So, you’ve decided to play in the dirt and unearth the joys of potato cultivation, have you? Well, prepare to get your hands dirty, enlightened gardener, because the secret to an enviable crop is literally beneath the surface. If you’re vying for that spud-tacular harvest, paying mind to the optimal planting depth is your golden ticket. Whether you’re working with cosy garden beds, embracing the straw mulch revolution, or fancying the high-rise life of container gardening, getting it ‘just right’ is more than a suggestion—it’s a must.
Before you go tossing those taters into the abyss hoping for the best, let’s talk strategy. Setting those starchy gems too shallow could turn them into a sunbather’s dream, all green and full of regrets. Too deep, and you might as well call it a potato burial ground. Don’t fret just yet; follow along, and you’ll master the depths of underground potato etiquette. And that, my friends, is how you’ll elevate your potato prowess to legendary status.
Understanding the Importance of Potato Planting Depth
As you dig into the garden this season, ready to plant those spuds, it’s crucial to recognize that just like a delicate pastry requires precise baking time, potato yield heavily relies on a factor that’s easily overlooked – the planting depth. This isn’t a whimsical gardening myth; it’s the golden rule for harvesting potatoes that are not only abundant but also safe for your dinner plate. Let’s unearth the reasons behind this pivotal planting practice.
Why Depth Matters for Healthy Tubers
Imagine your potatoes as undercover agents; they need the right depth to perform well. Too close to the surface, and they’ll struggle to develop properly. Too deep, and you might as well send out a search party come harvest time. The substantial impact on yields comes from the sweet spot – a depth that fosters excellent soil conditions and avoids the perils of shallow plans, such as tubers peeking out and turning as green as envy. It’s a below-ground gig that deserves careful attention.
Reducing the Risk of Green Tubers and Solanine
Speaking of green, did you know that green on a potato is like a red light on your dashboard? It’s a warning sign. When your precious potatoes are exposed to sunlight, they start to produce solanine, a chemical that could make your baked potato go from comfort food to cause for concern. That’s right, green tubers are a no-go due to solanine toxicity. But fear not! With the right planting depth, we can avoid this verdant villain and keep our spuds safely ensconced in the soil’s embrace.
| Planter’s Depth Guide | Expected Yield Impact | Green Tuber Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow (2-3 inches) | Low Yield | High Risk |
| Ideal (4-6 inches) | High Yield | Low Risk |
| Deep (7+ inches) | Variable Yield | Low Risk (Ventilation Required) |
So there you have it, your blueprint for a bountiful and safe potato harvest. Aim for that sweet spot in the soil, and your taste buds—and pantry—will thank you later. Let’s keep those spuds incognito until they’re ready to see the kitchen light, shall we?
The Science Behind Potato Depth: Preventing Rot and Maximizing Yield
When you’re knee-deep in the world of potato production, knowing the sweet spot for planting depth isn’t just trivia—it’s essential for dodging disasters like potato root rot and churning out a champion crop. Let’s dig into the dirt on what makes for prime potato health. It’s not just about avoiding the too-tight jeans of the plant world by giving those spuds enough room—it’s about mastering the art of planting like a pro.
Key Factors Influencing Potato Root Health
Remember: potato roots are like Goldilocks—they like it just right. Not too shallow, not too deep. If you’re planting your potatoes on the surface, they’ll blush green in the sun—and nobody wants to eat a sunburned spud, right? But plant them like you’re hiding your life savings, and you’ll give root rot its favorite snack. The trick is to use reliable planting techniques that account for the following:
- Soil conditions: Is your soil sandy and sassy or heavy as your heart after watching a rom-com? Getting deep about what’s underfoot is critical.
- Climate quirks: Do you live where sun is a myth, or does your backyard double as a sauna?
- Your choice of technique: Whether you’re going traditional with trenches or getting trendy with raised beds, how you plant impacts how well your taters will party down below.
Here’s a hot tip—pair your spud-planting strategy with your local weather forecast and soil report like it’s a fine wine and cheese combo. Check out this table of techniques that go hand-in-hand with various conditions:
| Planting Technique | Ideal Soil Type | Best Climate Condition | Depth Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Trench | Loamy to Sandy | Moderate with Seasonal Rain | 4-6 inches |
| Raised Beds | Well-Aerated with Good Drainage | Drier Climates | 5-7 inches |
| Straw Mulch Cover | Varies (Good Mulch Is Key) | All, especially areas with Fluctuating Temperatures | 3-5 inches (Under Straw) |
| Container Planting | Potting Mix with Excellent Drainage | Urban Settings, More Controlled Microclimates | 2-4 inches (Plus Mulching) |
A little homework on these elements can make a big difference. And who said you’d never use that high school science again, huh? Chart out your potato path, and keep those tubers thriving—not diving, not surfacing. Just cozily cradled in that soil sweet spot.
How Deep to Plant Potatoes: Comparing Different Methods
When it comes to planting potatoes, depth can be the difference between a meager harvest and a bountiful one. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Just how deep should I be planting these spuds?” Let’s dive into the soil of knowledge and unearth the differences between various planting methods.
Trench planting is your go-to strategy for a successful potato campaign. It’s like digging for buried treasure, except you’re burying the treasure in the form of seed potatoes. Aiming for that sweet spot – 4 to 5 inches deep – lets your potatoes develop in comfort, away from the elements that seek to thwart their growth.
Perhaps you’re adventurous and want to try the mulch method, trading the shovel for a blanket of straw. It’s a shallower affair, but by covering your sprouting spuds with a snug layer of straw mulch, you protect them from the sun’s curious gaze, which is intent on turning your future french fries green with envy – or in this case, solanine.
If deep planting is more your style, you’re not alone. Going down 8 to 9 inches is for those who like to live on the edge. This method has its merits, especially if you dislike the idea of hilling as your potatoes grow, but be warned: the deeper realms might hold more moisture, which could spell disaster in the form of rot for your subterranean treasures.
Let’s put these options side by side in the soil of scrutiny:
| Method | Depth | Hilling Required? | Soil Moisture Management | Optimal Soil Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trench Planting | 4-5 inches | Yes | Depends on rainfall | Well-drained, loamy |
| Mulch Method | Shallow | No | Increased retention | Any, mulch regulates |
| Deep Planting | 8-9 inches | No | Good drainage critical | Sandy loam, avoid clay |
Remember, no matter the method, your potatoes demand love, care, and a bit of personal style. Think of the soil as your canvas and each potato as a brushstroke in your underground masterpiece.
Gardening Techniques: Shallow, Standard, and Deep Planting
If you’ve got a green thumb and a patch of earth, mastering the art of planting is like wielding the wand in your personal symphony of the soil. Let’s get down and dirty with some gardening techniques that could make your potato plot the envy of the neighborhood. Whether you’re a fan of shallow planting, sticking to the traditional planting playbook, or you like to go deep with your taters, there’s a method here that will suit your spuds just fine. Grab your gloves, it’s time to dig in.
The Shallow Trench Method: Quick Start Guideline
Sometimes less is more, and that’s definitely the case with the shallow trench method. Here, seed potatoes snuggle just beneath the surface, dressed in a light blanket of soil or a cozy coat of straw mulch. Warm sun, tickling breezes, and the slightest bit of earth – it’s a gentle start for your budding babies. But beware; this method is like that easy-going friend who can’t take the heat. Too much sun, and your spuds will get sunburnt (a.k.a. green and mean), so keep them covered!
Standard Trench Method: A Traditional Approach
There’s something to be said for the classics. The tried-and-true traditional trench method is like the familiar comfort of your favorite spade — reliable and straightforward. Get down to a depth of 4 to 5 inches and tuck those tubers in tight. Then, just backfill and wait for the magic to happen. It’s the potato planting equivalent of your granddad’s secret BBQ sauce — nothing fancy, but it gets blue ribbons every time.
Deep Trench Method: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
For those who subscribe to the “go big or go home” philosophy, deep trench planting might be your holy grail. Pushing the limits at 8 to 9 inches down into the earth’s crust, your spuds will take longer to see the light of day, but the wait might just be worth it. No hilling, no fuss. Just remember that down there, it’s a potato jungle, and rot is the predator if drainage is not on your side. Beware the clawed clutches of clay or swampy soil that can mean doom for your deep planters.
So, what’s it going to be? No matter which path you choose, remember that with great planting comes great responsibility. Your garden is your canvas; these gardening techniques are your palette. Whether shallow, standard, or deep, your planting strategy sets the stage for a potato masterpiece. Go forth and cultivate, you maestro of mulch, you sultan of spuds!
Critical Tips for Planting Seed Potatoes Effectively
So, you’ve decided to join the legions of gardeners who understand that the secret to delicious, homegrown spuds lies in how you plant your seed potatoes. Before diving into the soil, let’s unearth some key considerations to ensure your potato patch becomes the envy of the neighborhood.
The Impact of Tuber Size on Planting Depth
Say good-bye to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, because when it comes to seed potatoes, size really does matter. Smaller seed potatoes, which you can plant whole, prefer a cozy depth to feel snug. On the other hand, those more-robust tubers will need a trim, cutting them into pieces with at least a couple of eyes each. After all, their eyes need to see where they’re growing!
Conditioning Your Seed Potatoes for Optimal Growth
And for the pièce de résistance in your potato-planting repertoire—conditioning. Like athletes preparing for the big game, your seed potatoes need the same TLC to come out on top. Grab tubers from credible, disease-free sources and ensure they’re tucked into their springtime beds when Jack Frost has said his goodbyes. Position those peepers—or potato eyes—skyward and watch as they morph into your future mash or fries.
- Always source healthy, disease-free seed potatoes.
- For larger seed potatoes, ensure each piece has at least two eyes.
- Plant in spring once the frost risk has passed, with the eyes pointed up.
By adhering to these potato planting tips, you’re well on your way to a bountiful and delectable harvest. It’s about giving those spuds the perfect start so they can reward you with the perfect finish come harvest time. Now, let’s get those hands dirty—your future self, equipped with a plate of homegrown potatoes, will thank you!
Best Practices for Potato Planting in Raised Beds
Imagine stepping into your flourishing garden, with rows of lush greenery sweeping across elevated patches of rich soil. This is the serene scene you create with raised bed gardening, a revolutionary method that’s stealing the show in the horticultural world. Besides being quite the eye-catcher, raised bed gardening offers a suite of perks, especially when it comes to cultivating the humble spud.
Advantages of Growing Potatoes Above Ground
You might wonder why you’d go to the trouble of building a raised bed rather than just planting straight into the ground. Well, let your curiosity be sated. Raised bed gardening transforms potato farming into a less back-breaking and more disease-preventing activity. Improved drainage? Check. Fewer soil compaction issues? You bet. A fighting chance against soil-borne pests? Absolutely. Plus, you’re not playing contortionist with your spade come harvest time, and that’s a win for your back.
Tailoring Soil Composition for Raised Bed Potato Cultivation
When it comes to raised bed gardening, soil is king. You’ve got the power to custom-mix the dirt, turning it into a fluffy paradise for your spuds to swell. Start with a soil amendment, making it rich in organic matter to provide the nutrition your potatoes crave. A sprinkle of balanced, organic fertilizer? That’s like the secret sauce that’ll take your tubers from so-so to spectacular. And let’s not forget about compost—the black gold of gardening that keeps the ecosystem of your soil in tip-top shape.
So there you have it, your blueprint for raised bed riches. Follow these practices, and you’ll watch your potatoes thrive, reaching for the sky… well, underground, but you get the picture. Happy gardening!
Container Gardening: How Deep to Plant Potatoes in Pots
So, you’re short on space but still itching to grow your own spuds? Welcome to the burgeoning world of container gardening, where even the tiniest patio can yield a bumper crop. Potatoes are particularly container-friendly, and let’s be real, there’s something oddly satisfying about growing potatoes in pots, isn’t there? But before you get your hands dirty, let’s talk the nitty-gritty of how deep your soon-to-be potato pals should be buried in their cozy, confined abodes.
First things first, you don’t want those taters to feel cramped. Choose a container that holds at least 2 1/2 to 3 gallons of your best potting mix. Too little room and you’ll cramp their style; too much and you’re just wasting soil – it’s all about that perfect potato equilibrium.
With the potting mix in place, it’s time to tuck those seed potatoes in. Think of it as tucking in a toddler, not too deep, not too shallow. You want to start with about 2 inches of soil covering them up. As they grow taller and start to green, keep adding more mix to support their growth—kind of like adding blankets to that growing child who keeps kicking them off at night.
“A watched pot never boils, and a watched potato never grows.” – Anonymous wise gardener
But seriously, keeping an eye on moisture levels is critical in container gardening. These potted warriors will drink up more water than their in-ground buddies, so don’t leave them high and dry, or they’ll throw a tantrum and refuse to grow.
| Container Size | Soil Depth Start | Soil Addition As Plants Grow | Watering Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 1/2 to 3 gallons | 2 inches | Gradual increase | Frequent monitoring |
And remember, there’s no shame in using potato barrels, the MVPs of the container gardening league. These gadgets not only give your potatoes a luxurious condo to sprawl out in but also make your green-thumbed life a heck of a lot easier.
Bottom line: keep those seed potatoes comfy, with just enough room to stretch their roots. Keep them warm with a snug blanket of soil, and well-watered, but not drowning. Do it right, and you’ll have the envy of your neighborhood: a bumper crop of taters right from your container garden.
Optimizing Potato Growth: Proper Spacing and Soil Considerations
Let’s get our hands dirty and talk about turning your potato dreams into reality. First off, potato growth optimization, it’s a bit of a mouthful but bear with me. You’ll want to give those spuds of yours some room to grow – and by room, I mean a celestial amount of space between each tuber and row. We’re talking 10 to 12 inches between tubers and 18 to 24 inches between rows. Yes, a little room to breathe can create the underground potato haven we’re aiming for.
Imagine trying to don a winter coat in a phone booth; it’s stifling! That’s how potatoes feel about improper spacing. Now, let’s not forget the grandiose gatekeepers of growth – soil temperature and ideal planting dates. Is your soil cozy and warm? It should feel like a spring morning, not a winter chill – aim for that perfect 40 to 45 F sweet spot. Done your checks and it’s reading close to icicle territory? Hold your horses, partner – you could be jumping the gun on your planting dates.
You see, soil that would make Frosty the Snowman feel at home is no place for a sprouting spud. Wait until the last of Jack Frost’s prints has vanished. Remember, timing in potato planting isn’t just about punctuality – it’s about ensuring survival!
Now before I leave you to dig, here’s a nifty table to keep your potato game strong:
| Potato Planting Consideration | Key Insights | Actionable Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing | Provides ample room for tubers to thrive and reduces disease risk | Ensure 10-12 inches between tubers, 18-24 inches between rows |
| Soil Temperature | Impact on germination and disease resistance | Plant when soil is 40-45 F, post-frost for optimal growth |
| Planting Dates | Timing influences yield and quality | Align planting with soil temperature, considering local frost dates |
| Soil Quality | Healthy soil promotes better growth and reduces pest issues | Maintain slightly acidic soil, pH 4.8 to 5.5, for best results |
So my fellow potato aficionados, let these tidbits marinate in your mind. Remember, with the right spacing, soil temperature, and perfectly picked planting dates, you’ll be on your way to an enviable harvest. Happy planting!
Nurturing Your Potato Crop: The Art of Hilling and Mulching
As you tend to your potato plants, you’ll discover that the simple acts of hilling potatoes and applying mulching practices are more than just mundane tasks; they’re rituals that promote robust potato care. These techniques are akin to tucking your tubers in at night, ensuring they grow safe and strong in their earthen beds. Let’s dig into the details of why and how you make these practices part of your gardening routine.
When and Why to Hill Your Potatoes
You’re probably asking, “Why do I need to pile more dirt around my spuds?” Well, hilling doesn’t just give your potatoes a little privacy; it prevents those harmful sun rays from turning your tubers green and keeps the critters at bay. Hilling is all about protection and promoting bigger yields. Plus, who doesn’t like a bigger bounty? Start the hilling process when your plants are about 6 inches tall, and continue to hill every few weeks as they grow, ensuring the roots remain thoroughly buried and content.
Using Mulch to Protect Your Growing Tubers
Now onto the mulching marvels! Mulching is your second line of defense, a snug blanket for your spuds, providing numerous benefits:
- Mulch keeps soil moisture even, because nobody likes thirsty potatoes.
- It deters weeds from gatecrashing your potato party.
- Organic mulches become a tasty treat for soil organisms, which in turn boost soil health.
You can start mulching with straw, leaves, or even seaweed (if you’re feeling fancy) after your first hilling. Add more layers as the season progresses and your plants grow. It’s like updating your wardrobe, but for potatoes.
Remember, your potato plants are silently thanking you for every bit of care you lavish upon them.
Fertilization and Watering: Key Ingredients for Thriving Potatoes
Let’s talk about nourishing your spud buddies into robust root marvels. It’s no surprise, you want your potato patches to flourish, and just like any award-winning recipe, the right combination of potato plant fertilizer and watering potatoes determines if you’re potato royalty or a court jester. Think of soil fertility like a luxurious bed for your potatoes; it needs to be just right or your taters will toss and turn all season.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Your Potato Plants
When it comes to feasts for your plants, organic offerings are the blue ribbon of potato plant fertilizers. If your dreams of potato grandeur are haunted by the dreaded potato scab, meet your knight in shining armor: well-aged compost. By incorporating this seasoned champion into your gardening routine, you’re ensuring that your soil fertility isn’t just a myth. Let’s drop some knowledge—hot and fresh fertilizers might be tempting, but they’re the equivalent of giving your plants a triple espresso; too much too quickly! Stick to aged organic goods for that gourmet touch.
The Importance of Consistent Watering Schedules
You wouldn’t chug a week’s worth of water in a day, so don’t expect your potato pals to thrive on haphazard hydrating. Consistency is key! Establishing a regular watering schedule isn’t just good practice, it’s a veritable lifeline during those dog days of summer. When the sun is high and the soil is dry, a deep, thorough soaking prevents your tubers from becoming as parched as a desert. And remember: the right amount of water is the secret sauce for soil fertility—too much, and you’re making mud pies, too little, and you’ll have more cracks than a sidewalk.
Envisioning a bountiful harvest of perfectly plump potatoes? Remember these twin titans: fertilization and hydration. They’ll have your potato plants strutting their stuff all the way to the harvest dance floor—and you? You’ll be the conductor of the potato symphony, orchestrating a high-yielding masterpiece of underground treasures.
Potato Varieties and Their Impact on Planting Requirements
When it comes to planting, not all spuds are created equal. Yes, you guessed it; we’re talking about potato varieties. These tuberous treasures come in a spectrum of types, each with their own little quirks and perks, especially concerning storage longevity and climate adaptation. Whether you’re cultivating a cozy backyard patch or farming on a grand scale, the variety you choose can sway the way you sow.
Early vs. Late Season Varieties: Storage and Maturity
Like fast fashion vs. classic styles, early to mid-season potatoes are the quick-fix of the tuber world, ready for the dinner table in a jiffy but not quite cut out for the long haul of storage. On the other hand, late-season varieties are like that sturdy winter coat, taking their sweet time to mature but enduring storage marathons with aplomb. These are your go-to if you’re aiming to stock up your pantry for the cold months.
Selecting Varieties for Best Results in Your Climate
Pining for the perfect potato that can stand up to your local weather whims? Choose varieties adept at climate adaptation, and you’ll be upping the ante on your garden game. Whether you’re dealing with balmy, beachy vibes or frosty, sweater weather, there’s a spud suited to your slice of heaven.
| Variety | Season | Storage Longevity | Climate Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Gold | Mid-season | Short-term | Moderate climates |
| Russet Burbank | Late-season | Long-term | Cool climates |
| Red Pontiac | Early-season | Short-term | Wide range |
| Kennebec | Late-season | Long-term | Tolerant to various climates |
Conclusion
You’ve dug into the nitty-gritty of planting potatoes, and now you stand at the precipice of harvesting success. You’re armed with knowledge, from selecting the optimal depth for those spuds to bloom below the soil to tailoring your green thumb tactics to the variety that vibes with your garden. Remember, it’s not just about shoving tubers into the dirt; it’s about a symbiotic dance with nature that begins with garden planning and ends with the earth’s bounty cradled in your hands.
Whether you’re going old-school with garden beds, embracing the modernity of raised beds, or getting space-savvy with containers, the seed of success is planted with each potato eye you carefully tuck into its earthen bed. Picture it: the sun casts a golden hour glow over your fertile garden—an edible tapestry woven with rows of luxuriant, leafy greens, each a sentinel guarding the treasure trove of tubers below.
So there you have it, intrepid planter of the humble spud: the path to potato glory. As the seasons ebb and flow, your diligent efforts from planting to harvest will be a tale of triumph—a lush legacy of earthy delights waiting to grace your dinner table. Now go forth—cultivate, nurture, and bask in the glory of a bountiful potato harvest. Let your garden be the envy of the neighborhood!
FAQ
What is the optimal planting depth for potatoes?
Generally speaking, the goldilocks zone for potatoes is anywhere from 4 to 9 inches depending on your method du jour. Shallow? Go for 4 inches with a snug straw hat. Opting for subterranean luxury? Aim for a plush 8-9 inches. But remember, the perfect depth is also about avoiding a potato suntan (greening) or the dreaded tuber tub (rot). So, keep conditions in mind.
Why does planting depth matter for healthy potato growth?
Imagine your spuds are little gold-diggers—they need the just-right depth to find their fortune. Too shallow, and they’ll turn as green as the Jolly Green Giant with solanine. Too deep, and those spuds might just drown. Nail that depth, and your potatoes will thank you by being plentiful and healthy.
How can the wrong planting depth cause solanine in potatoes?
Think of solanine as the wicked witch of the potato world. When your spuds get too much light because they’re lounging near the surface, they start cooking up this nasty chemical. It’s a defense mechanism—potatoes’ version of a porcupine’s quills. But it’s bitter, toxic, and definitely not invited to your dinner party.
What are the key factors influencing potato root health?
Root health is all about the VIP treatment: Very Important Potatoes need the right depth to avoid the spotlight (no sunburn, please), not too much moisture (because nobody likes soggy bottoms), and the comfort of good soil. It’s like giving your spuds a first-class ticket to thriving town.
What are the different planting methods for potatoes?
You’ve got options! Go traditional with trench planting, let your spuds nestle under a straw blanket with the mulch method, or send them on a deep dive with—you guessed it—deep planting. Each method has its fan club and its secret handshake. Choose wisely for your soil’s VIP club.
What should I consider when planting seed potatoes?
Size matters, friend! Smaller seed potatoes can go in whole, like mini superheroes ready for action. Bigger ones need to be cut into chunks with at least two eyes each—think of them as potato clones-in-waiting. Also, give them a pep talk by placing them eye-side-up for the best stem action.
Why are raised beds beneficial for potato planting?
Raised beds are the penthouses of the potato world, offering better drainage, fewer pest problems, and the luxury of perfect soil. It’s all about control—like having the remote during a Netflix binge. Plus, harvest time feels like plucking cushions off a couch instead of digging through your closet floor.
How deep should I plant potatoes in containers?
Picture this: a cozy little nook of about 2 inches of soil to start, then gently blanket more soil on top as your green babies grow taller. Give ’em each a roomy 2 1/2 to 3 gallons of potting mix to lounge in. Think of containers like studio apartments for your spuds—small but well-organized.
Can you share some tips for optimizing potato growth?
Sure thing! Spuds like their personal space, so keep them about a stately 10 to 12 inches apart. As for the bedrooms (rows), 18 to 24 inches should keep the peace. Keep the soil cool but not cold—sort of like serving a fine white wine—and remember, they’re not fans of frost. Acidic soil? That’s their jam, somewhere between the beats of 4.8 to 5.5 pH.
When and why should I hill my potatoes?
Think of hilling as tucking in your spuds with a soil blanket. Do it as they grow to protect them from the evil green glare of the sun. Keep adding soil to their midriff to keep them comfy and covered. It’s your spud security program!
How do I choose the right fertilizer for my potato plants?
Get your hands on something aged, like a fine wine or a good cheese. Well-aged compost or organic fertilizer is where it’s at. It’s like giving your potatoes a gourmet meal instead of fast food, which can help avoid distasteful conditions like potato scab.
What’s the deal with watering schedules for potato plants?
Picture your spuds lounging by the pool needing a steady flow of water to sip on. Consistency is key. No water-binge weekends followed by drought Mondays. Keep it regular and deep, like a profound philosopher or an endless well.
How do potato varieties affect planting and harvest?
Potatoes are like actors—some are ready for an early curtain call, and others are in it for the long haul. Early risers tend to not hang around in storage, while the late bloomers can be your winter cuddle buddies. Match the variety to your climate like you’d pair socks to shoes. It’s all about the perfect fit!