I'm still refining what I need to plant this spring to produce enough of the vegetables we eat a lot, as well as expanding the daily menu. One crop I need to increase are potatoes. Granted, they're fairly cheap in the grocery store, but the difference in flavor is night and day. Plus, potatoes are in my blood.
For years my dad had the "Hinman Potato Planter" that was patented in the early part of the 20th century stored in the barn. I'm not sure exactly how it worked, but it always struck me that potatoes were obviously an important part of the farmily farm's history.
Personally, i'm a big fan of potatoes. (Who of German or Hungarian heritage isn't?) Last year I planted French fingerlings, Viking and Yukon Gold. I don't think I'll do Viking again since the red streaks within the flesh translate into pink mashed potatoes. The taste is the same, but the color doesn't quite work.
Yukon Gold are must-haves, and I enjoyed the fingerlings. I'm also going to order Katahdins from Pinetree in Maine. It's a white potato that tastes great and keeps well. We always grew those at Dad's, and they typically did very well. Same with Kennebecs. I think they might be on the list, as well.
Last year I planted 20 hills. This year I would like one-hundred. We ran out by December, and I'd like to be able to store them through most of the winter. The less I have to buy at the store, the better.
