The spuds are growing well in the bags. There are 5 varieties here.....Kestrel, Maxine, Blue Belle, Harmony and Camelot. They were all reduced to two shoots per tuber apart from Maxine which I reduced to one as I always struggle to get size on this variety. The bags need topping up with compost before the foliage gets too tall and it becomes impossible....in effect earthing up. I hope to get another row in of extra Kestrel and Maxine this weekend.
One thing I do need to do is to give the foliage a feed with ammonium sulphate when the foliage gets to a foot high or so. This is when the tubers are starting to initiate and gives the plants a nitrogen boost which should lead to bigger tubers as the foliage puts on a growth spurt.
I doubt I'll be keeping up with the likes of Sherie Plumb but the more bags you can grow the more chance you have of unearthing matching specimens.
3 comments:
I read that "Nicola" are a good variety for exhibition. What do you reckon on this Smithy?
I am growing Charlotte, Maris Piper. International Kidney (Jersey Royals, but not grown on Jersey) and Desiree. Based on the known theory that the great taste of Jersey Royal new potatoes is because in Jersey they mulch the fields heavily with seaweed (vraic), I included raw seaweed in the compost as well as feeding fortnightly with liquid seaweed fertiliser. No idea how they will perform at the show yet, but they look really healthy plants so far, 2/3 grown in containers and 1/3 grown in the soil on my large allotment.
Not heard of Nicola so couldn't comment.
There are only half a dozen varieties that tend to win most shows even at village level, with Kestrel (coloured) and Winston (white) being the most common by far.
Don't forget that earlies need about 12 weeks and maincrop 15-16. Allow an extra week on top. When you cut off the foliage don't empty the bags out for a week to allow the skins to set. If your show is still a few weeks off put the spuds into some dryish compost and store until the day before the show. Wash then.
Thanks for the tips. I shall find Winston and Kestrel for sure next year and give them a try. Will also try your tips for lifting this year. Thanks :)
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