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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 12-05-2008, 10:46 AM
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Default My first spuds!

Just emptied a 12" pot in which I put one Arran Pilot seed spud on Feb 12th. It was wrapped in industrial bubble wrap and fleeced over initially and kept in the greenhouse. As it had had 3 calendar months I tipped it out today (wanted the tub and the greenhouse space) and harvested a pound and a quarter of lovely new potatoes. I have another the same with a Lady Chrystl in and a big shrub tub with 3 Anya which has been outside for a few weeks. They will keep me in 'tasters' till the garden and lottie spunds are ready. It's always worth a punt!
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Old 12-05-2008, 11:49 AM
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Had they flowered? Mine have been in their pots for nearly that long, but no flowering yet.
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:09 PM
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No - Arran pilot didn't flower for me in the garden last year either. I go by the length of time they have been in - waiting for flowering isn't necessary with earlies as some of them don't flower.
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:12 PM
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Oh wow, well done. I can't wait for mine to be ready
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:16 PM
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I might have a look at my first batch in that case. I succession planted about 8 pots of first earlies
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:41 PM
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Way to go Ma. My Arrans have only just started coming through the ground - planted them long after you did, so I reckon I'm a while off yet.

Yours look like good spuds though!
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:42 PM
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I can't remember when I planted mine. I planted 3 seed potatoes in a 12" bucket. Did 3 seperate buckets, so hoping for a good crop. The plants are growning thick and fast now, so I guess there should be something happening in the soil!

Do you water them often?
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:47 PM
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theres always something special about the first earlie spuds majic well done jacob
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:57 PM
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I have been having to water mine every day lately because of the heat wave, twice sometimes else they go limp
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Old 12-05-2008, 01:08 PM
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I'm always unsure how much to water my potatoes. Right now, they seem to be doing fine, but I always think with the hot weather maybe I should do more. But are potatoes like carrots - too much water means too much green foilage and not enough good stuff below?
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Old 12-05-2008, 02:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brooklynodog View Post
I have been having to water mine every day lately because of the heat wave, twice sometimes else they go limp
too much. It's really not necessary.
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Old 12-05-2008, 02:44 PM
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If they are in pots and allowed to go limp will they not suffer from it then?
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Old 12-05-2008, 03:49 PM
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How will I know when to harvest my Spuds?
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Old 12-05-2008, 04:35 PM
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I didn't know some earlies didn't flower, I've been patiently waiting for any sign of flowering on my enormous Red Duke of York plants but no sign yet! Maybe I will have a little rootle around and see what I can find...
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brooklynodog View Post
If they are in pots and allowed to go limp will they not suffer from it then?
I'd water them...but they may be less stressed in a slightly more sheltered place next time.
Remember to check the moisture level a few inches deep though- not on the surface.
I would water anything which limps, but moving it's position would be better cos it's not really very good watering partway through the day and then the strong sun heating up the water- and any on the leaves could scorch them
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:24 PM
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Oh..and Flum....

Yey....well done you



ENJOY!!!!!
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:36 PM
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The woman did good! Well done flum, you've inspired me to have a llitle furtle at least! I have had mine in pots in the greenhouse also and just moved them into my half built greenhouse to harden them off a bit. They have loads of foliage so I'll just have to check up on the 'What I did today' thread to see when I planted them!

PS I've now checked and realised I planted some Winston four days after you Flum so may try a boiling at the weekend!
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:46 PM
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I planted my Arran Pilot potatoes 11 Feb. It's the first time I've grown potatoes, so not sure what to expect. The haulms are over 2ft now. A week ago I couldn't resist pulling one up to have a peek. The potatos are the size of sugar puffs. I thought maybe it's because of the weather we were having and now the sun's shining they should get bigger, hopefully.
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:52 PM
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Auntie Flum... green glow a little to the south? That'd be me

How fab to have your own home grown spuds already!
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Old 12-05-2008, 06:51 PM
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They look scrummy Flummery. Did they taste good?
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Old 12-05-2008, 07:48 PM
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Fabulous Shirl! I did water them quite a lot actually. Last year I grew some in a bigger pot and when I knocked them out I could see that the compost was quite dry inside though it was damp on the surface. They don't half drink it up! I had a rummage at the weekend and could feel a couple of reasonable sized spuds so I thought I'd have a go. When I knocked them out of the pot I couldn't see any round the edges (where I thought they might be!) Got a bit nervy then, I can tell you. However, there were some fine sized potatoes well inside. Certainly more than Himself and I could manage for our tea, so a few cold ones for later! I'm sure I said this last year but I shall do more next time!
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Old 12-05-2008, 08:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuart14 View Post
How will I know when to harvest my Spuds?
Hi Stuart14 - what kind have you got and when / where did you plant them?
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Old 12-05-2008, 08:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brooklynodog View Post
I have been having to water mine every day lately because of the heat wave, twice sometimes else they go limp
Are they in pots or in open ground? If in pots they need to be somewhere cool now, not in the greenhouse in the blazing sunshine.
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Old 12-05-2008, 10:04 PM
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wow they look amazing - can i come for tea please??

Well done, i havent grown any spuds, but now i want to, can i plant any ready for the winter - are they called "lates" as others are called "earlies"??

SS
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