If you've ever wished for more abundant harvests without compromising plant space, then Marion Owen's innovative gardening experiment might just be the answer!
Marion, an enthusiastic gardener in Kodiak, Alaska for 40 years, discovered a unique method called "SOS potatoes" or Sprouts on Spuds, which allows you to grow two crops in the same space simultaneously.
In this intriguing article, we'll dive into Marion's experiences and learn how you too can achieve a bountiful garden using this unconventional technique.
1. The Aha Moment
Marion begins her journey by sharing her special "aha moment" when planting potatoes. She decided to run with her idea, and the results left her thrilled. With a contagious enthusiasm, Marion exclaims, "Let's run with what happened!"
2. The Experiment
Marion's garden space was limited, but that didn't deter her. She dedicated a raised bed to her innovative experiment, covering it with fishnet to keep pesky birds away. Marion dug a trench and planted smaller potatoes known as drop-ins, which she learned about from potato scientists in Palmer, Alaska. These drop-ins are less susceptible to rot, making them ideal for sprouting.
3. Chitting Potatoes and Planting Greens
Have you ever heard of chitting? It's not a swear word! Marion explains the process of chitting, where the potatoes sprout before planting. "When your potatoes pre-sprout like this, that's a good thing," she remarks. Once the potatoes were planted in the trench, she covered them with soil. On top of the soil,
Marion sowed specialty seeds for a variety of delicious greens such as mesclun mixes, mustard mixes, and braising mixes. She highlights the excellent selection from Renee's Garden, including a tantalizing stir-fry mix and wintergreens.
4. Growth and Harvest
Marion eagerly awaits the growth of both the greens and potatoes. After about two to three weeks, the greens start to flourish, indicating that the potatoes will soon emerge from below. To make way for the potato shoots, Marion carefully harvests the greens. She joyfully exclaims, "As I pull away and harvest these greens, lo and behold, there is a little potato shoot that popped up!" This exciting discovery spurs her on to continue harvesting and making space for the thriving potato plants.
5. Abundant Harvest
The end result of Marion's "SOS Potatoes" experiment is a bountiful harvest. She proudly shares her success, exclaiming, "Oh my gosh, I got a great harvest!" The mixed greens were pulled away, allowing the potatoes to continue growing. Marion's garden is a testament to the power of experimentation and innovation in maximizing garden space and reaping the rewards of a thriving harvest.
6. Final Inspiration
Marion's experiment with SOS Potatoes is an inspiring example of how "going with the flow" and creative thinking can bring about positive changes to your gardening experience. In this case, by combining the cultivation of potatoes with specialty greens in the same bed, Marion successfully maximized her garden's potential.
This innovative approach not only allows you to enjoy a variety of crops in limited space but also encourages resourcefulness and exploration in the garden.
So, if you're ready to take your small garden to new heights (no pun intended), why not give SOS Potatoes a try? Embrace Marion's enthusiasm and create a garden bursting with life and abundance. Get ready for a fun gardening adventure and watch your harvests thrive as you experiment with Sprouts on Spuds.
Remember, the joy of gardening is not only in the final harvest but also in the journey of discovery along the way.
Happy gardening, and may your SOS potatoes bring you an abundance of delicious crops!
Would you like to see more of Marion's videos? Follow this link to her YouTube channel, The Gardener's Coach.
Why Your Compost Doesn't Get HOT and 10 Easy Ways To Fix It
Gardeners tell me there's nothing more frustrating than to invest tons of time and energy into making compost, only to have it turn into a soggy, smelly mess. Or dry out altogether so it just sits there.
That's why I created this guide: To help you assess your compost and then apply solutions so you can get your compost pile back on its feet.
Take a moment to imagine a greener lawn, tastier veggies, and a garden that's a made-in-heaven dream to maintain.
With Marion's guide you can get finished Compost in only Six Weeks!
Who is Marion Owen?
Learn the fine art of nurturing your dream garden using organic methods that have been fine-tuned over 35 years by Marion Owen, New York Times bestselling author.
Gardening techniques that have been proven to work by Marion's students longing for their own dream garden in landscapes as diverse as North America, India, Europe, UK and Australia.
Finally, you can throw away all those harsh chemicals, as Marion only teaches methods that are in tune with Mother Nature!
Marion Owen's approach to fulfilling your dream garden will save you hundreds of dollar. At the same time bring natural vitality to you, your family and the planet.
Start to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables using a methodology in harmony with the natural environment.
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