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DIY Potato Boxes
If you’re like me you might still be learning the difference between roots, tubers and alliums. Potatoes, unlike roots want to grow up, not grow down. Rather than creating quasi unattractive lumps and piles in the landscape we went with these super savvy handmade boxes.
These are constructed of 1×6″ lumber into 21″ and 24″ segments. You will need 12 of each that will be connected (via drill and screws) to 2×2-ish longer bits like so:
That last shot will be the back of the box, then we’ll connect the rest of the wood bits (can you tell I’m totally a carpenter?!) into a square like:
Once this much is done you can get your little potato starts (which can literally be potatoes you’ve had for too long and have begun to sprout), pick the tastiest variety or pick up/ order some starts.
Cut a potato with sprouty bits into at least three or one sprout at least on each cut. Nestle them into the 6″ of soil that will top off that first board. When the sprouts come up to the soil line add the next boards (one high all the way around), top off the level with soil and let go until the sprouts come through that. Then the next boards and so on. If you have problems or concerns with pests or cats you can staple green mesh or chicken wire around to prevent unwelcome intruders.
As the taters feel the increased weight of fresh soil, they will continue to urge ever further to the light, sprouting more tasty little taters along the way.
Our students here at the Seattle Urban Permaculture design program with Jenny Pell we are pumpin’ these babies out!
These along with many other locally produced permaculture based goods will be available for sale in the Wallingford Neighborhood of Seattle. Swing by Om Culture for more info and check out this Fridays open forum about local economies and mini local barter fair.
Here’s another source for growing potatoes in sacks with shots on how to cut them once sprouted. Seattle Tilth also has Shared ideas on the subject. Check out their brief potato growing pearls of wisdom.
Steady State Revolution http://steadystaterevolution.org explores the ideas of a sustainable economy. In order to have a sustainable society we must create an economy that develops within the limits of the ecosystem instead of growing beyond them: a “steady state” economy. http://steadystaterevolution.org/what-is-a-steady-state-economy/
Source: http://edenecology.com/diy-potato-boxes/
