Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Jayb on December 28, 2011, 11:08:14

Title: Early potato trial
Post by: Jayb on December 28, 2011, 11:08:14

I'm planning on a bit of an early potato growing trial this year after seeing how well a couple of volunteer potatoes left outside in bags did last year.  I will be planting a few potato tubers on New Year's Day, Pentland Javelin and possibly Nadine. I'll plant some directly in a polytunnel bed, some more will be planted in compost bags which will be kept outside. Also 4 tubers in an outside raised bed, with either fleece or debris netting to help protect.

Anyone else fancy joining in to see what results may be possible?
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: louise stella on December 28, 2011, 11:41:04
If you have a polytunnel you should be fine! 
Wish I had one!
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: green lily on December 28, 2011, 12:40:40
Well I have an eggbox full of Nadine sprouting away and I'm considering popping a couple in a bucket in the poly as it seems to be a mild winter. Otherwise intend to pot them up and plant out when they've outgrown their pots and I need the space. as you say fleece and black poly at the ready..
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: Digeroo on December 28, 2011, 22:49:21
I think I might try some with a straw bale to keep them warm, and  perhaps a plastic picnic table cover from 99p shop.   
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: davejg on December 29, 2011, 21:59:11
Quote from: Digeroo on December 28, 2011, 22:49:21
I think I might try some with a straw bale to keep them warm, and  perhaps a plastic picnic table cover from 99p shop.   

What a brilliant idea digeroo, beware of a mild winter folks, it could give us a slap as late as april.
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: green lily on December 30, 2011, 07:44:33
Its the sly nip at the end of May that usually gets me into trouble. mind you when I was a kid it snowed on my birthday..2nd. June in Ilford!....Bless the British climate- keeps us on our toes ::)
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on December 30, 2011, 16:26:56
We had two June frosts last 'summer'. Beware of winter's scorpion sting!
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: Amazingrotavator(Derby) on December 30, 2011, 16:49:57
(http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/xx161/amazingrotavator/Photo-0066.jpg)

Bought some Swift today from Wyvale to put in my lotte green house. Planted some last year( Some at the lotte laughed seeing me with seed spuds in January) They weren't laughing when I was digging spuds in April.
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: chriscross1966 on December 30, 2011, 17:19:05
I might well try a few in the GH.... they'll be out before I need the space for peppers....
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: Amazingrotavator(Derby) on December 30, 2011, 17:23:08
Exactly what I did last year Chris.
Title: Re: Early potato trial
Post by: Jayb on December 31, 2011, 14:14:44
Straw bales sounds a good idea, unfortunately small straw bales are in short supply around here and a silly price.

Good to know Amazingrotavator, and look forward to hearing how your potatoes do.

I'm hoping as it is only going to be a couple of bags outside and 4 tubers in the ground I'll be able to give that little extra protection needed for frosts. Fingers crossed they should be safe for a while underground. It may come to nothing but the lure of the first new pots of the season is calling  ;D