Plants hilled to support tuber development.
Part IV · Crop record 14
Potatoes
Potatoes moved through hilling, aphid treatment, soap-damaged tops, harvest, and curing—an unusually complete problem-to-pantry arc.
Growth timeline
The season in three field marks
Aphids and ants cleared after targeted soap, though tops were stressed.
Tubers dug and moved to a dark curing area; one bag later sprouted.
Planting
Potatoes occupied the left row with onions and were hilled May 20 as stems lengthened.
Fertilization
Compost was applied as a top-dressing after weeding. Bulb-and-root development was favored over extra nitrogen.
Irrigation
Drip moisture supported the row during growth; water was withheld near harvest so skins could set and soil could release cleanly.
Pest history
Aphids and attendant ants were treated successfully with soap. The treatment also damaged foliage, which became an important dose-and-coverage lesson.
Harvest progression
Potatoes were dug July 8, brushed rather than washed, and moved into darkness to cure.
Companion record
Shared the left root row with onions.
Organic practices
Hilling, compost, targeted soap, follow-up inspection, and dark curing were used.
Yield
Harvest completed but not weighed; one storage bag later showed sprouting.