February 14 ,of course  is Valentines Day.  But did you know that Valentines Day is also the traditional day to plant potatoes.  Grandpa did it, Daddy did it and even further back.  Start by buying your potatoes at a local garden center.  You should use the certified potatoes.  

Cut the potatoes with leaving an eye in each cut.  Some gardeners do this and let them sit for a day or 2.  Many of the old timers dust the plants with sulfur to help keep fungus away.  Plant them 12 inches apart in the row.  Make a loose trench and put a little fertilizer in the trench.  I recommend using a fertilizer that is higher in potash(0-0-60).  For a hundred foot row you will need approximately 100 plants.  Cover with soil, don’t pack it.

In a few weeks you should see the start of your garden.  Start checking around May for the harvest.  There is nothing better than new potatoes with a white cream sauce.  Let’s forget that you can use them with your crawfish for an extra treat.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)