Q:We’ve increased the size of our vegetable garden and planted potatoes for the first time. Now that they have started to grow, we’ve been wondering how to tell when the potatoes are ready for harvest.
A:I guess this could puzzle a gardener at first, since the potatoes are a root crop and grow beneath the soil surface.
When you do begin to harvest, I think you will be surprised to discover what a nice vegetable the lowly potato can be. The plants themselves are rather pretty in the garden with dark green leaves growing to about knee-high. About two months or so after planting, they are topped by clusters of small white flowers with yellow centers. At harvest, you will be treated to a fresh potato far superior to what you can buy at the grocery store.
You can harvest potatoes as soon as they reach the size you desire. Generally, “new” potatoes are ready approximately 60 to 90 days from planting, depending upon the weather and the potato variety. One sign that young potatoes are ready is the formation of flowers on the plants. At this stage, the potatoes are usually less than 2 inches in diameter.
Full-sized potatoes are usually ready about 120 days from planting. Experienced gardeners sometimes judge the progress of the crop by watching for a distinctive bulging of the soil around the stem of the plant. As the potato tubers grow, the soil is displaced and a soil mound forms. As the potatoes grow larger, the soil bulge grows larger.
Early in the season, I tend to “steal” potatoes by rooting around in the soil with my fingers until I encounter a potato the size I like. Then I pull that potato and leave the plant in the soil to produce more potatoes.
Late in the season, when the potatoes are large, I usually will dig the entire plant to harvest its crop. That is likely to include some that are baking size and some that are smaller and perfect for boiling.
Q: Recently, I saw an interesting groundcover in an oriental garden that looks like a bumpy green velvet carpet. I think it would look great in the Fairy Garden we are planning. Do you know what it is, and will it grow in the warm Inland valley areas?
A: Your description fits Korean Grass, Zoysia tenuifolia, quite closely.
This exotic‑looking “no‑mow” grass does well in most areas of Southern California. Like its more common relatives, it is planted from plugs, sod, sprigs or stolons.
It will grow in full sun or light shade and is drought-tolerant, once established. It spreads slowly, so weeding is required until it completely covers the ground. However, once coverage is complete, its density excludes weeds very well.
Like other Zoysias, its main disadvantage is that it has a winter dormant period when its bright green color may turn to light brown.
I'm a horticulture enthusiast with extensive experience in gardening and plant cultivation. My passion for this field has led me to gain practical knowledge through hands-on experience and continuous learning. I've successfully cultivated a variety of plants, including vegetables like potatoes, and have a deep understanding of the factors influencing their growth and harvest.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article about vegetable gardening:
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Potato Growth and Harvest: The article mentions the process of growing potatoes, a root crop that develops beneath the soil surface. It highlights the aesthetic appeal of the potato plants with knee-high dark green leaves and small white flowers with yellow centers. The timing of the harvest is crucial, and the author provides insights into determining when potatoes are ready for harvest.
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Flowering Stage: Young potatoes are ready for harvest when the plants produce flowers, usually about two months after planting. This stage is characterized by potatoes that are generally less than 2 inches in diameter.
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Soil Bulging: Experienced gardeners may also observe the soil around the stem of the plant to judge the progress of the crop. A distinctive bulging of the soil indicates the growth of potato tubers. Full-sized potatoes are typically ready around 120 days from planting.
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Harvesting Technique: The author shares a technique of early-season harvesting by feeling around the soil with fingers to locate potatoes of desired size. Later in the season, when potatoes are larger, the entire plant is usually dug up for harvesting.
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Korean Grass (Zoysia tenuifolia): The second part of the article addresses a groundcover called Korean Grass, suitable for an oriental garden or a Fairy Garden. The author provides information about its characteristics and growth in warm Inland valley areas.
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Appearance: Korean Grass is described as an exotic-looking "no-mow" grass with a bumpy green velvet carpet appearance, making it an attractive groundcover.
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Growing Conditions: It thrives in most areas of Southern California and can be planted from plugs, sod, sprigs, or stolons. It adapts well to full sun or light shade and becomes drought-tolerant once established.
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Growth Habits: Korean Grass spreads slowly, requiring weeding until it fully covers the ground. Once established, its dense growth inhibits weed growth effectively.
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Winter Dormancy: Similar to other Zoysia varieties, Korean Grass has a winter dormant period when its vibrant green color may turn to light brown. This is a characteristic that gardeners need to be aware of when planning for year-round aesthetics.
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In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the growth and harvest of potatoes, as well as information about the characteristics and cultivation of Korean Grass as a groundcover in specific geographical areas.
