I planted my potatoes when the weather changed a week or two ago. They are almost ready now for 'hilling up'.

Lou

Oh no Lou. I guess I need to get busy then huh?

Julia,

At least get them in the dirt right off in a pot or pots even while you build your bin. This will get them swelling and started to sprout. You can transfer them to the bin very carefully when you have it built, just don't delay too long building it. Half fill your bin, plant them, then as they grow you can add the rest of the dirt as 'hilling up'. I find that works well for me in my potato grow box.

NOTE: I'm assuming what you call your 'bin' is your raised bed or 'grow bin' and not your 'potato keeper' bin that people up north have in their root cellars.

Lou

Thanks Lou. I'll get them in dirt this weekend. I'm planning on making one of those wooden bins where you build up as it grows. I gave my husband the plans this morning!

Julia,

I see we are on the same page as far as the 'potato bin'. I know exactly what you are talking about making and that should work really well for you to grow your potatoes.

You did have me wondering if I was correct in my assumption of 'bin' as we all come from different parts of the country to settle here in Florida and the semantics oft times are very different.

Lou

Lou, another question. Can I save some of my potatoes from this harvest (whenever it is) and use those as seed potatoes for my garden next year?

Also, I've read that I need to cut my seed potatoes and let them heal over before planting. I haven't done that yet but is that necessary? I was going to start some this weekend, but haven't cut them yet.

Thanks
Julia

Julia,
I cut them in half, quarters, or thirds depending how many eyes and size of the potato making sure I have a few eyes on each cut section. I find that cutting them makes them signal to start pushing the eyes to new growth and you also get more plants per seed potato. I let them 'scab over' a day or two before planting them (as long as the cut part is totally dry to the touch) if you let them air dry too long I find they will get fungus in this Florida humidity.
Yes you can use some of your harvested potatoes as seed potatoes for successive plantings, I surely do.

Lou