Earthing up your potatoes - Claire's Allotment part 26

[clairesallotment]

@000Winter000 Some varieties do, others don't.

[silbernagelm]

Claire,

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I am enjoying your videos so very much.

I do have a question. I live in the Gulf Coast Region of the United States, in zone 8.

Do you think I could plant potatoes in August...for a fall garden...and expect any success at all?

[clairesallotment]

@silbernagelm In the UK we can plant potatoes in September for a Christmas crop. I think as long as they don't dry out you should get a crop. They may be smaller than main crop potatoes. What sort of temperatures do you get in zone 8?

[chouslop15]

@clairesallotment Hi, I have just bought a new house and it came with Fruit cages, a potting shed, and a greenhouse, all sorts really. I have only managed to clear out the greenhouse (house was empty for years and really over grown) and the patch is nowhere near ready. But I really like the idea of a Christmas crop of potatoes. do you think i could grow some in the ground of the greenhouse?

[clairesallotment]

@chouslop15 Sounds like the sort of house I'd like to move into. Empty canvas that you can let your imagination run wild. Hard work, but you'll get there. If you want potatoes for Christmas they need to be sown in June. Plant them in large pots and have outside, then when it gets cold from mid/late September move the pots into the greenhouse to continue growing. I've never tried growing potatoes for Christmas, maybe I'll try next year.

[chouslop15]

@clairesallotment Thanks Claire, I guess I will have to be patient and wait for next year to start growing, doesn’t matter i have plenty of prep to be getting on with (great tip about the thick layer of manure over the winter to re nourish the soil will definitely do that), I wish the house were a blank canvas, would make things so much easier. And I am sure I will be ok with 118 videos to guide me through :)

[clairesallotment]

@chouslop15 Get as much soil prepared now, so when the time comes for planting, all the hard digging is done and you're not fighting for space. Now is a good time to start digging as the ground is fairly soft after the rain, and the weather's cooling off, but make sure you get a lot done before the frost sets in. Have fun.

[neild1]

Hi Claire, quick ? for you. what do you mean when you said earth up until you cant no-more??? did you mean when you run out of soil or time? and when is the time lol. and i love your vids, well done.

[clairesallotment]

When you run out of soil.

[sadia102]

Hi again Claire, Followed your instructions and have potatoes coming up in plastic bags, pots and the ground....and the compost heap. Growing like crazy and am continuously covering them up. Fingers crossed. Thanks for this vid.

[clairesallotment]

Stop covering them when you can't pile anymore on top. If the nights are cold the leaves will wilt. Cover with some fleece to protect if necessary. Enjoy, they taste great.

[paddyuk]

Hi, another great video.

Just one question, is the only reason to do this for protection from frost? Someone mentioned that I need to do this to stop the potatoes going green.

[clairesallotment]

Another reason for earthing up your potatoes is to encourage more potatoes to grow higher up the stem. Potatoes are green if they aren't ready, and have seen some light. Don't eat the green bits they're poisonous.

[sadia102]

Thanks for this Claire. Your clear basic instructions are just what I need. Especially about covering the plant completely. A lot of gardening programmes assume that you already know stuff. I want to try potatoes in a black tub to see if they wlll grow here at this time of the year..but in a warm spot.

[clairesallotment]

They should grow fine in a tub. Start with 6 inches of soil, put the seed potatoes in and cover with another 6 inches of soil. When the leaves start breaking the surface cover with more soil until the tub is full. When the potatoes are ready to be eaten, just empty the tub onto a plastic sheet and rummage through the soil to find them. No digging involved.

[sadia102]

Thanks Claire

Have done.

[chrisleader]

hi claire can you pls tell me how many videos have you post? id like to put them on a dvd.

[clairesallotment]

I think I'm up to 40 so far, but look on the home page for more info. the first 3 are available to download from ITunes as video podcasts with more to follow.

[powerspade]

You have produced a good set of videos very down to earth and informative. They could do with someone like you on Gardeners World. I hope you do some more I`d like to see the fruits of your labours when you bring in the harvest.

Mnay Thnxs

Powerspade

[clairesallotment]

Looking forward to reaping in my goodies from the allotment, I always get excited about that part after all the hard work is done.

[djcharlyc]

Hi Claire, congrats on another excellent video! Just as a passing thought, in particular with allotments would it be best to keep the borders around the beds closely mowed, so as to help keep bugs and other unwelcome insects away from the precious crops? Keep up the good work, looking forward to the compost heap!

[clairesallotment]

I have just strimmed a load, and the neater you can keep them the better. Thanks for your concerns.

Claire