Digging for gold!

[galina]

In our heavy clay soil 'firkling'  is a bit difficult, so today I decided to lift one plant and have a proper look.  First fork in and I speared one baking sized potato.  Couldn't believe it.  This was the first time we have grown Lady Christl (after a recommendation on Potato Day) and it felt like finding gold.

Really nice potatoes and most were good size too.  Our mice/voles had about 5% which isn't too bad, the rest were clean, lovely potatoes.

Ended up digging the whole row and was really pleased 

[galina]

[telboy]

Galina,
Why did you dig up the whole row?

[galina]

Galina,
Why did you dig up the whole row?

Because the spuds were ready.  Now got about 2 weeks worth of potatoes in the kitchen, ready to cook.  Why did you want to know?     

[antipodes]

Probably because many people dig up one or two plants at a time. The spuds stay fine under the soil. Although if like me, you have nibbling voles, it may be wiser to lift them. I find that once the plants start to die back and become exposed, the voles come less, as they put themselves in danger.
I have dug up my Belle de Fontenay to put some broccoli in its place and they have been a wonderful crop. Accidentally dug out a King Edward spud that was next to them and it is already huge! And they aren't even ready yet!! So a big, if very early, potato crop this year, if all continues to go well. Not complaining, once they come out, leeks and cabbage are going in their place!!!