potatoes now ?

[debjay]

Hi,
just got my second plot. Would it be viable to put some potatoes in now as the ground needs a good clear out ?
any advice welcome
thanks
debs

[carlseawolf]

The norm as i gather is wait untill next spring because this time of year with the wet weather there is a greater chance of blight and rotting in the ground , - but saying this i've just planted some spuds that where sprouting in the bottom of the sack in my back garden to see what happens .
i would say if your buying the pots to plant then don't bother , but if there off the kitchen side and sprouting then why not.

[The Reverend]

Dear Debs, that isn't the best plan really because if they shoot the frost will kill them, and if they don't come through they are not doing the job you wanted them to.
You would be far better digging over, leaving in large lumps and letting the winter getting into it.

[SueA]

Hi Debjay, I wouldn't put potatoes in the ground now unless you have a polytunnel or something to put over them as the tops will get frosted before you get a crop, it's just the wrong time of year & I'd wait until next spring. If you want to grow some potatoes now you could try a few seed potatoes of something like 'Carlingford' in a container & put it under cover in a greenhouse or similar & you could get a small crop of new potatoes around January.

[carlseawolf]

must add that what sue said is correct about frost, i live in the sw so don't see much of that here but york has it all weather wise so best leave it to spring.

[rustylady]

Cooler temperatures and low light levels mean that spuds are best planted in the spring. (Tradition says Good Friday). Best plan for now with your new plot would be to dig out as much as you can and cover the rest with weed suppressant (old carpet, cardboard, or specialist materials).

[Cutecumber]

I planted some in a container in August and they aren't doing much. They have been in the greenhouse, kept moist, etc. and they were proper seed potatoes, but they are very weak. I very much doubt whether they will produce anything.

I wouldn't bother planting any now, personally.

[moggssue]

I planted maris something or another (sorry to be so vague!!) about a month ago in two big bins and they're going great guns - I'm worried that there's too much foliage and they're growing too fast so will be cut down by the frost. But from what others have said on various posts recently, I wouldn't bother now, it's just that bit too late to allow them to grow apparently. I've read lots of advice saying just rough dig new plots now and let the frosts over winter break up the soil for you, so it's ready to start afresh in the spring - I think in your position that's what I'd do.

[Two_Sheds]

Frost will kill the leaves off, but your tubers may survive. Mine do, but then we don't get hard frosts here on the east coast.