Wyoming meteorologists agree that a big storm is on the way… bringing snow above 8000’ and rain to the rest of us. I rushed to get the majority of my garden seeds in the ground. I’ll hold off on the tomatoes and peppers until the snow is gone!
The hardest part was my Ruth Stout potato patch. If you’ve never heard of Ruth Stout, check out her books or go to YouTube and watch a video or two. Her premise was that we disturb the soil too much, which modern soil experts agree with, and that we also work too hard in the garden. Her method? Throw the entire potato on the ground and mulch. The work was getting the mulch.
I’ve had my eye on a big straw bale that’s been slowly deteriorating. Vernon helped me get it today.
The potatoes were the perfect condition, with many small roots. I tossed them around. Next we went to load some of the big bale.
I could have used more mulch, but I will add more straw or grass on my own. It’s kind of like putting a hugelkultur bed on top of your potatoes. Or deconstructing your straw bale garden with your potatoes.
Now the rain can come, and kick start my seeds!
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I’m going to check out this method, too…just for my information as a suburban dweller. I have been very successful with the “raised bed”, square foot gardens, but I’m curious about Ruth Stout’s method.
Thanks.
It’s great to grow food. I’m off to look up Ruth Stout.
Interesting! Yes, lots has been written in recent years about low till methods. Looking forward to updates on how this works for potatoes. One thing is for certain, you have to be darned determined to grow food in Wyoming!