Update on the Monday Garden Update

So, in my previous post I thought the potatoes were dead but apparently I just lack experience.  I knew they were going to die back eventually but I was thinking this would occur sometime in August, not mid-June.  I had begun to prepare myself for no potato harvest this year.

 Dead-looking Potato Plants

After some nudging from a garden friend (you know who you are), I quickly referenced  the seed packet the potatoes came and I realized I had planted early to early/mid-season varieties.  These varieties take 90 days to harvest and I planted them in early March so that means they should be ready.  Go figure!

According to another garden blog, I need to wait 2-3 weeks after the plants are completely dead to ensure the potatoes are the  largest.  I only had two plants that have been dead that long so I harvested those today.  It will be a week or two or more before I finish the rest of the potatoes!   I got about 8ish pounds or so of potatoes from the two.  I don't know if the yields are good or bad but I don't really care.  I have expensive blue potatoes and fingerlings and they were delish for dinner tonight!  From just dinner tonight I have made up for the $3.00 I paid for the potato seed because that's what specialty potatoes start at.

Russian Fingerling Potatoes

 Potatoes Prior to Roasting.

The Shallots have also been at death's door from some time as well.  The tops have withered and turned brown at the tips.  I planted 6 shallots total but I haven't harvest them all, just two for now.   The bulb packet they came in said they would be ready mid summer as well.  I'll be hanging them dry so they will store.  I've been eying an awesome Shallot Vinagrette dressing for some time (I'm sure I'll post about it later so stay tuned) so I'm thrilled!!!  I don't know why these are so expensive in the store but they are so delicious!  I'm very excited about these shallots!

 Yummy Havested Shallots!