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killerflies · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 40 Location: Galway

Hi all.

Was thinking of giving growing spuds a go ths year.

Only have a small 2nd floor patio, so I was thinking of growing in bags like Ive seen in the past in Woodies et cetera.

Any advice for a complete beginner?
Any variety suitable for salad potatos?

Finally, when does the whole process begin?

Thanks for the advice and patience!

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wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

We like to grow a few early spuds in pots in the poly tunnel. I use large cley pots for this. They cley holds water and a knock on their sides with a stick will tell you if they need watering. A dull thud is ok but a metalic ring means they need watering. A big crop can be got if you can plant the seed in a deep container. Just put 9 inches of good compost in the bottom and plant your seed in this just below the surface. When the shoots get to their third leaf earth them up so that the top bud is just showing above the surface. Let the shoots grow another three leaves and earth them up again as before. Keep doing this untill the container is full. When the plant flowers have a rootel around and see how big the spuds are. With luck the whole container will be full of spuds. Good luck Wink

You can also grow micro greens in large trays. If you had six trays and plant them every other week they will keep you in micro greens all year. When you crop them full with fresh compost and replant.
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blowin · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:16 pm Post subject:

I can't improve on the advice from Wayland .
Might just add that you don't need to buy any special spuds-in-bags to do that . Choose your variety and buy "seed " ( virus free ) stock from a reputable source or , if you want to save a few euro and are prepared to take what is only a small gamble IMHO , use the ones you buy from the local shop . Good luck Wink

killerflies · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 40 Location: Galway

Happy Days!

Ill give that a go so.

Just for sh*ts and giggles I might even see how Dunne's finest Organic go in the bag.

When should I be thinking about starting this venture?

Also, to chit or not to chit?

Cheers again!
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wayland · Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 1171 Location: Campile. Wexford

I like to chit my earlies as I only want three shoots and so can pick the best ones. It is an Irish tradition to plant on Paddy`s day outside, but inside we can plant at any time but they must not get frosted. I have just got my early seed and will need to protect the tubers while they chit. I am not in too much of a hurry and will plant in the polly tunnel at the end of feb. They may need more protection and perhaps some heat if the cold spell persists. The problem with planting shop brought spuds is the risk of bringing blight to your soil. I have seen blighty spuds in pre packed spuds and so I would not plant anything but Scotch seed. These are grown above 1000 feet and should be blight. Good luck.
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killerflies · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 40 Location: Galway

Thanks for that!

Thats all good information, much appreciated.

Been trawling the net and came across this...............seems interesting....I may dedicate a bag/bin to trying this out.

http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/VegFruit/potatoes.htm

Spuds in Straw.
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Space Cowboy · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:16 pm Post subject:

Howdy all,

I'm on the Spud case myself out here on the Ranch, and theres some great advice and questions here. Especially inspired by Killerflies mention of growing in Bins - i was going to try in bags alright, but now have the perfect use for the now redundent black bin hanging around. Would i seem stupid if i were to ask if 'you'd' drill holes in the bottom?, or do you reckon it'd never take in enough water to worry about? Also, whilst i think of it, i have a lid for the bin - can you 'cheat' potatoes like you would say Rubarb, or is that inly done on folliage cropping plants?
Many thanks, Tip of the hat, Space Cowboy.

Guest · Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject:

Id guess from what Ive read on the subject that you'd need to drill some drainage holes. Spuds like moisture, but do not like swimming in water.

One setup Ive seen is 4inches of stone (drainage) plus 6inches of soil, then spuds, then 4inches of spoil and then earth up as the plants grow up.

Id drill the holes in and around the 4inches of stone. Cant hurt anyway.

As for the lid.........id guess that in frost, keep it on overnight, and during the day (especially during the summer) keep it off or you'll be pulling baked potatos :-)

killerflies · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 40 Location: Galway

(NOT A DOUBLE POST........edited version)

Id guess from what Ive read on the subject that you'd need to drill some drainage holes. Spuds like moisture, but do not like swimming in water.

You mention that they mightnt take in enough water for that to be a problem........you have to keep the soil/straw moist.

One setup Ive seen is 4inches of stone (drainage) plus 6inches of soil, then spuds, then 4inches of soil and then earth up as the plants grow up.

Id drill the holes in and around the 4inches of stone. Cant hurt anyway.

As for the lid.........id guess that in frost, keep it on overnight, and during the day (especially during the summer) keep it off or you'll be pulling baked potatos :-)
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Space Cowboy · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks Killerflies, that sound good to me. Hows everyones Veg going at the present?
Tip of the Hat...