Lifted Maincrop Potatoes Today

My King Edwards were starting showing signs of blight so I thought I might as well lift them rather than risk the tubers becoming infected.
Got quite a decent crop from just 15 seeds sown on 24th March.

Golden Wonder didn't do as well though (that's the small pile in upper right of photo) they were just an opportunist sowing from a few spuds we had left over from last year's crop.

​

 

That don't look too bad Dave

 

Should keep us going in spuds for a few months Freddy. I don't think they'd have got much bigger if I'd chanced it and left them in longer.

One or two with a bit of slug damage - but that's just added protein!

 

Yeah, I noticed that one or two of mine (Charlotte) have a bit of slug damage. I don't bother with main-crops, as I don't have the space, but I do recall years ago (when I had an allotment) that main-crops were susceptible to slugs. I can't say I relished the thought of all that extra protein

 

BTW Dave, how do you find them (Kind Edwards)? I've had them from the supermarket in the past, and was un-impressed

 

I'd be happy with that.

 

Only had them roasted so far Freddy and they were very good. I've not grown maincrop for years but thought I'd give it a try again and I'm well pleased. I grew a few earlies (very early) in a potato bag in the polytunnel and harvested them on 5th June.

 

I've only grown a main-crop once in recent times, Pink Fir Apple. I was amazed at how many I got! On average, I reckon it was around 6lb per plant. I've heard it said before, that the ground that they're grown in make a real difference, and I believe this to be true. I always grow Arran Pilot, as for me, they are the tastiest spud out there. However, when one looks at a description of their yield "A heavy cropper", it bears no resemblance to my own experience.

 

Punk Fir Apple always amazes me yield wise too.

Just when you think you've dug them all up, you get something out that resembles a 3D model of 4th dimensional space.

 

Like this..?



Lifted the first of our King Eddies today also, but had to stop early due to heavy rain. Back out there tomorrow for a few more. I was very surprised at just how little damage we had on ours, they look incredibly clean...given that out Kestrel was a magnet for just about every wireworm and slug in the area.

Steve...