Can I store them (ie., have them be dormant?) I cannot plant until the snow melts in the mountains, April or May. I suppose I can plant them here (in the city) and then transplant, if they’ll survive that. But I’m trying to see what I can grow up there, without the help of being in the valley - I’m assuming cities will be dangerous places to be.
Sure can - HOWEVER unless they are stored cold but not freezing (don’t let them freeze) you will get nice long sprouts growing - If they do, be careful and be sure they don’t get broken off. Each one you break off is a plant that won’t produce.
I would cut them in half or quarters as you choose, leave them out exposed to the air for a few days till they ‘heal’ over - in other words they should dry off on the cut side and start getting a tough layer there. Then I would store them in the refrigerator. That way you will not run the risk of breaking off the sprouts when you are trying to cut them before planting and they should heal over anyway before you plant them - it reduces the stress and the disease.
If I were trying to grow them for short season, I would probably try the tire method.
1. It heats the soil by the black tires absorbing heat.
2. If you do not have prepared soil out there, you can fill the tire with straw mixed with compost in manageable quantities.
3. You can add a tire and cover it with plastic during a cold spell
4. It significantly increases yield - when the plants get to be 8” tall, add another tire and fill with straw - leaving the very top few inches of leaves exposed. Potatoes will form all up the stack.
5. It is way easier to harvest - just tip over each tire and pick up the potatoes. Much easier than digging in rocky soil which much of the higher altitude land is.
You can use any old used tire - either with a sharp knife, cut around the tread. I only do one side and put that up. This leaves a cup all around the bottom that holds water yet does not waterlog the plants.
Well, at least that is how I would do it... (grin)