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 :happy7:
Galina,
Why did you dig up the whole row?
Quote from: telboy on June 22, 2014, 21:52:09
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?
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!!!