added to the bag.
SACK OF POTATOES
On June 16, 2007, the
potatoes were
harvested. The foliage
had begun to turn
yellow. This is a sign
that the potatoes are
ready to harvest.
SACK OF POTATOES
A slit was cut down the
side of the bag,
revealing some of the
potatoes. Planting in a
bag makes harvesting
easy.
SACK OF POTATOES
The potatoes
developed along the
main stem of the plant.
SACK OF POTATOES
The commercial potting
soil is easy to shake off
of the root system. The
plant tops can be
added to the compost
pile.
SACK OF POTATOES
As you can see, one
trash bag yielded quite
a few nice potatoes.
SACK OF POTATOES
Always store potatoes
in a cool dry place.
Potatoes exposed to
sun or light will develop
a greenish cast. This is
a build-up of the
chemical Solanine,
which is moderately
poisonous. Peal off and
discard green potato
skins.
SACK OF POTATOES
For more information
on how to grow
potatoes in Kansas
consult the K-State
Research & Extension
Publication entitled
“Potato” available
online at
www.oznet.ksu.edu, or
contact your local
Extension Office.
SACK OF POTATOES
The Junior Master
Gardener curriculum
can be purchased
online at
www.jmgkids.us. Click
on JMG Market.
Evelyn Neier
Associate Specialist
Youth Gardening & Plant
Science
4-H Youth Development
K-State Research &
Extension
[email protected]