The Poultry Keeper

chickenlicken · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 31 Location: France

I have planted my potatoes out THREE times now.....................my Jack Russell puppy Wishbone keeps digging the bu**ers back up again!!!
Nigel......................can I borrow some elctric tape?!
Hazel

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 6:09 pm Post subject:

Went to the farmers market today and bought some Shetland Black seed potatoes and kale seedlings. If the caterpillars stay away the hens will feast on the kale in winter!

nigel · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject:

I love growing kale, this year it will be Nero de Toscana, sometimes called black cabbage, virtually bomb proof. Takes whatever the weather throws at it and carries on cropping throughout the winter.

Nigel

Lisa · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 6:16 pm Post subject:

Oooo, Shetland Black! I've heard of them but not grown them myself. Be nice to know what they're like. If you remember when you dig them up do give us an update Very Happy

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 6:36 pm Post subject:

Bought some eating ones as well for us to have tomorrow. If I remember int he heat of making Sunday dinner I will take a photo when they have been cut open.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

blindfold that jack russell, quickly, or you'll have nothing growing thisyar

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:17 pm Post subject:

There you go! Remembered to take a pic before cooking and eating them!

Shetland Tatties

Changed this to a link just now so it doesn't eat the page!

jaydee67 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:20 pm Post subject:

Sorry pic is so big - will try to resize later - got to go get eating just now! Been filling raised beds in the garden all afternoon and I am TIRED! Thought lasagne gardening was supposed to be good for your back!

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

They look fab....is there anywhere on the web to buy seed potatoes?

nigel · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject:

Gina

Thompson and Morgan do a huge range of seed potatoes

so do Organic Catalogue

it's getting towards the end of potato planting so not sure what they may still have available.

Lisa · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 7:46 pm Post subject:

You might get some at your local garden centre - selling off cheap as end of range - but its even a bit late for that Confused

Another option is to buy some potatoes from the supermarket that you like the sound of. Save a few nice looking ones and eat the rest. If you like the taste, then grow the others.

It is normally recommended to only grow certified seed potatoes that you buy from seed catalogues or garden centres. These have been grown in conditions which do not have disease, so you are likely to get a better, healthier crop.

But I have done it sometimes from supermarket spuds and the results have been fine.

Sainsburys and Waitrose do a fairly good range.

Depends what you like potatoes for? Waxy or floury? As new potatoes or roasties....

PS edited to add - buy organic if you can. Other ones are sprayed with something to discourage them from sprouting (they do, but organic ones do it more enthusiastically)

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

Have got some from a local garden centre but they were past their best I think and not sure if they will work. Have put them in potato pot and will see.

With the earlys / lates etc. do you plant them together?....where do you plant yours?...I have brought a potato tub but it was quite expensive so couldn't buy more.

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

hi Gina, you usually plant them separately ~ they take different times to mature. I heard or read somewhere of people growing them in a thick black bin bag. Roll the top down and plant the potatoes at the bottom, and then as they grow and you need to earth them up you gradually wind the bag up again putting in the compost etc, until you have a full sack, which should be full of potatoes. Cheaper than buying the potatoe tubs

Gina · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 471 Location: Kent

that is a better idea...brought a potato barrel and firstly it didn't go together that well and secondly it cost me £25!

nigel · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject:

I've seen Monty Don use the Compost Sack method, it works well.