I filled these containers with composted stable manure and planted in each one a single seed-potato tuber.
Well, they have done their thing, and now it is harvest-time. The potato "haulm" (foliage) is dying off, which is a sure sign that the tubers are ready.
On this occasion, I had help with the harvest, in the form of my little granddaughter Holly (3):
She wasn't very keen to touch the "yucky" compost, and carefully lifted out each potato with a trowel. You should have seen her face (and heard her yell) when I lifted out an earthworm for her to see!
This is what we ended up with:
 |
| The pink princess dress was probably not the best attire for this task... |
We got just over a kilogram of potatoes from the one pot. I think that is a good result. These are "Charlotte", a Second Early variety, and perhaps my favourite potato of all. ("Pink Fir Apple" would give it a good run for its money though.)
The extra volume of these new pots means that it is easier to keep the compost moist, and the benefit of that can be seen in the quality and size of the yield. Maybe I won't be using the chicken manure pots any more!
I used the black builders buckets this year and was very pleased with the results. They did a little too well and I have far more than I allowed for. Luckily my neighbours are happy to have some.
ReplyDeleteI bought the exact same pots this year for courgettes, aubergine and tomatoes. I'm so pleased with them. They retain moisture so well and being able to carry them...!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute granddaughter. I can't believe she has an ick factor at that age. Usually at that age they love getting dirty and playing with bugs.
ReplyDeleteYour potatoes always looks perfect, so that's no surprise, but 1 kilo from one seed potato is pretty amazing! I'm glad that your new pot purchase is working out so well for you.
ReplyDeleteA good result. I have to confess that I do like some tiddlers amongst my spuds, I think tiny baby potatoes are a real treat. Holly is growing so fast, it doesn't seem long since her big sister was her age.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought. Are the potatoes in the same manure as your tomatoes as if so and that was contaminated they should have been affected and obviously are not which would point the finger at the compost.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is the point I was making the other day. Potatoes are unaffected, even though grown in the composted stable manure. Tomatoes were raised in the "Jack's Magic" prior to planting out in the stable manure.
DeleteYou always have the most beautiful potatoes!! I have grown in containers previously with some moderate success, not so much as you have (luckily I have lots of space to grow in the ground).
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly mastered the art of growing potatoes in containers. And so lucky to have such a pleasant assistant.
ReplyDeleteOh Mark, that's such a great harvest & a lovely photo of you & Holly together in the garden. Did you buy those buckets from Amazon? I think I remember you posting about them.
ReplyDeleteNo, I didn't get them from Amazon, though I expect it is possible. they are widely available. There is a link in my original post... (though I can't remember the name right now!)
Delete