I know what you mean about staring at your beds. I can feel the collective energy and nervousness from gardeners everywhere across the country. It feels like a cruel trick Mother Nature is playing on everyone, teasing us that we can see the productivity on the horizon, but just can't do anything about it. I would feel so much better if there were 3 feet of snow on the ground.

What zone are you in? And how are you starting your potatoes? from cut ones, or mini potatoes? I've always wanted to try it just for the fun of it. I know you are supposed to keep the vine covered with soil and only let the growing tip stay exposed in order to get potatoes. And are those what I see in the stores as potato vines for sale? Uncovered vines that just keep growing?

I was out picking up trash from the garden the other day and noticed volunteer poppies were up - well up. I usually direct sow my poppies in late February. I would have already sowed them by now except I'm waiting for a calm day so I don't lose them. It was sort of surprising to find them already happily growing, at least now I can tell where to skip!