Happy Valentines Day

What do you do on Valentine’s Day? Probably you give or receive love, affection and friendship. In other words—a card, candy, flowers, jewelry, a date on the town. But in addition to this, it is time to plant red seed potatoes. Planting seed potatoes on Valentine’s Day is a traditional, practical, and symbolic practice for gardeners in warm, southern climates. It signifies the start of the spring gardening season, capitalizing on mild soil temperatures, lower pest pressure and adequate moisture to ensure a harvest by Mother’s Day, which is May 10. This Valentine Day, don’t forget to express love, friendship and kindness to everyone—friends, teachers, family and don’t forget to plant those taters. Cooper Kirkland, age 5, seems a little more interested in the treats than the taters. He is the son of Kelly and Lauren Kirkland of Swainsboro.