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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:28:25

Title: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:28:25: Hi all, its back by popular demand, well, Tonybloke was interested anyway.
Again its just for a bit of fun, so no knockers or negativitours.
The rules are no heated greenhoues or the like.
You can plant in bags, pots, buckets, tubs or straight in the ground.
You can use carpet, bubblewrap, fleece, paper, polythene or small cloches.
No polytunnels, I suppose some of you will only have raised beds, an avantage I grant but what can we do.
As I've said its only a bit of fun, I'm only using 6 spuds, so for gods sake don't anybody start putting all your earlies in.
Start date 13/14 Feb or 20/21 Feb, I was thinking the later one so as to give our Northern cousins time to clear their snowmen.
Dig up date same as last year, Trevor D and Tonyblokes birthday's 5th/7th June.
Well tell us what you think.
My puter going to be fixed tonight so I don't know if I can get on the laptop later.
Corny. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 01, 2010, 19:36:20: go on then, corny, I've got a bit of ground I can cover up ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:45:41: I knew you was going to be first Scousers. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Sparkly on February 01, 2010, 19:48:24: What are you looking for? earliest potatoes? largest crop from planting that weekend?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:54:11: Earliest if you want, but if everyone digs up on the weekend of 5/7 of June with a meal for two with at least golf ball size. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grannyjanny on February 01, 2010, 19:57:01: Is photographic evidence required?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Sparkly on February 01, 2010, 20:00:20: I'm up for it, although none of our seed potatoes have been delivered yet!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: davyw1 on February 01, 2010, 20:06:26: Quote from: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:54:11
Earliest if you want, but if everyone digs up on the weekend of 5/7 of June with a meal for two with at least golf ball size. ;D ;D ;D

The 5/7 of June you are having a laugh mine will have just poked their heads through then and that,s only if the grounds thawed out by March.
Bloomin southerners have all the good weather grumble, moan, whinge, lifting lip off the floor
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: redimp on February 01, 2010, 20:35:02: Quote from: davyw1 on February 01, 2010, 20:06:26
Quote from: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 19:54:11
Earliest if you want, but if everyone digs up on the weekend of 5/7 of June with a meal for two with at least golf ball size. ;D ;D ;D

The 5/7 of June you are having a laugh mine will have just poked their heads through then and that,s only if the grounds thawed out by March.
Bloomin southerners have all the good weather grumble, moan, whinge, lifting lip off the floor
Aye, but that is why they have such a soft underbelly and all drink lager top Davy.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: davyw1 on February 01, 2010, 20:54:28: LAGER DRINK LARGER you mean people actually drink larger. ooooooooppppppppps of topic
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 01, 2010, 21:41:53: If you two whingers have finnished, how about using some of that hot air to warm the soil and if your in the chair mines a stella. :-* ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Deb P on February 02, 2010, 04:48:53: Any variety we like? I might have a go in one of my raised beds under cloches...
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 02, 2010, 06:31:31: OK, I will have go I should have my lottie by that date, does it matter what kind?XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: reddyreddy on February 02, 2010, 08:18:53: I'm in! Am going to get the plastic out this am and get warming!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: chriscross1966 on February 02, 2010, 08:40:56: Quote from: davyw1 on February 01, 2010, 20:06:26

The 5/7 of June you are having a laugh mine will have just poked their heads through then and that,s only if the grounds thawed out by March.
Bloomin southerners have all the good weather grumble, moan, whinge, lifting lip off the floor

"Grounds thawed out by March"?.... you were lucky..... etc etc.....
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 02, 2010, 09:21:24: I'm in for a challenge. But as of yesterday my southern soil was totally frozen solid. Actually colder here than on the coast.

Any suggestions as to variety. Does it have to be on the lottie? the north west wind will blow, things a lot warmer in the garden which is fenced in. Also I can dash out with hot water bottles if things get a bit chilly.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: reddyreddy on February 02, 2010, 10:49:52: is it cheating to hairdryer the soil beforehand :P
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 02, 2010, 11:29:38: Is it cheating to plant in Canada, it is warmer here!!! XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: emmy1978 on February 02, 2010, 13:01:40: I'll play too but this is my first year of growing up in Staffs so lawd knows what'll happen!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on February 02, 2010, 13:45:31: Count me in please. Just been over to Poundland and got some special Challenge Spuds, Pentland Javelin with some nice little chits on them ;D They will go into buckets or pots on my patio.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 02, 2010, 15:44:16: Lottie or garden it doesn't matter which you plant in, any variety will do, I'm using rocket, using a hairdryer may be stretching the rules a tad. :P
Jeannine planting in warmer conditions may give you an unfair advantage but I suppose if you feed with ice cold water it may be a bit fairer, but it will be interesting to see how yours are growing against ours. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on February 02, 2010, 15:52:49: Whats the planting date to be then?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on February 02, 2010, 15:53:15: I've already got Lady Chrystl, Red Duke of York & Arran Pilot chitting in the spare bedroom. I think I'd rather go for the later planting date, Kev. And whatever you northerners say about us living in the tropics down here in the south, I've got heavy damp London clay to deal with! (I might get a tub in the greenhouse in mid-February.)

But I've always had a picking for my birthday. In fact, most years I'm eating them by the last week in May.

Let the challenge commence!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 02, 2010, 17:13:37: Right so the weekend of 20/21 of Feb it is then. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on February 02, 2010, 17:17:18: Just put it in my diary.

And the first lifting date 12 weeks later, which makes it some time in the middle of May.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on February 03, 2010, 09:48:12: I'm obviously up for it ( I goaded Kev into starting this thread) Spuds already chitting along nicely beside the bed!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Hosta on February 03, 2010, 10:18:39: Wasnt going to grow spuds again this year, but will give them another go, so count me in too - - - - better get myself to the shops and see what they have available !!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on February 03, 2010, 10:28:12: You're on! As last year I'm planning on planting my Swift earlies early/mid March to lift the first ones on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday 31st May. :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 03, 2010, 18:31:25: Quote
Is it cheating to plant in Canada, it is warmer here!!
Perhaps you could pursuade a polar bear to lie on the soil and warm it up a bit. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 03, 2010, 19:11:01: covered the bit of bed for the spud challenge with thick cardboard to warm up, spuds are chitting ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on February 04, 2010, 22:27:56: OK count me in please, my spuds are nicely chitting, got sharpes express, and dunluce as my first and second earlies.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Stopp on February 04, 2010, 22:53:22: I'm in too if I can use my Dunluce?

Sharon T
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 05, 2010, 08:22:07: I am going for Volumia which I am told is very early. I have kept courgettes happy for a few weeks and in frost down to -4, but potatoes for 12 weeks is a challenge indeed.

Not much about it on the web even in Dutch!

I have put a gadget of the temperature in Brize Norton up on my screen so I can monitor if it is getting colder. Any frost will roll in from that direction.

I thought that the lifting date was supposed to be 5th/7th june. I am on hols in mid May. Please could we confirm the lifting date. We seem to have three dates mentioned.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on February 05, 2010, 08:58:01: Digeroo it seems that planting is on, or after, 20/21 Feb and lifting on 5/6 June, which is 15 weeks.

I mentioned the day last of May as that's a challenge I have with a plot neighbour! :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: emmy1978 on February 05, 2010, 10:38:29: Quote from: cornykev on February 02, 2010, 17:13:37
Right so the weekend of 20/21 of Feb it is then. ;D ;D ;D

Oh I've got some digging to do!!!! Here's me buying seed pots and typing away...erm...maybe they'll need a patch of earth to grow in? Doh!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on February 05, 2010, 10:48:17: Can I just plant 1 in a pot and see what happens?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: emmy1978 on February 05, 2010, 11:20:14: Quote from: gwynnethmary on February 05, 2010, 10:48:17
Can I just plant 1 in a pot and see what happens?

;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 05, 2010, 11:28:44: Quote from: gwynnethmary on February 05, 2010, 10:48:17
Can I just plant 1 in a pot and see what happens?

Can I do that too? ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 05, 2010, 15:17:48: Right there seems to be a tad of confusion
Planting out the weekend of the 20th/21st Feb
Lifting on the weekend of the 5th/7th of June
= 15 weeks that gives everyone up and down the country a chance to join in
Some may lift theirs after 12 weeks for their own benefit
If the grounds too wet plant in a tub or the likes
One single spud if you like, its only a bit of FUN
Any type of early you like
No heat
And once again do not put all your earlies in at this time, I'm only using 6 and if they rot It won't be a a loss
Once again its a bit of FUN
Don't take it too seriously
But if anyone has better spuds than me, they'll be barred from entering next year
:P ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on February 05, 2010, 15:21:45: Got it! I've never done this sort of thing before- in fact I've never grown a potato, apart from accidentally in the dalek bin!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jayb on February 05, 2010, 15:54:15: Ooooh sounds fun and like a challange to me ;D, I don't normally grow early 'earlies' outside but I'll put a couple in 20/21/2 and see what happens. I'll also plant a few in the polytunnel so I can compare them later on. Think I cheated, sort of, last year as they were in a tunnel ::)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 05, 2010, 18:23:14: Quote
No heat
So that's no hot water bottles then :(
but can I put plastic milk bottles of water in the cloche to take in the heat of the sun during the day and release it at night?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Dadnlad on February 05, 2010, 18:40:31: oooh ! just seen this, we're up for the challenge ;)

Due to pick up some Lady Chrystl from the plot shop next weekend - just in time :D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: carosanto on February 06, 2010, 11:24:46: Hi Y'All

The Cornish contingent is definitely up for this. Lady Cristl and Home Guard are my weapons of choice, and I'll chit till 21st, then enter them into the fray. Just warming up the soil is going to be a challenge in itself - arctic weather coming again, and believe me this year even Cornwall cannot be described as softy Southern. The normally mild wet winter has been replaced by a frosty snowy windy, and flippin cold season worthy of Yorkshire!

Bring it on

Regards
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Sparkly on February 06, 2010, 13:16:27: I will plant some in a tub in the greenhouse.

Last year we managed planting on 4th april and lifting on the 29th May like this. A small crop at this point - 1kg from 3 seed potatoes, but only 8 weeks cropping time!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SXMv2XhorB4/Sh_fno1lHwI/AAAAAAAAANQ/tr-r8OmwGJ8/s1600-h/earlyspuds.jpg
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Hosta on February 06, 2010, 18:35:42: Bought some seed potatoes today - First Earlies, Pentland Javelin - have popped them into egg boxes to chit :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: busy_lizzie on February 07, 2010, 12:09:16: Hi, OH planted some potatoes late autumn, and we had written them off over autumn and winter 2009. Imagine our surprise when we were digging that bed over yesterday and came across some fantastic potatoes. They are fabulous, no blemishes, and they taste wonderful. Can't believe that during this harsh winter they survived and produced such a brilliant crop. :o :) busy_lizzie
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 07, 2010, 12:17:30: Quote from: busy_lizzie on February 07, 2010, 12:09:16
Hi, OH planted some potatoes late autumn, and we had written them off over autumn and winter 2009. Imagine our surprise when we were digging that bed over yesterday and came across some fantastic potatoes. They are fabulous, no blemishes, and they taste wonderful. Can't believe that during this harsh winter they survived and produced such a brilliant crop. :o :) busy_lizzie

Oh those look great, what variety are they? ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mrs Gumboot on February 07, 2010, 20:05:27: Game for a laugh.

Since I'm new does that mean you have to be nice to me ;D

Have never grown spuds before & planning to grow in bags (moving to new house soon and proposed veg area currently a patio!) so am interested to see how it works out.

Have Rocket chitting at the moment so hopefully will be able to get a couple ready for 20/21st.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 07, 2010, 21:10:25: Welcome Mrsgumboot and good luck with your spuds
Nice one Lizzie what times tea tomorrow. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on February 07, 2010, 21:48:31: Quote from: busy_lizzie on February 07, 2010, 12:09:16
Hi, OH planted some potatoes late autumn, and we had written them off over autumn and winter 2009. Imagine our surprise when we were digging that bed over yesterday and came across some fantastic potatoes. They are fabulous, no blemishes, and they taste wonderful. Can't believe that during this harsh winter they survived and produced such a brilliant crop. :o :) busy_lizzie

I hope I have that nice surprise when I dig my autumn potato plot. However being that mine died a death very quick I think I have two opes and one of those is Bob.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 08, 2010, 10:06:04: What a laugh, I have to buy spuds and all the bloody names are different so I have no idea what to buy.

and by the way we don't have polar bears here,will a brown bear be OK we have lots of them, they live behind me in the bush and come out at night to raid our bins,well not now as thet are all sleeping!!

I can't get Charlotte darn it!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: 1066 on February 08, 2010, 11:33:43: Count me in ;D
Will have to go and do some prep now !!

1066
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: emmy1978 on February 08, 2010, 12:31:10: Quote from: Jeannine on February 08, 2010, 10:06:04
I can't get Charlotte darn it!!

Ouch-next year i'll send you som|!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 08, 2010, 12:31:25: Maris Bard this year :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: shirlton on February 08, 2010, 13:32:21: Glad its later this year I should have taken me nurses overall off by then ;D Thanks for taking control of it again this year Kev ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 13, 2010, 16:05:42: hope it warms up in the next week ;D
btw, how come greenhouses are ok but polys aren't? ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 14, 2010, 10:51:02: Unheated greenhouses are OK, with the Poly's I was thinking that as they are permanent the soil would be kept at a higher temperature and would be a bit unfair but if bags or tubs are going in it then it would be OK, what do you reckon, don't forget its only a bit of fun.
I think most peoples soil will be too wet and cold, so it won't hurt if you leave it for another week or two, better than them rotting in the wet and cold conditions. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 14, 2010, 14:08:58: I was only messin' with ya ;D
some are going out under a cloche, some are going, as usual, in the poly with fleece protection, I've had the soil warming for a few weeks in there, might do a bag though, just to see the difference ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 14, 2010, 20:16:20: How about the new boy on the block the great Raymondo, is he going to compete against you, or are you as one. :-* ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 14, 2010, 20:25:29: hahaha, he digs the holes and i put the spud in, he covers them and I mulch them as they need it so I'm not going to let him out on his own ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: halfofmanic on February 14, 2010, 20:43:13: Quote from: cornykev on February 14, 2010, 20:16:20
How about the new boy on the block the great Raymondo, is he going to compete against you, or are you as one. :-* ;D ;D ;D

hi cornykev the lesser raymondo here growing and me can't be done have a memory challenge long story so here is a quicker one again for fun we had a heaviest onion competition on our site last year the better half of manics left the growing to me long story short it was pitiful i came in last the onion seemed to have been eaten and barely held together for the weigh in so this year our comp longest leak i'm on back row again thanks for the welcome corny
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: halfofmanic on February 14, 2010, 20:51:35: Quote from: manicscousers on February 14, 2010, 20:25:29
hahaha, he digs the holes and i put the spud in, he covers them and I mulch them as they need it so I'm not going to let him out on his own ;D

the better half she speaky the truth
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digitalis on February 15, 2010, 20:15:42: I'm growing this year: Maris Peer, Pentland Javelin, Arran Pilot, Foremost & Cara.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on February 19, 2010, 14:16:18: I won't be planting my GSC 2010 spuds for a couple of weeks yet as the plot is rather soggy!
Mind you it's not quite as bad as some of the neighbouring plots such as this one!

[attachment=1]
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 19, 2010, 15:29:17: I think there could be quite a few in the same boat as you Flighty, until I look under the coverings I don't know if I can get mine in this weekend. ??? :-\ ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on February 19, 2010, 15:40:58: I lifted my first Swift earlies ten weeks after planting last year so on that basis I've got until the end of March to plant them!

If it's still soggy then I reckon we should change it to a rice growing challenge! :)
http://edography.net/images/p1020861-rice%20growing.jpg
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on February 19, 2010, 15:45:38: I'm waiting for the weather to warm up a bit, there's plenty of time yet. I would have put the oca, Chinese artichokes and tuberous peas in today but everything's covered in snow.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: chriscross1966 on February 19, 2010, 17:51:55: I'm going to drag som epots home where I can keep an eye on them and get a couple of Swift, and a couple of Rocket in along with some Oca into pots, but I'll be GH'ing them, not part of the competition (except as a display category)... I want to find out how fast I can get some spuds... the competition ones will go in at the start of March and will be a single row (mixed) Swift, Rocket, Lady Christl and Mimi. The whole lot need to be out by the start of June cos I'll want the space for squash..... if it works it'll mean I can get some uber-tight rotations looking for 2 "proper" crops (salads don't count BTW) through in a year, two years running.... early potatoes-squash-broad-beans-leeks.... Of course with the way squash grow and how you might want to harvest potatoes it would be possible to just selectively dig out spuds in "holes" in a patch and harvest to keep them from competing with the squash.... that would allow me to have second earlies and maybe even early mains in the mix too, though you'd need to do some labelling of the spuds as to what was where so that it was easy to get the right ones at the right time....

It would also give me the space to grow a big patch of broad beans, currently it tends to be odd rows poked in at random, if I can gain an entire rotation plot for them I could harvest enough off the early set and freeze them
chrisc

chrisc
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 20, 2010, 10:25:06: We are doing the competition planting today or this weekend right? :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 13:17:04: Thats right, but I think most will leave it a while as the ground is so wet. ??? :-\ ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 14:28:16: I've just come back from the lottie and its still very wet, I've planted two rockets in toy tubs, but will go back tomorrow and pull back the covers and dig over the ground and see how it is. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 20, 2010, 14:35:02: we're going to take the cloche off, pull the cardboard off, plant the spuds and re-cover tomorrow, hopefully, the ground will stay warm enough for the spuds to grow ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: halfofmanic on February 20, 2010, 14:35:54: had a look at our ground today under cardboard and a cloche looks fine planting time tomorrow
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on February 20, 2010, 16:39:13: Just popped one Kestrel in the bottom of a strong black sack rolled right down. It's in the very cold unheated conservatory- is that cheating? It had only been chitting since mid January, so the shoots are still very short- I'll leave the others until later!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 17:18:00: Have you not got any earlies to put in, no its not cheating and if you was as your a monkey hanger I'd turn a blind eye. ;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on February 20, 2010, 18:03:40: Repaired the large cold-frame today, 'Sharpes Express' going in there tomorrow, and a couple of 'Rocket' going in the small cold-frame as well.
;)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Hosta on February 20, 2010, 18:44:40: Its tomorrow :o ?? Mine haven't sprouted yet :-\
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 19:00:13: Mine didn't have very good sprouts. :'( ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 20, 2010, 19:20:29: ours, neither ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Tattieman on February 20, 2010, 20:38:13: Well I think I will join in the fun. My potato of choice will be Winston.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 20:43:43: No cheating though Iain ;) and do you think you could get us a double spread in Kitchen Garden, I can see it now, North and south unite in Cornys Spud Challenge. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Tattieman on February 20, 2010, 22:11:03: That could be an interesting angle for Kitchen Garden to go for ;D
I won't cheat as I have only just put my spuds out for chitting today. :'(
I just puts some pics of them on my blog.
As long as I don't have to eat all the spuds myself then I will be ok.
I think the growers in the south will have a big advantage.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Stopp on February 21, 2010, 00:45:41: I bought my spuds from you Tattieman as I did last year too, so hoping for another good crop. Will try 3 in a polypot for the spud challenge. Brought a bag of compost inside to warm up and may have to use bubblewrap to keep polypot warm. Weather still very chilly here in sunny manchester!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 21, 2010, 08:48:57: well, we won't be planting today, there's 4" os snow on the ground, plus, it froze again last night so can't get anywhere near the plot :-\
never mind, will see how it goes in the week ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grawrc on February 21, 2010, 08:54:21: -7 here!! too cold for me and the tatties!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on February 21, 2010, 09:25:13: Quote from: cornykev on February 20, 2010, 17:18:00
Have you not got any earlies to put in, no its not cheating and if you was as your a monkey hanger I'd turn a blind eye. ;) ;D ;D ;D
[/quote

thought Kestrel were earlies! You can tell I'm a complete novice!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 21, 2010, 09:31:28: Im going to put one seed potato in a black florist pot.
erm how do i do this?
Half fill the pot with compost and put the spud in or?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grawrc on February 21, 2010, 09:32:44: They're second earlies. It's first earlies you want for early planting. Mind you you could give Kestrel a go experimentally!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on February 21, 2010, 09:50:39: Sorry, guys - won't be planting this weekend. It's falling down with rain here, and the five day forecast on the BBC says the same for the rest of the week!

Try again next weekend.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: 1066 on February 21, 2010, 10:27:21: Yup I'm postponing till next week......
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 21, 2010, 10:32:55: I did not read this thread yesterday so I put mine out. ???
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 21, 2010, 11:08:13: ok planted, can I cover it in a clear plastic bag or is that cheating?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Sparkly on February 21, 2010, 11:16:29: Can't plant here - it is covered with snow - boo hoo!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Tattieman on February 21, 2010, 11:30:47: Getting your spuds chitted in a warm room just now will be of more benefit than planting outside when it is cold.
Stopp you have the right idea about using the polypots ;)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Stopp on February 21, 2010, 11:37:05: Think I may have to leave the spud challenge another week. Woke up to snow here and its still snowing!! I've had enough of the stuff :'( Can't wait until spring.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Hosta on February 21, 2010, 11:43:58: I am not planting mine either, they havent chitted yet and its still frozen out there.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on February 21, 2010, 12:44:27: Hi all,

This seems like a fun place so I've joined.

I've got Rocket which are chitting, but the garden is frozen silly, so depending on the container size I'll aim to get 3 or 6 in for a bit of fun.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 21, 2010, 13:03:39: Hiya, Barkie, welcome to a4a ;D
more the merrier
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 21, 2010, 13:17:45: Welcome Barkie
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 21, 2010, 13:26:08: Pi##ing down here so the ground will have to wait
Kestrels are 2nds but what the hell
Cover with plastic, glass, fleece, bubblewrap any thing that comes to hand as long as its not connected to a plug in any way
I've stuck one in each container on the lottie and covered
Welcome to a4a and the spud challenge Barkie
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on February 21, 2010, 15:56:25: Welcome to the forum, Barkie.
Bloody hard frost here last night, and more forcast for the week, so I'm postponing planting 'til next weekend. ;)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: angle shades on February 21, 2010, 16:30:19: Please may I join in ;D I have acquired some potato bags on the cheap and Lady Christl seed pots ,

Couldn't plant today as heavy snow this am, will try Wednesday (next day off)

bonjour Barkie :) / shades x
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on February 23, 2010, 11:25:43: Thanks for the friendly welcome :)

There's a thick sheet of ice on a bucket of rainwater outside so my first 3 Rocket are lurking in a plastic container in my unheated but frost free front hallway.

I'm assuming planting out weather before June ::)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: ajb on February 23, 2010, 15:29:50: another three inches of snow.... they'll be waiting on the windowsill for a bit longer it seems...
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: AdrianH on February 24, 2010, 22:43:04: I'm going to join in this weekend with 4 Lady Christl in a sack. Been dying to get some spuds planted but not quite been the weather for it, but this sounds like fun.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: 1066 on February 25, 2010, 08:20:47: Quote from: Barkie on February 23, 2010, 11:25:43
I'm assuming planting out weather before June ::)

I see you are one of life's optimists ;) ::) ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on February 25, 2010, 11:05:43: Quote from: 1066 on February 25, 2010, 08:20:47
Quote from: Barkie on February 23, 2010, 11:25:43
I'm assuming planting out weather before June ::)

I see you are one of life's optimists ;) ::) ;D

Yeah, bit of irony :)

I'm just teed off because I'm waiting for the land to dry out at which time my mate's cousin will hire a digger to do his garden and nip round to extract some tree stumps in mine. I can't construct my new veg plot until that job is done.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on February 25, 2010, 12:01:43: complete change in the weather here, suddenly you realise we are soon into March so I planted some today X2 Home Guard (first early) in a tub in the unheated greenhouse :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on February 25, 2010, 18:00:21: planted up my maris bard under the cardboard and plastic cloche, fingers crossed ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 25, 2010, 20:34:32: Well you can all forget the idea that Canadaian west coast mild weather will give me an advantage cos there are no blooming seed spuds on the market yet here. I might just plant a shop one in a bucket!!!

I just ain't destined to win

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 26, 2010, 19:07:53: I shall have a butchers at my soil tomorrow to see if the grounds dry enough to get a few in, get a couple of shop ones in Jeannine and its the taking part that counts. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on February 26, 2010, 20:38:45: so what will be the baseline start date to compare :-\
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on February 26, 2010, 20:52:08: Quite a suprise but we have not had a frost all week. What termperature is needed for spuds ot grow. And no I am not going to use my behind to test.

Do the spuds with the best chits produce the fastest potatoes. One of my second earlies has really large shoots and one early is not far behind. The variety I was told was really early has been very slow to chit.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 26, 2010, 23:34:21: Ok, I have just stuck three spuds in a tub.I haven't a clue what they are as they came from the grocery shop in a mixed small spud bag. Red, white, yellow. I could have got a named Russet Burbank but they are lates so I have done one of each of the first three. Not chitted and in a tub on a shaded north facing balcony,three floors up. I don't think you lot have anything to worry about LOL. Well at least I shan't have to worry about slugs or anything getting them so maybe I should feel a little confident.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: carosanto on February 26, 2010, 23:52:34: Hi Y'All

At long last, a flawless sunny (but windy)day, so I legged it to the allotment and planted 3 Home Guard and 3 Lady Chrystl in a deep trench. Soil had been warming nicely under some roofing felt.

Now weather forecast says the wet stuff from now to the middle of next week, and I was so ejoying it up there today, but hey.....we're off!!

Caro
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 27, 2010, 09:40:37: Tonight we chased squirrels off our patio and I have soil all over, couldn't see well as it was dusk but in the morning I suspect someone has been digging in my potato bed!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grawrc on February 27, 2010, 12:23:34: No chance of planting here for a bit. The snow's back and my greenhouse is still not built.

Looks like it's going to be a very staggered start.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Stopp on February 27, 2010, 13:02:34: Planted 3 spuds in a polypot and put it in my plastic mini greenhouse. Still think its a bit chilly for them but we'll see, got plenty more spuds left if they die off. By the sounds of things, we may be digging them up at Christmas!! C'mon weather ......... warm up please! :'(
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: 1066 on February 27, 2010, 17:01:58: well the forecast is looking good for next week, so fingers crossed I may even get a few spuds in next weekend.....
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on February 27, 2010, 17:27:07: No chance this weekend either!

We went to Wisley for the day: drove round the M25 in wall-to-wall drizzle; went into the Plant Centre but got evacuated after ten minutes because the fire alarm went off; eventually went back and got some plug plants & seed potatoes; still p**ing down with rain so we came home again. Rain all afternoon. Tomorrow's forecast includes torrential rain, gale-force northerly winds, sleet, snow & localised flooding!!!!

But next week's looking a bit better....?

And only once have I failed to eat my own new potatoes on my birthday. (Says he with reckless confidence....) And that's the year I was in Australia - my daughter-in-law, who was house-sitting, ate them for me!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on February 27, 2010, 23:18:11: Blooming heck, I have just had to replant as the blasted squirrells have nicked my spuds!! I have planted 3 different tubs this time and they have lids on .

I am jinxed I think!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on February 28, 2010, 09:28:24: Put mine in the mini plastic greenhouse (helps add weight) looks like its going to be very windy today.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on February 28, 2010, 11:13:42: The ground didn't look dry enough yesterday and its chucking it down now, so I have a couple in pots at the lottie on the go, people will have to plant when they can, in fact last year some of the peeps who planted later got thereselves a quicker crop.
Sorry Jeannine but the squirrel raid did make be laugh, they must have thought, we must have a few more daft Brits moved in. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Dadnlad on February 28, 2010, 22:58:51: We grabbed our chance in a bit of sun yesterday 8)

Made a rough square box of four old sheets of twinwall, manured and BFB'd, planted half dozen Swift, strawed and fleeced just before it p####d down again ::)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on March 01, 2010, 01:47:50: Quote
blasted squirrells have nicked my spuds

They are not interested here in potatoes, they're much too fixed on broad beans.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on March 01, 2010, 15:16:07: Yay!! finally got some 'rocket' and 'maris bard' in my cold-frame. (ex- sash windows construction) ;)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on March 01, 2010, 16:22:33: 3xRocket and 3x Sharpes Express in planters on my patio. Fleece and bubblewrap at the ready for the cold nights we're forecast. ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 01, 2010, 21:42:34: Oh eck, they got the flaming lids open, so now on the third planting and no more expensive baby spuds left... I have them in the bedroom as it is coolest place inside .............. and I am not kidding!!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: InfraDig on March 01, 2010, 21:47:18: 8 International Kidney in one of the beds under a sheet of secondary double glazing today.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mrs Gumboot on March 02, 2010, 18:02:04: Lovely warm day, but it snowed again last night! What is up with this weather - doesn't it realise we're trying to get stuff done ::)

Was going to try & get mine in this weekend, but there's more bad weather forecast so might have to wait. Boo!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on March 03, 2010, 18:41:19: Quote from: Jeannine on February 27, 2010, 23:18:11
Blooming heck, I have just had to replant as the blasted squirrells have nicked my spuds!! I have planted 3 different tubs this time and they have lids on .

I am jinxed I think!!

XX Jeannine

EEK I'd put squirrell roast on the menu for that. Well at least they won't go green from seeing sunlight!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 03, 2010, 20:23:17: mmmm, you know I do have a Canadian cook book which hs recipes for squirrells, LOL

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 03, 2010, 21:22:35: Are they greys? If so, they'll go into holes quite happily. I've known them to live down drains like rats. I suspect rat poison in a piece of pipe might get them, but I've never had enough squirrels to try it out.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: angle shades on March 03, 2010, 21:24:37: mine are in ;D/ shades x
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 04, 2010, 10:54:06: Stop showing off Shades, mine hav been in three times already!!

They are mostly jet black squirrels rarely see a grey, but I couldn't hurt them...the sods!!

My bedroom is quite small and it is no fun getting up to "go" in the night just to trip over 3 large tubs, and they smell of manure!!!

We put them on the patio today , and watched,the squirrels were there in ten minutes so we had to bring them back in

Oh well, tomorrow is another day

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on March 04, 2010, 12:57:39: planted 2 more in another big tub in the greenhouse - annabelle, supposed to be very early - so as I started planting on the 25th Feb and did a second planting today I have a weeks difference to compare during the trial - we are soon getting to 'normal' planting times so presumably we are getting close to cut off time for the trial/challenge?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Wilder on March 04, 2010, 14:07:59: I had no idea about this challenge but I put in my first earlies (Colleen, I'm Irish :) )yesterday in two bags against a warm, sheltered wall on the patio. Have wrapped the base of the bags in plastic. so lets see. Beautiful weather here on the south coast (except for the wind) over last few days so I managed to do quite a bit of work each lunchtime on the new patch for beans, peas and squash.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: realfood on March 04, 2010, 19:13:33: No point in planting potatoes outside here, or even in a greenhouse with min temperatures of -8C in the greenhouse. I have cheated by planting some Swift tubers in peat in the house to take to the greenhouse if it gets milder.
In previous years, I would have planted my early potatoes outside about now!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on March 04, 2010, 19:42:07: The only way I have found of keeping squirrels off broad beans is to put a clear plastic cola bottle with the bottom cut off over the top and then put two short canes through the top at angles and then twist the bottle well down into the soil. Presume you could do this for a potato.

The little critters move everything else but to date have not worked out how to shft the bottles.

I have my potatoes under 5 ltt bottles but they are not very easy to come by.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on March 05, 2010, 18:31:04: I took the covers off my soil earlier and tipped some council compost over it and shall plant out three rockets tomorrow. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on March 05, 2010, 18:42:09: Fingers crossed the handful of Foremost I bought specially for this challenge will be planted out early next week! :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: mummybunny on March 06, 2010, 10:23:10: Beautiful sunny day here in Bristol am tempted to plant my spuds ::) Hasnt rained for about 4 days so soil is dry and have had the area covered since i dug it over. What do you think?

Lucy
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on March 06, 2010, 16:31:03: I gottem in!!

The ground on our lower plot - the sheltered one - was looking good yesterday, so this morning I planted eight Lady C. No cover, but I earthed them up slightly. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on March 07, 2010, 17:32:08: I planted four rocket this afternoon
I dug a hole and put some shredded paper in the hole
Then put in the spud and covered with council compost and the soil mixed together
Then put some warmer compost on top
Then covered with a water bottle cloche.
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on March 10, 2010, 17:54:56: I had thought that the south would beat the north but at the moment the night time temperatures are actually warmer in the north. The high pressure is sucking the cold from central europe across the south while in scotland the wind is coming off the north atlantic. Very cold a few nights ago more than an inch of ice in the water butt so hope the tatties still ok.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: realfood on March 10, 2010, 19:25:49: It depends where you are in Scotland. Here in Glasgow it was down to -6c last night inside my bubble wrap tent inside the greenhouse, so still too early to sow in there I think. Outside ground frozen solid, so too early for potatoes!! I have covered my early potato bed with clear polythene to try and warm up the soil.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 12, 2010, 01:50:13: Hey ho.. I got some Charlottes via a very special person in the UK,..... ssshh.....a million thanks again.

They are now planted and I have dug up the mystery supermarket ones planted in pots that the squirrells kept nicking .Charlotte and her sisters are being treated like Queens in my bedroom pots, they are not going anywhere near a place that the squirrells can get them till John has made the wire netting lids he had promised

I feel I am in the land of the living again..but still no seed spuds available here yet!!!

Whoever wins this can't possibly feel any better than I do with my beloved Charlottes.. but I am going for broke now!!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on March 12, 2010, 22:51:57: My one "kestrel" which I popped into a black sack in the unheated conservatory three weeks ago is showing a bit of leaf! I've been away for a week in sunny Scotland, so I don't know when it actaully showed through. How big should I let it grow before I cover it with more compost?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on March 13, 2010, 16:31:46: Gwynnthmary this may be of help!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/helen-yemm/7250881/Helen-Yemm-Growing-new-potatoes-in-containers.html
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on March 13, 2010, 16:34:37: I planted a handful of Foremost earlies in the ground this morning! :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jayb on March 13, 2010, 18:43:06: Oops should have posted this a few days ago, 3 Arran Pilot planted in raised bed on 6th March, earthed up, but no fleece no nothing :o

Also planted some more Arran Pilot and Pentlan Javlin in the polytunnel and a few in bags in the greenhouse just to see how they compare to the garden ones.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mrs Gumboot on March 14, 2010, 17:31:41: Thanks for the link Flighty - that reassures me about the amount of compost I'm going to be ploughing through ::)

Still haven't planted mine - waiting for keys to new house so I don't have one more heavy thing to lug through. Wonder if the solicitor will move quicker if I tell him the tattys need planting :(
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: lottie lou on March 14, 2010, 18:22:29: stuck 3 - 4 in black sack in greenhouse towads end of Februay. Haven't seen ANYTHING come through yet!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on March 14, 2010, 21:39:42: My bag of spuds have all produced some wonderful leaves so ive earthed them up a bit and hope to have some great spuds on 5th June.

The rest of my first earlies went in today and I hop eot have one of my lots of second earlies in the ground tomorrow. With maincrops in next week or the week after.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on March 15, 2010, 11:11:19: Nothing happening with my single potato in a pot :(
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on March 15, 2010, 18:51:20: I've put a few more rockets in a pot in my back garden. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 15, 2010, 18:55:01: I have an assorment of heritage spuds en route froma spud breeder and some TSP as well so I think spuds are going to be fun this year.
XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on March 16, 2010, 18:22:09: I've just come back from the lottie and planted two lines of rocket. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: realfood on March 16, 2010, 19:04:19: Planted two rows of early potatoes today. Soil temperature was 8c after being covered with clear polythene for a week. Amazed at the Swift potatoes that I planted in a bucket in the greenhouse about three weeks ago. They have now reached the top of the bucket!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: 1066 on March 20, 2010, 09:16:29: Quote from: cornykev on March 15, 2010, 18:51:20
I've put a few more rockets in a pot in my back garden. ;D ;D ;D

cue a joke about Weapons of Mass Destruction - just can't think of one right now :P
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on March 20, 2010, 09:40:31: My single Pentland Javelin in a pot is growing ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on March 20, 2010, 09:41:56: I've got haulms :o ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on March 20, 2010, 10:15:35: Nothing in my pots yet. :'( ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 22, 2010, 05:15:20: Light the blue paper and retire immediately.

you have to be old to understand that!!

XX Jeannine

PS I have bumps in the pots I planted
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on March 22, 2010, 08:09:15: Quote from: Jeannine on March 22, 2010, 05:15:20

PS I have bumps in the pots I planted

Squirrels tunnelling in this time ? :P
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: lottie lou on March 22, 2010, 15:59:03: Absolutely nothing. Had a firkle around out of impatience and found the seeds are okay but they haven't done a bl...dy thing about growing. How can I encourage them?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on March 22, 2010, 17:55:49: Quote from: lottie lou on March 22, 2010, 15:59:03
Absolutely nothing. Had a firkle around out of impatience and found the seeds are okay but they haven't done a bl...dy thing about growing. How can I encourage them?
Supply some warmer weather! ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 22, 2010, 18:41:36: They'll just sit till the soil warms up. They won't come to any harm, and you won't hurry them. I'm putting mine in just to get them out of the way.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on March 22, 2010, 21:53:40: Give them a hotty bottle..rabbit with ears always worked for me when I was cold and little ;DXX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on March 29, 2010, 15:52:00: (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_27_03_10_11_44_04.jpg)

Growing nicely, the leaves look a bit yellow is that normal ??
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 29, 2010, 19:26:50: Those particular leaves have been underground for a while. Give them time.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on March 29, 2010, 20:42:23: possibly a nitrogen or magnesium deficiency, probably too early to tell or worry about but keep an eye on them :-\
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on April 02, 2010, 15:25:30: Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 22, 2010, 18:41:36
They'll just sit till the soil warms up. They won't come to any harm, and you won't hurry them. I'm putting mine in just to get them out of the way.

I had to get some out of the way too.

It was snowing big flakes yesterday.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on April 02, 2010, 15:54:17: Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 29, 2010, 19:26:50
Those particular leaves have been underground for a while. Give them time.

Yup you were right they're fine now :D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: javahart on April 02, 2010, 18:37:42: My 1st earlies went in two weeks ago & looking forward to seeing everyones progress.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 02, 2010, 19:48:19: Welcome to the forum and the spud challenge, blimey you got lucky with your plot Javahart, why did they give it up after all their work. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on April 02, 2010, 21:02:53: mine are just showing in the cold-frame, had to water them today! ;)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on April 04, 2010, 08:15:25: I have abouy 1 inch of green leaves XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: skintnbitter on April 04, 2010, 09:22:56: Mine have just poked through.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: compo49 on April 05, 2010, 10:30:06: I have only just put my spuds in due to the wet/cold weather here in west yorkshire.
So put in earlies. second and main crop spuds.the grounds still a bit wet but decided not wait any more as times running out.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on April 05, 2010, 10:40:45: Only really running out of time for main crops as they need longer in the ground. Very sticky where we are in Saddleworth, getting in Linzer Delikatess the other day took ages and I still have more to get in but I don't bother with maincrop varieties anymore - am trying Merlin this year which is an early main crop = second early in my book ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: compo49 on April 05, 2010, 10:42:58: Forgot to put varieties of spud they are in my previous post.
Early. International kidney. 2ND Early. Charlotte. Edgecote Purple(thought i would try these to see what there like)Main . Romano. Sarpo Axona.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: :( on April 05, 2010, 10:54:38: Theres more than enough time to put maincrops in and will be for several more weeks.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on April 05, 2010, 13:57:47: 3 out of 6 up ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on April 05, 2010, 17:52:57: Back from hols and my patio potatoes in sacks are showing - Sharpes Express look slightly further forward than the Rocket. Will inspect the lottie ones tomorrow - but they went in later so not expecting much yet.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 05, 2010, 18:19:00: My spuds in my garden and lottie in tubs are showing their heads, but the ones in the ground are yet to show. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grawrc on April 06, 2010, 21:04:10: I'm hoping mine keep their heads down until the weather improves. Still haven't planted my Rocket for the great spud challenge. Just too cold. Worse in a container than the ground really - less protection against the low temperature.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on April 10, 2010, 17:23:43: Had to move the pot from the mini greenhouse before it got too big. :P

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_10_04_10_5_02_47.jpg)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 11, 2010, 10:38:05: My spuds in Pots are really starting to push through and I've given them a small earthing up, the ones in the ground are still a no show. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Amazingrotavator(Derby) on April 11, 2010, 17:07:42: Took my spuds out of the greenhouse before the bag got too heavy to lift.

(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/amazingrotavator/Photo-0075.jpg)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on April 12, 2010, 14:47:41: The handful of Foremost earlies that I planted out on the plot on March 13th have just started to appear! :)

[attachment=1]
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on April 12, 2010, 16:12:04: Well done Mortality and Jeannine

My Rocket planted 23rd Feb are looking good but I've had snow and frost so they've been coming back into the unheated hallway overnight.

Of the 22nd March batch in two big tubs outside which I have covered with a dustbin lid and sheet polystyrene overnight- out of 8 planted with 4" of compost above the top - 1 not up, 1 is green leaves and 6 are just showing.

Couple of nice warm sunny days and little windowsill space so my last few Rocket have gone into small tubs this morning.

My 2nd early Charlotte, Pink Fir Apple, and mains Desiree and Rooster are ready to plant but the mini-digger bloke hasn't come to extract shrub and small tree roots yet so I haven't got any ground to plant into yet :(
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on April 12, 2010, 16:45:14: My Sharpes Express planted on March 16th are showing.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 12, 2010, 19:10:14: My rockets in the tubs are going strong. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: lottie lou on April 12, 2010, 19:11:59: Mine are doing nothing - just sitting there and sulking.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: angle shades on April 12, 2010, 19:14:17: mine too lottie lou... I'm giving them a bit of a pep talk now.. just to encourage them a bit.. / shades x
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on April 15, 2010, 09:35:53: Quote from: cornykev on April 12, 2010, 19:10:14
My rockets in the tubs are going strong. ;D ;D ;D

They've taken off like Rockets then ;D ;D ;D

Sorry, I couldn't resist it.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: antipodes on April 15, 2010, 11:16:57: The first earlies I planted (Agata?) end Feb have shown their heads as have the Ratte (a very expensive salad potato!) I planted mid-March. The other main crops only went in a couple of weeks ago so no hurry there.
I also have a couple in pots and they have come up too! I am suprised about that, somehow I don't really believe they will work! It is the first time I have grown any on pots, I ran out of space :D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 15, 2010, 14:53:33: Barkie I'm going to have to feed them soon, any idea where I can get Rocket fuel from. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: grawrc on April 15, 2010, 21:52:16: I planted my Rockets today in the soil not in the containers. Lady Christl are beginning to show as are Kestrel. Both earthed up as snow is forecast for next week.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on April 15, 2010, 22:05:30: Snow! Where?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: dtw on April 15, 2010, 22:21:38: Lapland!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on April 16, 2010, 11:21:35: Mine are still under their plastic bottles but some are now starting to fill the 5 ltr ones. I think I shall have to let them out soon. Apart that is from the one I dug up early on to see whether it was growing ok. Yes it was but I knocked off the growing tip. That will teach me not to have an insatiable curiosity.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: landimad on April 16, 2010, 16:30:18: I have got two rows of spuds gone in now, They are Charlotte and Exquisa.
I have used a buy from the shop and chance they do not get Blight as they are not selected seed.
If I get three from each plant then this will be ok as I am only doing this to see if they grow and are edible.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 16, 2010, 18:40:57: The danger there is virus not blight, but you'll probably be OK. I've planted shop tubers myself this year; it usually works fine.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jayb on April 16, 2010, 19:06:15: Just noticed the 3 Arran Pilot planted in raised bed on 6th March, which were earthed up are showing a couple of leaves. I've just covered them a bit more as light frost last night :o

The comparison plants in the polytunnel border and a few in bags in the greenhouse are predictably much further ahead.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: angle shades on April 17, 2010, 22:03:40: :) my Lady Christal's are up in bags in the greenhouse/ shades x
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on April 18, 2010, 08:17:54: 5of 6 up, just earthed them up , 5 out of 6 rooster ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on April 18, 2010, 19:01:16: The ones in my back garden are going well, every time I cover them with soil they are showing again two days later.
The ones on the lottie are nearly as quick and the ones direct in the ground are just showing. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on April 18, 2010, 20:21:45: 'earthed' mine up today with pure leafmould, should have some clean spuds!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on April 19, 2010, 02:23:57: Moved my 4 great big pots, each with 2 Charlottes in , to the new lottie, they will get more light there, showing green a bit I didn't plant them very deep . later regrretted that,so I had a feel and they seemed fairly compact so I moved them lower in the pots, they are in very soft soil so I don't think I did them any harm.

Hopefully the blooming squirrels won't turn up there, but I couldn't keep the pots in my bedroom any longer!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on April 23, 2010, 11:30:47: All my other spuds are growing now ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on April 23, 2010, 11:44:31: OH my sounds like mine are romping ahead. they have been earthed up right up to the top of the bag now and have leaves about 2ft tall above the bag.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on April 23, 2010, 12:06:18: Forgot the pictures ::)

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_23_04_10_11_56_40.jpg)

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_23_04_10_11_55_41.jpg)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on May 01, 2010, 14:26:17: can T/bloke be like the queen and have 2 birthdays, ;D cos I don't think I can keep my spuds going until 5 June, they will be ready before then 8)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on May 01, 2010, 20:14:19: Well mine are way behind I think, at least the wildlife haven't got them this time but they are now in glorious sunshine and are picking up daily so maybe I can catch yo up a bit XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Wilder on May 02, 2010, 13:57:55: my three bags are going great guns. Had to earth them up last weekend. :)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on May 02, 2010, 14:01:47: I thought Tone was a Queen, :-X mine are going well in the pots, the ones in the soil are getting going but still a good few weeks behind. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on May 06, 2010, 07:50:21: Mine are coming on leaps and bounds now,,really growing fast XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on May 06, 2010, 12:11:34: Quote from: cornykev on April 15, 2010, 14:53:33
Barkie I'm going to have to feed them soon, any idea where I can get Rocket fuel from. ;D ;D ;D

I would use whatever you feel comfreytable with using ;D ;D ;D

BTW How do I post pics on here?

This is the first time I've used containers for potatoes and some of them are going mad.

The 2 half 55gallon drum Mid March batches which were planted 5" deep with 12 inches below the rim got too tall for the dustbin lid frost protection so I earthed up and draped an old sheet over the top, then the haulms got higher than the rim so I had to stick stakes in and drape the sheet over that.

Builder hasn't come to remove concrete so nowhere to plant Pink Fir Apple or Rooster still. They are Extremely well chitted now ::)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on May 20, 2010, 22:59:06: How's everyone's spuds coming on?
This was mine yesterday.
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on May 20, 2010, 23:04:33: Blimet Tony yours are doing fantastic, mine look like they are dying off. and no they haven t been frosted.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on May 21, 2010, 07:38:00: ours are doing great, put the cloche back on last week, when it was frosty..now got pea sized spuds ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on May 21, 2010, 07:52:47: Dug this one up by accident yesterday. Took the photo then put it back! :)
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on May 21, 2010, 17:52:59: My ground ones were frosted, :'( but the ones in the tubs are going OK, nothing like tones though, I reckon he's rigged up a sun lamp on them. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on May 21, 2010, 17:56:03: Quote from: cornykev on May 21, 2010, 17:52:59
My ground ones were frosted, :'( but the ones in the tubs are going OK, nothing like tones though, I reckon he's rigged up a sun lamp on them. ;D ;D ;D ;D

me too, mine are in a tattie bag on a south facing wall and are nothing like Tones
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on May 21, 2010, 19:10:31: mine are triffid like, can't wait for the P-Day and soon will be tempted to have a poke around -mine are in tubs in g/h 8)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on May 23, 2010, 02:40:50: Mine are doing fine, on the lottie now still in their pots and filled up to the brim with soil.They have raised an eyebrow or two..folks think I am weird having them in pots, I am told the mice will get them.. Blooming eck, it was never this hard to grow spuds in the UK!!XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on May 24, 2010, 08:18:48: well one of the taties, out of five in me bag has black leg, so ive whipped that one out and hope the rest are OK.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on May 24, 2010, 19:42:35: Jeannine maybe the pots are not the correct colour, you'll have the association chasing you or maybe you've brought alien soil to the lottie, when you've finnished with it you may have to do as they did in the great escape and mix your soil in with the dirt through your trousers. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on May 24, 2010, 21:00:50: You got that one right!! They are in potting soil..oh no, not legal.. I am allowed to use peat though.

Pots are OK they are green.

I just know I am going to get myself into trouble before long.

XX Jeannine

Oh just remembered my Mr Big Peas are treated...anyone got a miners light they can lend me.!!

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on May 30, 2010, 10:39:54: One week to go..... ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on May 30, 2010, 11:34:22: I will just nip out and give mine a bucket of water in the hope there is still time for the spuds to do a bit of last minute fattening up.

My plants have become rather leggy but have not even the faintest hint of a flower. Has anyone got a prefered dish to serve them with? I have to say I like roast lamb with my first broad beans. I shall serve mine with parsley so if there is nothing there I know I can still enjoy the parsley.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on May 30, 2010, 21:34:59: I've not got any flowers on my rockets yet. :-\ ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on May 30, 2010, 22:12:05: Daft as it seems our traditional first feast of the growing year started with my parents in the war.

Mum's birthday,June 2nd, Dad always managed to get one or two almost ripe toms from the greenhouse to go with the first very small new spuds,asparagus,and a few early peas, to this he carved a treasured tin of corn beef and we used the butter allowance for the week on the spuds!! I was only little when the war ended but the tradition carried on.He had a rule. " you can have as many spuds as you like but you scrape your own!!"

I have carried this on but this year sadly I don't have an asparagus bed, my peas are lates, tomatoes not in a greenhouse and not even flowers in my spuds, but I will do it anyway courtesy of the local supermarket. These traditions have to be carried on. At least no rationing on the butter to worry about.

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: antipodes on June 01, 2010, 14:14:00: I HAVE EATEN MY FIRST SPUDS! for this year and they were delicious. Agata variety planted on 22 Feb. so 98 days in the ground. And they are a good size, many about 4 or 5 cm in diameter and at least 4 (from 2 plants!) that were 6 cm diameter! From 2 plants I got enough to fill an ice cream container! I am dead pleased!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Debs on June 01, 2010, 17:53:42: I haven't planted mine yet all are chitted and look healthy enough - keep forgetting to do them

but am now so ashamed of owning up to this, so i'm going out now to plant them.

Maybe I could start a new thread titled 'The (laziest) planting spud challenge'

Any takers . . .

Debs :-[
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: skintnbitter on June 02, 2010, 16:37:32: Am I right in thinking D-day is the 6th June?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on June 02, 2010, 17:05:27: P-Day is 5th - 7th June

can't wait ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on June 02, 2010, 17:23:50: Mine are looking very bonny I usually wait until mine die of something such as lblight so it will be a bit of a wrench digging up good healthy plants.

What are the winning criteria is it the biggest or the heaviest crop from six or the plant with the heaviest?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Tee Gee on June 02, 2010, 17:42:45: I'll leave you lot to get on with it then 8)

I got round to earthing up today ;D

This years dates;

Planted out 28/4

Earthed up earlies; 25/5

Earthed up 2nd Earlies & Maincrop 2/6 (Today)

Ah well :-\ I guess I will still be eating mine when all of your are finished.

Proving the point it all comes to those who wait! and I don't mind waiting ;D

Best of luck to you early birds!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on June 02, 2010, 21:19:24: I am with you Tee Gee, apart from the tubs I guess I will be (hopefully) eating mine much later in the year as mine only just planted.

Debs, maybe you and I should have a race together LOL

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on June 03, 2010, 12:17:48: Forgot to post here - we ate the first one from 21st Feb on 6th May. There was 800g or 1lb 12 oz in old money.

Second one had the same amount on 20th May.

Two Rocket yielded 3lb 2oz (1700g) on 27th May not sure if that was from a later planting - the label had gone missing.

I had my mind set on making dinner last night so I forgot to weigh some from the third Feb 21st one. I bunged it back in the bucket afterwards.

My 22nd March batch are still in the tubs but making a determined bid for freedom. I reckon I'll harvest one of the tubs on P-Day.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on June 03, 2010, 14:34:31: I am definitely being true to the challenge and harvesting on the said dates - my own little personal challenge was to plant 2 seeds in a big tub and 2 seeds of another variety in another tub to compare yields and taste, as I haven't done this before - a recent garden survey result showed 2 kg from just 2 seeds, not bad - rest of my spuds are in the ground, masses of them 1st and 2nd earlies but the early harvest for me is the best thing in this challenge
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on June 03, 2010, 17:12:05: I am actually looking forward to digging my challenge potatoes. I have lots of others and I would not have the six lovely plants and be thinking of harvesting them now if it had not been for this challenge. It was a bit of fun keeping them from getting frost damaged creeping about in the dark with plastic bottles, milk bottles filled with water and fleece.

I have already chosen various candidates to go in the space and replace them and obviourly being potatoes there are no weeds coming up round them.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: carrot-cruncher on June 03, 2010, 18:22:06: Am using potato grow bags this year for the first time ever. They're the smaller sized black plastic planters that hold approx 14 litres compost when full.

I planted 2 x 20 tubers several weeks ago and have had 39 take. I've got a nice lot of tops showing but as of yet daren't look underneath.

Oh well, fingers crossed

CC
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on June 03, 2010, 18:50:50: S-Day will be this weekend, Trev and Tones birthdays, my ground spuds are deffo not ready with the frosts hitting them but the tub growers should be in with a chance, fingers crossed. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on June 03, 2010, 19:37:54: Well, ever since I've been gardening I've had new potatoes for my birthday. With two exceptions: the first was ten years ago when I was in Australia and my daughter-in-law, who was house-sitting, ate them in my stead; the second will be this year. I haven't even dared a furkle yet!

And I'm always eating broad beans & carrots by now, too. No way!

Although I've just managed to serve asparagus, cauliflower, calabrese & lettuce for my grand-daughters for the evening meal. And I think there are a couple of artichokes waiting in the wings....

Sorry guys, have to admit total defeat.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on June 04, 2010, 04:44:58: Well heavens to Betsy, my bed planted ones have pushed through the soil, the pot ones looked good today though .XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on June 04, 2010, 20:51:37: I planted just one Kestrel (second early) in a black sack on Feb 20th. That will be 15 weeks ago tomorrow. I can feel hard lumps through the sack near the base, but the leaves are still green and healthy looking, and there aren't any flowers. Is it ime yet?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on June 05, 2010, 04:49:43: Sounds like a filled Christmas stocking in the dark!!

Oh I said the C word in June

XX Jeannine
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on June 05, 2010, 15:06:26: there you go, maris Bard, 1 plant pampered under a cloche..picked today for tea ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on June 05, 2010, 16:48:01: Wow! And you're a lot further north than me! But then mine were cut back by that frost a few weeks back.

I've just back from the plot. The ground is as hard as iron, but I tried a furkle - absolutely nothing! First birthday meal without potatoes!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: plot51A on June 05, 2010, 17:59:39: Here's my effort - Sharpes Express planted in one of those plastic bag potato planters on March 1st and has been sitting on outside on my patio ever since. Very pleased though I thnk I should have watered them more. Also still have a bag with (Poundland) Rocket which was for comparison - certainly top growth not so lush and will give them perhaps a week more.
Off to cook the spuds for our tea ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: lottie lou on June 05, 2010, 18:36:45: Mine rotted in the sack - I was devastated.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on June 05, 2010, 19:42:57: (http://i48.tinypic.com/n6q68j.jpg)
(http://i50.tinypic.com/2j3gwlk.jpg)

Here they are- my first ever potatoes! Kestrel planted 15 weeks ago today in a black sack- I'm very happy!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Flighty on June 05, 2010, 20:25:29: Gwynnethmary well done, and you'll be even happier when you eat them!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Trevor_D on June 05, 2010, 20:29:31: You can go off people, you know!

(Wow - well done!!)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Mortality on June 05, 2010, 20:33:45: Ok ok, I was going to do it tomorrow, but seeing everyone elses I couldn't wait...

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_05_06_10_8_30_41.jpg)

Just over 1kg of Pentland Javelin potatoes (from Poundland) grown in a florists black bucket.
Chiffed to bits ;D

Edit : Planted Feb 21st 2010 two other pictures in the gallery..
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Digeroo on June 05, 2010, 20:57:07: I dug up two plants this morning. One only had four small ones and the hole was bone dry, the plant had flopped over and I had been watering the top rather than the root. What an idiot! The secod had a collection of eight potatoes, so the two plants have yielded enough for two meals for three people.

I very pleasing result. Sorry cannot find the cable between camara and computer.

But enjoyed eating them. Many thanks for having this challenge since I would now not be eating my own potatoes. With another four plants to got it will last me another three weekends and then I shall start on my other early potatoes.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: manicscousers on June 05, 2010, 21:37:05: I agree, digeroo, thanks for organising this challenge, Corney, just fed 8 people with 2 of my competition spud plants, lovely with a bit of pork :P ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: lottie lou on June 05, 2010, 23:24:32: Strewth, am I envious. Who is going to organise next year's challange?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jeannine on June 06, 2010, 04:26:28: Oh they look lovely, well done.. I was determined to poke around today but couldn't pluck up the courage in case I ended up losing them, I might tomorrow though but so precious being smuggled over and all.

xx Jeannine

What about a Christmas spud challenge, it is about the right time to start. !!!
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on June 06, 2010, 09:20:22: Quote from: Mortality on June 05, 2010, 20:33:45
Ok ok, I was going to do it tomorrow, but seeing everyone elses I couldn't wait...

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10575_05_06_10_8_30_41.jpg)

Just over 1kg of Pentland Javelin potatoes (from Poundland) grown in a florists black bucket.
Chiffed to bits ;D

Edit : Planted Feb 21st 2010 two other pictures in the gallery..

What a lovely load of spuds Mortality. I enjoy seeing pics. I'll have to find out how to do it.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on June 06, 2010, 09:24:44: Great Spuds peeps, I going over today as I was busy BBQ ing at my mates yesterday, happy firkling. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Barkie on June 06, 2010, 09:41:13: First time posting a pic so I hope this works.

Rocket

(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/gallery/10765_06_06_10_9_35_35.jpg)
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: Jayb on June 06, 2010, 14:05:19: Yayyyy I dug these this morning ;D

[attachment=1]
[attachment=2]

I'm really pleased with how they have done. Planted Arran Pilot on 6th March outside in a raised bed, they were earthed up when planted and have had no fleece or cloche, I'm amazed they managed to dodge the frost.

Happy Birthday 'Trev and Tones' ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on June 06, 2010, 14:12:01: Quote from: Flighty on June 05, 2010, 20:25:29
Gwynnethmary well done, and you'll be even happier when you eat them!

We were- they were delicious. Just wondered if the bigger ones would just keep on growing or if there's a maximum size. And can anyone explain the difference in size please?
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: redcoat on June 06, 2010, 14:22:26: Quote from: gwynnethmary on June 06, 2010, 14:12:01
Quote from: Flighty on June 05, 2010, 20:25:29
Gwynnethmary well done, and you'll be even happier when you eat them!

We were- they were delicious. Just wondered if the bigger ones would just keep on growing or if there's a maximum size. And can anyone explain the difference in size please?

Just guessing - are they the first ones to develop so have been growing longer? When you look at the roots when they have been dug up you will notice there are the beginnings of potatoes that are just the size of peas.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: gwynnethmary on June 06, 2010, 14:23:58: Quote from: redcoat on June 06, 2010, 14:22:26
Quote from: gwynnethmary on June 06, 2010, 14:12:01
Quote from: Flighty on June 05, 2010, 20:25:29
Gwynnethmary well done, and you'll be even happier when you eat them!

We were- they were delicious. Just wondered if the bigger ones would just keep on growing or if there's a maximum size. And can anyone explain the difference in size please?

Just guessing - are they the first ones to develop so have been growing longer? When you look at the roots when they have been dug up you will notice there are the beginnings of potatoes that are just the size of peas.

Makes sense! Thank you....
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: cornykev on June 06, 2010, 16:02:08: I've just come back from the lottie, I've harvested 725g of rocket out of two pots, not a great amount but I will be having them for my tea tomorrow with my mint out of the back garden. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: calendula on June 06, 2010, 17:28:57: snap - got 38 good sized spuds from 4 seeds, not weighed them yet, could be bigger but if it were my birthday I couldn't think of a nicer present but d**n forgot the mint ;D

great fun
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: tonybloke on June 06, 2010, 20:02:33: 6 + 1/2 pounds of 'rocket' from 3 'seed'
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: brownowl23 on June 06, 2010, 20:52:37: well even with black leg getting two out of five of my spuds I got almost 3lb of spuds.
Title: Re: The Great Spud Challenge 2010
Post by: redcoat on June 07, 2010, 20:24:14: Quote from: Digeroo on June 03, 2010, 17:12:05
It was a bit of fun keeping them from getting frost damaged creeping about in the dark with plastic bottles, milk bottles filled with water and fleece.

This sounds 'interesting'. I've heard of many tips and tricks for this gardening malarky, but not sure about the details of this method.

Are the bottles of water used as a barrier? Do you use hot water? Should I start pilfering from the neighbourhood's recycling bins ready for next winter?

Oh so many questions............... ???