Hilling Potatoes Growing a Vegetable Garden

[Calkirk19]

obviously potatoes had to exist before agriculture so why do you have to hill potatoes? Is it to make the potato larger in size which is better for eating?

[webcajun]

@Calkirk19 … Since the potatoes form from the roots up they would get exposed to sunlight which ruins them making them inedible…….Donald

[TheKawasakirider84]

im in east texas and i was trying to figure out if i could plant okra in janurary if you would could you help me out?

[webcajun]

@TheKawasakirider84 ... Okra is a hot weather crop planting in January won't work.....Donald

[TheProphetstatus]

Ive been looking for that hilling a implement for over 6 months. Where did you purchase that implement if you may please repspond. thankyou

[webcajun]

@TheProphetstatus ... Google Stevens Tractor Company. Give em a call they quote you a price on shipping.......Donald

[kramer2963]

Your livin the dream keep going strong.

[webcajun]

@kramer2963 ... Was born and raised here, I love it………Donald

[exteacher2004]

I just have to say that I really do enjoy your videos!!!! They are very educational and entertaining as well!! Plus I really do enjoy the fact that you talk slowly and clearly so that i can understand your teaching!!!

[webcajun]

@exteacher2004 ... Thank you and glad they help......Donald

[BOBLOL00]

hello Donald, if you would plant "not winter" potatoes in winter, would the failure be 100% or is there a chance to get some

[webcajun]

@BOBLOL00 ... First freeze will kill the plants.....Donald

[BOBLOL00]

@webcajun if there is no frost, will they grow?

[webcajun]

@BOBLOL00 ... I'm sure they would but your best bet is to plant your potatoes in late winter - early spring. If you already have seed potatoes give em a try and see what happens.......Donald

[TheWhitetailrancher]

vegies are judged by size because taste is subjective. an inch is in inch no matter who's opinion.

[tareksarouji]

really thanks mr donald, i am from lebanon and i am watching and learning asll what u r doing....

[webcajun]

@tareksarouji ... Hope they give you ideas you can use in your garden......Donald

[checkfoldcallraise]

i started gardening in '09. now im starting to get more bugs that i haven't seen before. i grew a big beef tomato plant and it got huge and bushy. i was so proud of it, it had produced many tomatoes. of course being new to gardening, i thought stink bugs were just friendly beetles. i was seriously wrong, they ate big holes in the fruit and worms got in them. then the hornworms arrived and in two days they defoliated the top 3/4 of the plant. but still its fun to learn as you go.

[webcajun]

@checkfoldcallraise ... As you've seen, bugs can destroy a garden in a very short period of time. I go through mine just about every day looking for those little suckers……Donald

[mdcrab68]

some of the potato bugs are resistant to sevin

[webcajun]

@mdcrab68 ...I must not have that strain of beetles here because Sevin killed all mine......Donald

[mdcrab68]

how do you get rid of potato bugs !!

[webcajun]

@mdcrab68 ...Liquid Sevin......Donald

[NavyBlueSTL]

I've never understood why gardening competitions are based on size. Shouldn't it be on taste?

[webcajun]

@NavyBlueSTL ...The competition was for the tallest and/or largest......Donald

[GangBoxer]

do you ever go on joy rides in that golf cart?  hahaha! :)

[webcajun]

@GangBoxer ...I would probably get pulled over. lol......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

I hilled one of my potato rows today! They are lookin Very good. I actually had to go back a pick some of the plants up out of the dirt that got covered up...

[ddd3240]

Thanks for posting these video's. They are a big help. In Southeast Texas I have the same conditions you do for the most part and it helps to see what other folks are doing.

[webcajun]

@ddd3240 ...Glad you enjoy the videos and you're welcome......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

My potato plants are looking pretty good... Well, the ones that came up anyway. I'm kinda disappointed in them actually. I got a few plants that are about 10 inches high or so, but a lot of them hasn't even come out the ground yet!!! I also noticed yesterday that I have about 8 new plants just barely coming out the ground to where you can just see them and tell what they are (not a weed). I don't know if i done something wrong, or if some just take longer than others to come up...

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...The ones that aren't up yet were probably planted deeper......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

@webcajun Yes, that's definately a possibility.... When should i cultivate and hill them?

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...weather plays a part when I hill mine the first time. If they are 8-10 inches tall and there is lots of rain in the forecast I hill em. If not I will usually let them get 12+ inches tall.....Donald

[fitzpatrickgf]

Thanks for the lesson! I think our children's schools should make vegetable garden growing a mandatory class. I'm learning alot on youtube watching wonderful postings like this one, to know that we can survive on our own if food in our grocery stores became sparse. If we have the knowledge, we can grow anything on our own and live independently. Thanks again!

[webcajun]

@fitzpatrickgf ...I believe gardeners should move to OP/Heirloom varieties and save their own seeds. By next year I should be very near all OP varieties. Gardening should be mandatory in school rather than some of the other things they offer......Donald

[TheFrogmom]

Hey, fella...really loved your video...and your comments on the Irish potato thing...just one comment....I have grown potatoes in early spring in Missouri, then harvested the tubers by July, then replanted the same plants and had a second harvest by October! What do you think of that?!?!?

[webcajun]

@TheFrogmom ... Sounds good to me. I'll sometimes plant a fall crop as well.....Donald

[KokomoianRyan]

getcha some Big Zac tomaters and put some compost tea on'em and you'll win!

[webcajun]

@KokomoianRyan ...thanks for the tip......Donald

[biglou250]

What are the phrases you say at the beginning and end of the video?

Great vids!

[webcajun]

@biglou250 ...Good day and how's it going. At the end it's "don't give up" ... "hang in there".......Donald

[nighttrain269]

Great videos. Keep em coming. Question, do you recommend putting fallen leaves in the garden and then tilling them in? (northwest NC) I've got a mix of clay and sandy soil and am trying to get it right.

[webcajun]

@nighttrain269 ... you sure could till in some leaves to build the soil. I'd do it in the fall and let em break down over the winter. You could also make a compost pile with em and add the compost to the garden...........Donald

[cowboywithspurs36]

so i watched one of your other videos on planting potatoes . you only put 4 inch of dirt on them . so when do you add /mound more dirt to make the hill ? thanks

[BeeRich33]

Diabeetus.

[mfpieklik]

very good video  actually enjoy all your videos

[webcajun]

@mfpieklik ... thanks.........Donald

[4077phil]

hey i do some gardening myself what is the forum i live in louisiana also in evangilene parish where are u because in my gardens i have grass that comes up every where but your garden is so clean

[webcajun]

@4077phil ... I live just a little north of you in Avoyelles Parish. Running that tiller between the rows really helps with the grass........Donald

[4077phil]

@webcajun do you ever sell what you grow

[webcajun]

@4077phil ... sometimes......Donald

[Lawknee]

KITTY!!!

[MsWantolivefree]

I live in Alaska. There is very little "farming" that goes on in our state, and it is difficult even to have a good vegetable garden during our brief spring/summers. Some of us do TRY, though. ;-) My family has five, not so arable acres, since our property sits on an old glacier bed. In order to do any gardening, we have to bring in tons of topsoil.

I enjoy your videos very much and have learned a lot from your easy-going "how to" style. Your plants are beautiful and look so healthy.

[webcajun]

@MsWantolivefree ... down here in Zone 8 we can grow something year round. If I moved to Alaska I'd be lost when it comes to gardening. Glad you enjoy the videos and thanks......Donald

[mhamerson]

thanks donald. i am new to the web site so i have not seen all of the neat catagories. wish i could come to the bbq but i have a daughter graduating from univerity of texas that weekend. eat plenty for me and maybe we can come next year

[webcajun]

@mhamerson ... understood, family always comes first.......  Donald

[mhamerson]

i enjoy all of the videos. where did you get the row hippers and what is the make and model? like the golf cart.

[webcajun]

@mhamerson ... check out my web site (video page)...... Donald

[rosuabsc]

I so enjoy all of your video's. You have such a love for the earth.. and will always be able to feed your family! God Bless The Bayou Gardener and his family!

[webcajun]

@rosuabsc ... glad you enjoy the videos and thank you. Hope you have a great year in the garden....... Donald

[spacewalker1551]

Hello again, Just wondering how do you figure out what type of fertilizer you need 17-17-17 or 13-13-13 or just what ??-??-??. Thanks. And just so you,I watch your videos every single day. Thanks for helping!

[webcajun]

@spacewalker1551 ... that's real easy. It is recommended that you use 8 lbs. of 8-8-8 for every 300 sq. feet of garden or for every 100 feet of row. If you're using 17-17-17, which is twice as strong as 8-8-8, then just use half as much........ Donald

[joedecook]

Love your videos. I live out in Northern California and it's always fun to see how other things grow in other parts of the country. I have to irrigate all of the garden. Usually less than an inch of rain between June and September and tomatoes are tough to put in before April 15. The latest I've been able to keep is my last one in November with an average first frost in mid October.

[webcajun]

I probably won't be transplanting tomatoes till after Easter here in Louisiana so we're not too far apart on planting dates........... Donald

[jekyllisland7]

Cajun, what do you think about the Kubota B3200?

[webcajun]

I'll email you....... Donald

[kevinw3891]

Hey Donald I've been keeping up with your videos for a little while now. Really good stuff.  I've noticed though you haven't done anything on carrots ie planting, harvesting, maintaining etc. Do you not work with carrots or maybe you just haven't gotten to em yet?

[webcajun]

It's getting kind of late for carrots 2/25 but if it would dry out some I would maybe try a few feet. Will plant some more in Sept. for a fall crop........ Donald

[jekyllisland7]

Donald, I've seen your watering system for you tomatoes. Tell me about watering your potato crop--what process do you follow? You've been helpful--enjoy your videos.

[webcajun]

Potatoes are planted in the cool/cold weather months and water is not a problem. In fact we usually get too much rain. If it would happen to dry up I would give them about an inch of water a week just like the rest of the garden. Plant you potatoes in a high spot cause they don't like to go under water too often......... Donald

[jekyllisland7]

what is triple 17

[webcajun]

Fertilizer. Same as 8-8-8 or 13-13-13........ Donald

[jekyllisland7]

Cajun,

After watching your tomato video, I really liked your PVC watering apparatus. How frequently do you water with this directed technique and how much water does each plant receive.

[webcajun]

Each PVC pipe holds approx 2 qts. of water. Normally I fill them at least every other day if it's a dry spell........ Donald

[jekyllisland7]

And what does the bottom of the tube look like--how big is the hole and how quickly does the tube drain?

[webcajun]

Check out the video I made on "Tomato Watering System". It has all the info......... Donald

[nikki4612]

Have a Joyeaux Noel Donald. From Nikki in Ponchatoula

[webcajun]

Hey Nikki ... yall have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year......... Donald

[pawpycoo]

Please send Tanner some of those contest tomato seeds.

[ruready2prty]

GREAT VID and cats do make good back massagers. LOL I'm over here in Houston and the frost got my sunflowers watermelon and honey dew. I knew there were summer crops but you have to learn some how.

[webcajun]

Yeah I push the planting dates sometimes and sometimes win........ Donald

[sadia102]

LOL you sure gotta drive straight. Great vid. Like your editing techniques. I'm trying bed, tub and bagsfor potatoes to compare the results. Yummy tomatoes ...I hope mine come through. It was impressive especially when the land was poor. Too bad they only mainly grew one type. Love the kitty. Got 6 of my own. Your music has me tapping.Thanks.

[webcajun]

Right now the kitty count is 4 ... 3 are female so that could change at any time. LOL......... Donald

[searchlight22]

I was in New Orleans last Friday, left just as the snow was to start. That system continued on up into Newfoundland , where I live, and dumped 40cm of snow two days later!

Donald, my garden is 3500 sq f. I plant half that with spuds. Our yield is usually around 300lbs, or a ten to one ratio. Next year, I plan to grow more spuds in containers, it's a lot easier, and gives a better ratio even then that.

Merry Christmas to you and all.

[webcajun]

I've been thinking of growing a few in containers just to see how many potatoes I can get out of one plant. I think a plastic 55 gal drum would do the trick. This year's spring crop got way too much rain so the yield wasn't that great.  Flooding caused me to lose lots of potatoes. But there's always next year......... Donald

[alderaforall]

One question for you Donald. Do you get frosts of any kind down there in cajun country?

[webcajun]

Yes we do. It'll sometimes get down into the teens... not often but it happens. Although very unusual we got some snow the other day......... Donald

[tinafisher]

God Bless You and your wife and all the kiddies, and kitty and labs too! Have a great Christmas and we'll look forward to your video's this next year. Your a blessing to me.

[webcajun]

Yall have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year........ Donald

[jekyllisland7]

Webcajun, I've got 3 acres and a large garden. I'd like to expand my garden to about 2 acres. What would you recommend for a tractor and attachments?

I appreciate your videos..thank you!

[webcajun]

My tractor is a 32 HP 4WD. Basic tools needed is a 5 ft. pto powered tiller, and row hippers. A cultivator is nice to have but not really necessary if you skip every other row so you'll be able to get back in there with the tiller during the growing season. That's how I keep my garden so clean...... Donald

[mywootgarden]

wow its crazy how you can drive right over the plants and have them better than befor :)

[webcajun]

They had recovered real well after I hilled then it snowed. They aren't looking to sporty now......... Donald

[cheesestr4wz]

Look at you ! That's as near perfect as possible!

 3:05 - 3: 35

Wooo Weee! You've planned well! May The Lord Bless your efforts1

[webcajun]

Good tools do a good job, I was just along for the ride........ Donald

[checkfoldcallraise]

hello Donald. i am a new subscriber to this channel. just want to say it is very inspiring to someone like me who is a beginner in gardening. looking forward to learning all i can. thank you! - Pete

[webcajun]

Hey Pete ... stick to the basics and don't fall for all the gimmicks and you'll do just fine........ Donald

[eightmeg]

Its great to hear from you Donald. Was wondering if you're alone on the farm or is there any family there too. Thanks for the tips!

[webcajun]

Only me and the wife........ Donald

[heshtech]

Hi Donald, This year instead of hilling or earthing up my potatoes i've tried placing a whole lot of pea straw around the bases of them. Have you ever tried this? Do you know if it will work as good or better than piling up dirt?

[webcajun]

I heard of doing that but never tried it. Let me know how they do......... Donald

[27simber]

hi there how are you and your family.what a cool vid. do some more soon.and by the yes i have no earwing now in the garden just lots of ants and bees so thats cool.well i better get going now talk to you soon.HAPPY XMAS.

[webcajun]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to yall too Donald

[kokonutbaby1]

Merry Christmas, Donald and Happy New Year to you and yours in 2010...Thanks for all the helpful videos, growing tips, and recipes! ---Angie

[webcajun]

Hey Angie, did you cook that Gumbo yet? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to yall too........ Donald

[kokonutbaby1]

Haven't made the gumbo yet but the weather sure is ripe for it now,lol..here in Arkansas we are having alot of cold rain, heavy frosts..need something to keep me warm...=)

[webcajun]

A good, hot bowl of gumbo would do the trick...... Donald

[crewlla]

hey if you get the chance to watch faith in potatoes. its a really good movie. Im not religous and it does have a lot about god and jesus in it but it is a really good movie. I think it might be shown here on you tube. Its worth a watch.

[webcajun]

I'll keep an eye out for it thanks....... Donald

[fatpius]

always enjoy your vids. wish i had LAND and a tractor, but faring well w/containers.

[webcajun]

I always said 1 plant in a container is a garden. Thanks and glad you enjoy......... Donald

[btigtime2]

Hey, My Potato vines have wilted because of this freak snow do you think they are alright?

[crewlla]

In canada if we dont dig out all our potatoes out in the summer, they will grow again the next year. you shouldnt have any problems we have freak snow in the summer all the time. In june we had snow and my potaoes came out fine. I live in Alberta Canada.

[webcajun]

Mine are wilted too. First time I ever got snow on potatoes here in Louisiana. Crewlla says they'll come back, I hope so........ Donald

[SirChadwic]

You vids take me right there to the farm. I'm standing there with Lucy and we're just watching you till. I could smell the soil. At the end I found myself back in my chair looking at my computer screen. Its like a dream I dont want to leave but I know I can always go back (If God's willin') on you next vid. Thanks a lot Donald.

[webcajun]

Your welcome...... Donald

[powerspade]

This past year I have really enjoyed your site, I have learnt a lot from your videos

I have a two allotment plots (victory gardens) Total area about 500 sq yards mostly vegetables but also a small part set aside for soft fruits(strawberries,gooseberri­es blackcurrants). in the next week or so I shall be planting a line of raspberries.

To be on the plot is like being in the countryside - you cant beat it

Keep up the good work and may the year to come be the best.

Merry Christmas

[webcajun]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ....... Donald

[hitmhard]

Its so great watching your videos this time of year, specially after we just had 8 inches of snow dumped on us the night before last here in michigan. Tonights low is 8 degrees. brrrrrrrrr. Great video Donald!

[webcajun]

8 degrees would shut us down........ Donald

[cajundecoeur]

Hey "bonjour comment ça va" mon amis, have you attacks of doriphore in potatoes?

Good equipment and good idea for the bring up. Thanky

[webcajun]

Had them in the Spring but used Sevin and it took care of em........  Donald

[MadBadVoodo]

Love the vid man! Keep up the good work!!

Five Stars my Friend!

[webcajun]

Thanks ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year........ Donald

[72542]

Always great to check in on you and see how things are growing. Keep it up & Merry Christmas!

[webcajun]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too........ Donald