This was my second year growing potatoes on the farm, and I didn’t expand the plots as much as I hoped to, but definitely grew more than the trial last year. I was away for an important part of their season, dealing with a family emergency, and I do think without that time away, I would have gotten more big ones and fewer starchy marbles. Even doubling the growing area and increasing yield, I’m still not growing enough for our own use, much less to give away or sell, so ramping up production is my main goal.
2nd year growing potatoes
Variety: Norland red
Final yield: 5.9 oz per square foot (15,437 lbs/acre)
Overall self-grade: B
Compare to last season
Positives
– Significant rise in production per square foot over last season (4.3 to 5.9, 37% increase)
– Doubled growing area
– Survived my emergency absence late in the season
Challenges
– Expanded growing area by less than planned
– Absence late in season probably affected spud size
Goals for 2027
– Double growing area again
– Get yield over 7 oz per square foot
– Arrange to give a large potato donation to a local food bank
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