How to Plant Potatoes
The sun shone as we gathered on plot 8 for a potato planting demonstration by Chris on Saturday afternoon. One of our expert growers, he of course made it all look simple.
Chris was planting several varieties of seed potato, including Osprey and Rooster as well as some that he had saved from last years' crop. Before we started, Chris explained the difference between first-earlies, second-early and main crop potatoes (basically, the length of growing time from planting to harvest).
So, what is the secret to growing really good spuds? Chris had already loosened the earth, so he was able to quickly and easily dig a couple of shallow trenches about two feet apart. Into each trench he scattered some multi-purpose fertiliser and dried seaweed meal. Next, the potatoes went in, a foot apart, and the soil was shovelled back over them. Chris then went up both sides of each of the rows, digging and heaping the soil to form a ridge over each line of potatoes. And that was it, job done!
Chris patiently answered our questions and passed on many tips. He also told us that, unless it is exceptionally dry, it is best not to water the potatoes. This encourages them to send down deep roots and keep their foliage for longer.
Many thanks to Chris for a superb demonstration. Watch this space for more planting workshops in the future.
Chris was planting several varieties of seed potato, including Osprey and Rooster as well as some that he had saved from last years' crop. Before we started, Chris explained the difference between first-earlies, second-early and main crop potatoes (basically, the length of growing time from planting to harvest).
So, what is the secret to growing really good spuds? Chris had already loosened the earth, so he was able to quickly and easily dig a couple of shallow trenches about two feet apart. Into each trench he scattered some multi-purpose fertiliser and dried seaweed meal. Next, the potatoes went in, a foot apart, and the soil was shovelled back over them. Chris then went up both sides of each of the rows, digging and heaping the soil to form a ridge over each line of potatoes. And that was it, job done!
Chris patiently answered our questions and passed on many tips. He also told us that, unless it is exceptionally dry, it is best not to water the potatoes. This encourages them to send down deep roots and keep their foliage for longer.
Many thanks to Chris for a superb demonstration. Watch this space for more planting workshops in the future.
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