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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: cdchater on October 27, 2003, 13:12:44

Title: Potatoes
Post by: cdchater on October 27, 2003, 13:12:44

Silly question - but can you put sweet potato in the same bed as your new potatoes and other potatoes? Or is it best to split them up in case of disease?

Claire

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cleo on October 27, 2003, 14:46:04

Claire

Sorry but sweet potatoes are a whole different thing -you need to grow them under cover for any chance of a crop.

As I recall you can buy `slips`(ready sprouted ones?) from specialist suppliers-but it sounds more like a fun thing to try rather than for a serious crop.

could be completely wrong but I`m pretty sure I am correct.

Stephan

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: Hugh_Jones on October 27, 2003, 20:07:59

You`re quite right Stephan.  As a crop it`s about as useful as trying to grow bananas or pineapples.

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cleo on October 27, 2003, 20:30:54

Claire

If you read these messages please please do not feel embarassed, you asked a question in good faith.

Stephan.

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: Hugh_Jones on October 27, 2003, 22:14:35

And we`re both simply trying to save you the frustration of seeing your efforts wasted.

We`re both of us quite nice fellers really.

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cdchater on October 28, 2003, 11:23:25

Nah, I'm not embarassed - I really am a complete beginner when it comes to growing veggies, so I expect (and accept!) that I'll get loads of things like this wrong. Thanks for your advise - shame sweet potatoes can't be grown outside because I bought two yesterday and they cost me £1.23 from Tesco's - think I'll get some from the market next time!

Thank you nice fellers!
Claire

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: Doris_Pinks on October 28, 2003, 11:33:26

cd, I too love sweet potatoes, but have heard how hard they are to grow here! But I find that butternut squash gives a similar flavour if you like the sweetness, and easier to grow! DP

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cdchater on October 28, 2003, 11:39:55

Thanks DP - I shall try that instead!

It's sooo nice to have so many experts at hand!

Claire

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: rdak on October 28, 2003, 11:41:51

cdchater - sent you a pm re: the Wickes tool store you bought- have you seen it?
thanks

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cdchater on October 28, 2003, 11:46:08

Just replied! ;D

Claire

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: cdchater on October 28, 2003, 17:52:48

Nice pumpkin piccie buy the way DP!! :). I've never carved a pumpkin but I think I'll wait until next year when I can carve one of my own!!

Ooh, back on the potatoes topic, a colleague at works says you can grow sweet potatoes under clotches - so I may give that a try.

Regards,
Claire

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: Doris_Pinks on October 28, 2003, 17:58:16

Cd have been carving them for years, but this year we will be carving 5 that I grew!! ;D It's a great feeling!!! DP

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: john_miller on October 30, 2003, 15:18:07

For CD :- Here in the US the squash called Delicata is usually referred to as sweet potato squash because of it's flavour. Eric/Palustris has a picture of it in the Gallery should you wish to see it. It may be a better substitute for the real thing than Butternut.

Title: Re: Potatoes
Post by: Mrs Ava on November 01, 2003, 02:14:15

Give them a go - I picked my first pineapple this year and it was heavenly and well worth the wait and effort.  Isn't half the fun the challenge of trying something which is difficult?   ;D