Entry Project and Potatoes

I'm considering a new project for my entry. I'm not lucky enough to have a space for anything resembling a mudroom, so it's been a challenge finding a solution. 

I'd love for the girls to be able to hang their own jackets instead of tossing them somewhere because they can't reach the hooks.  Not only are there jackets and bags, but shoes constantly accumulate here.  Then there is a certain basket full of stuff up on the ledge at the top of the stairs for keys, wallet, etc.  It just doesn't belong there, but I've let it slide because where else can we put it?

Searching around, I came across this.

This is some kind of premade unit that isn't what I had in mind, but it has all the elements of what I do need.  A hook for my husband and myself, shelves that can accomodate the little basket, two lower hooks the girls can reach and those bins for books can easily be made to accomodate a pair of shoes.  Because of the way the angles on the walls are, the wainscotting will have to cover the entire wall or it will look awkward.  The moulding on the top is also nice, but it just doesn't fit wit the rest of the house.  We have wainscotting in other parts of our house, so this will make sense. 

On to my taters ...

This is how they looked a week ago (about a week after planting).

And here they are today!

 

We built a box around them to fill as they grow.  The potatoes grow between the seed and above ground plant.  As the plant grows, you add more soil (and more boards) and you get more potatoes.  We'll be adding another board this week.  I have read that they take anywhere between 12-20 weeks before they're ready and they will be ready after they flower. 

Today's plans include a trip out for wainscotting and soil to fill in the potato box.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!