We planted our 1st potatoes this year & did not realise we had to add soil till the last minute but still managed to get some nice spuds. Hopefully next year we will have double now we know what to do !
John - planting depth should be 5-6 inches. If you have put 18" on top of the tubers that is too much and it would be best to take some off initially and then earth up as per the article.
Teabag - Yes, so long as frosts have passed.
dave and trish - generally once the flowers have died the tubers are ready. Obviously if you are happy with smaller earlies you can harvest them earlier. We just tend to dig what we want and leave the rest to continue growing.
bgaynor - If you are only using compost then I would imagine it will be spent. You can still use it as a soil conditioner though.
14" pots are a bit low, but you will get some potatoes. Once you've earthed up to the rim consider extending the height with cardboard or a ring of plastic from a compost bag. The higher you can go the better, but width is not so important. Just plant fewer tubers in each pot. Potatoes need loads of water. But I've heard that you can earth up win straw, though I always use compost ( I know that will conserve the moisture). You can also feed them with a liquid manure or dilutes worm tea.
My potatoes have reached the top of their container and I have earthed up again! I can't reall do this anymore as the container won't allow. I am already in danger of it spilling over. Is it OK to leave them to grow properly now?
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I, have got a new allotment and I've had to spray roundup to clear all the weeds will still be alright to plant my Early's by the end of march
John Turner
John - planting depth should be 5-6 inches. If you have put 18" on top of the tubers that is too much and it would be best to take some off initially and then earth up as per the article.
Teabag - Yes, so long as frosts have passed.
dave and trish - generally once the flowers have died the tubers are ready. Obviously if you are happy with smaller earlies you can harvest them earlier. We just tend to dig what we want and leave the rest to continue growing.
bgaynor - If you are only using compost then I would imagine it will be spent. You can still use it as a soil conditioner though.
Earthing up is nessecary to stop the tubers going green (a poison)also earth up as the tatties are stem tubers not off the roots
Potatoes need loads of water. But I've heard that you can earth up win straw, though I always use compost ( I know that will conserve the moisture). You can also feed them with a liquid manure or dilutes worm tea.
@ Alison: Yes. Keep watering and also liquid feed weekly.