I was buying some second hand furniture and they just had a box of new potatoes that were destined for compost because they were supermarket surplus. But, they had a sign saying to help yourself, they’re free, etc.
Obviously it’s great that they were going to be composted, but you know what’s better?
I took a bag home. I planted them in my garden, discarding any not-great ones for my compost. Only two plants worked out, but… today I pulled up a bunch of big ol potatoes that are going to be made into roasties this holiday season.
I’ve never successfully grown potatoes before, so finding success when I planted them super late and had to pull them up early (we had our first frost) feels really good. Especially because they are entirely free.
Anyways, wanted to share that as it’s the most solarpunk I’ve felt in some time!
Potatoes are pure fun as a gardener-- they don’t always work out, but so little work there’s no reason not to do it if you have any space. Onions and garlic, too, onions just need the little slice you cut off with the roots on it and you will (maybe) get green onions in a few months. Garlic, just bury a clove in the garden whenever you feel like it. My only problem with these is slugs.