I was planning on shooting photos of some DIY leaf art today…
…but when I saw my dad get the tractor out and head to the garden, I knew it was time to dig potatoes and that he and my mother could use my help.
He drives the tractor through the rows using a potato digger, then all we have to do is walk behind picking them up and putting them into baskets.
My parents always grow white “Kennebec” potatoes and this year, added the red “Norland” variety.
My mother is the farmer in the family, and quite accomplished at growing pretty much anything, but my dad does his part with all the plowing, harrowing, stake setting, hoeing, and most of the spring planting.
My dad likes anything that involves driving the tractor:-)
We picked up about 6 bushels from the garden today.
They will get washed, dried, then sorted and put in the root cellar for the season. My parents will add more grown by my cousin, and we will be set for winter.
…because living in the country means knowing where your food comes from:-)
I’ll be joining:
I grew up country too. And though I live in the deep country, I don't really live like country folk anymore. I still love the aroma of freshly turned earth. We went by fields of peanuts being harvested this week and I let down the window and breathed in deeply. So good!
Now if I could grow peanuts and coffee, I'd have it made!!
A great post Anita. The potato harvest is on here too as parts of our province grow potatoes for the french fry market. I don't know if you have McCain's Fries down there but they come from New Brunswick and are shipped all over the world, perhaps under other brands. They also process other vegetables and make pizza. The Dr. Oetker brand of pizzas are taking over the McCain brand soon. So, there's a bit of NB history for you. 🙂 I have a few friends that picked potatoes during the harvest as kids. They used to close the schools in Carleton County for 2 weeks for the harvest and the kids actually started school in mid-August until the break in September. It's hard work I hear. And yes, it's good to know where your food is coming from. Have a great week! Pam
Pamela, I did not know that!! It is hard work–especially when they have to be washed and dried too! My parents love it though and would not be happy if they weren't growing everything!
Can you tell me about a root cellar? Where is the best pace for ME to store potatoes so they last for awhile? I know I shouldn't put them in the fridge but where should I keep them? Loved seeing your Dad!!!
Pinky, they need to be cool and dry, but not too cold like in the fridge. This is a separate building that is smokehouse on top then cellar below, and partially below ground. It has been here for 100 years. If you have basement space that is not heated, that would be best.
Potatoes are a favorite vegetable of mine. These look great.
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That's wonderful. Here in the city I have a small city-sized garden but still manage a few potatoes and tons of other veggies, herbs and fruit. It's lovely being able to grow my own food and know exactly what went into the soil. I keep dreaming about that small organic farm with chickens and maybe a couple pigs…although, we are allowed up to seven urban chickens here in the city. Maybe one day when my life settles down. 😀
Great blog!!! I find myself highly interested in a variety of activities including potato digging. I found your blog very helpful! Have you ever checked out AgMag.com? Its one of the best resources around for all things agricultural related. Anyway, keep up the good work, I will be visiting your blog again soon to check your progress!!
Heidi Sutton @ Ag Source Magazine