Potatoes - where to start? (Merged Thread)

stas4949 · 18 January 2007 at 7:26PM

Hi All

Am a fairly new veg gardener (in my 2nd year) and would like some advice on growing potatoes.

I tried them last year in my veggie patch but all the potatoes had holes in them! Would it be better to grow them in a pot or something.

tips and ideas appreciated

many thanks in advance

jap200 · 18 January 2007 at 8:02PM

It sounds like slug damage to me. You could try growing in containers, but it would depend on what size crop you would like. Perhaps try a few in containers and select a variety with greater slug-resistance to grow in the ground.

The RHS has a good fact sheet on potato holes and recommends some varieties to try:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0902/potato_holes.asp

Also - here is the link to the slug-resistant varieties recommended by Thompson and Morgan (not the cheapest place to buy them though).

http://potatoes.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/list/resists-slugs

The only other advice I can offer is to not leave them in the ground any longer than you need to - less chance for slug attack. As soon as they are a good size, dig them up, let the soil on them dry off a little and then store in a cool dark place.

Linda32 · 19 January 2007 at 4:10PM

Sounds like slugs to me too, nasty horrible things.

You could go for first earliers, that might help as they are harvested earlier, obviously. I'd try again, certainly, I've only called myself a gardener for three years and have had an allotment for one year. People have told me that over the time you do get lots of crops which for one reason or another don't work, nothing you can do about it, just Mother Nature.

Best of luck for the new gardening year

MonstersMummy · 19 January 2007 at 9:17PM

Best thing I've seen for potatoes is the barrell sold by sutton seeds.
You lift up the outer section, take out as many as you need and close it again. It will sit on the patio and is quite decorative.
Comes in at around £30, cant remember exact price off hand.
It's on my list of "to buy"s for this year veg growing.

jonesMUFCforever · 19 January 2007 at 10:39PM

Since we now have wheelie bins we used our old rubbish bin to grow potatoes.
Just make sure you drill drainage holes so it does not become waterlogged it worked a treat!

stas4949 · 20 January 2007 at 9:41AM

thanks everyone for your advice, am going to have another go.

Have found this potato starter kit which sounds just right for me.

http://www.suttons.co.uk/pd_MH422_Potato_Starter_Kit.htm

I will let you all know how I get on.

arkonite_babe · 20 January 2007 at 1:34PM

My Dad grew potatoes in grow bags last year and this year is trying the dustbin method. If i ever get my garden doggy proofed I will try growinmg some too.

kissmekate_2 · 20 January 2007 at 1:50PM

How's about housing a rescued Hedgehog. We very rarely get any slug damage since having one.

good luck!
Kissmekate

arkonite_babe · 20 January 2007 at 1:56PM

That idea might work for the OP on this thread as well then?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=60378

Big_Bird_4 · 20 January 2007 at 3:41PM

I had terrible slug damage on my potatoes the year before last so last year I only grew varieties from the Thomson and Morgan list of slug resistant varieties for which jap200 has given the link.
I grew Ulster Chieftan, Kestrel and Romano. All emerged virtually unscathed. Some of the Romano are still in the ground and are still fine when I dig them up.
It could be a coincidence, but I'd certainly recommend you give resistant varieties a try.

loumac · 20 January 2007 at 7:11PM

How do you house a rescued hedgehog? I've just acquired an allotment and this seems like a nice idea!

Potatoes - where to start? (Merged Thread)

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