Almost the middle of July and the potatoes are still growing. As you can see the plants are almost as tall as the barrel and starting to bloom. It seems potatoes don’t always bloom, and when they do, they do not always set fruit. I planted “seed potatoes”, though that is a misnomer. They were actually root cuttings, or sections of a potato tuber cut into chunks containing “eyes”. Planting the tubers guarantees that you will get the same variety: in essence, a clone.  Should my potato produce fruit, a small green ball that looks somewhat like a tomato, the seed it contains can produce many different varieties, some good, some not so good. It would take a couple years to grow the seed and then the tuber. Gardening is always a lesson in patience. I am trying to be patient with my potato project. With most plants you can see the vegetables forming, and know what the prospects are for your anticipated dinner. With potatoes, it’s all underground. Are the tubers forming now? How big are they? Could I reach in to capture a handful of tiny balls for supper? Or would I disturb the lot, since it is in such a small space? I think I’ll wait a few more weeks to capture the earthy goodness. For now I’ll make some German Potato Pancakes for breakfast and dream of my own spuds doing their thing in the barrel.