Plant Sprouting Potatoes

My neighbor planted some red Russets late February. That's the appropriate time for planting potatoes in our region. None have broken through the ground yet. That's a good thing because our official last frost date is April 15. We probably won't have any more frost this season, but Mother Nature knows best and she will decide when the potatoes should poke their foliage through the soil.

I, on the other hand, like to experiment. I bought two 5 lb bags of white Russets. They started to sprout before I could cook them all. I said "What the heck, I'll cut off some sprouts and plant them indoors, just to see what happens".

Well, my neighbor's spuds aren't up yet, but mine are. About a foot, actually. I think we've seen our last frost, but I believe it's still cold enough to hurt the foliage, if I were to I put them out now.

I'm going to send the local Ag Agent a picture of my potatoes and ask him how they should be treated at this time; wait a while, plant now, plant now with protection against cold? etc.

Everyone should know their local Ag Agent. Your taxes pays their salary. They are there to help you with gardening questions and there's no charge for their services. I haven't met one yet who wasn't very nice and very anxious to answer my questions.

PS: I planted several containers of Yukon Gold as well, and under the same conditions. None have sprouted. I assume they had been treated to prevent sprouting. Oh, well, guess I'll have to buy a bag of Yukon Gold seed potatoes. It'll be worth it. They are the best potato I've ever tasted.