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Garden Gate:  Potato questions....worried!  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 1:37:01 PM
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I'm a little concerned about my potato crop this year. It's been soooo cold and soooo wet that I had trouble even getting them to chit. Well, they did a little (like maybe bigger than the top of ball point pen) and I got anxious and planted them because we've had these 1 day windows in between 5 days of rain and the warm weather will be here before you know it.
I am worried that they will just not produce whatsoever. They've been in the ground since last Saturday. Would it be weird to dig them up and let them chit some more and see what happens? We can plant a later crop in June, but that's still some time from now.
Or, should I just say "boo" to the regulation and plant them when they finally chit accordingly?
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
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mulegirl
True Blue Farmgirl
184 Posts
rosemary
cottonwood pass
co
USA
184 Posts |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 7:13:58 PM
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Very interesting, Rosemary. Thanks. I was going to ask the same ? earlier but had to leave.
Well, chit, I've been doing this for years and never knew it! But mine just chit in the bag in the milk room or laundry room. Mine all looked like step 4 in the instructionals. With some having leaves sprouting already because it was so long before we could plant them. And there's no way I could do that with over 75 lbs. They'd be all over the house!
We got ours planted the same day as you, Jonni. I was out there today and saw 1 little green leafy sprout. That's all, just one. So far. We have not had rain since last Sunday, too. It's very dry out there. But everything else is coming through.
I don't think you should dig up potatoes after they've been planted. But I could be wrong. I would not. Give them another week or so. They are slow to start anyway. Do you cut yours up? I have always cut up each potato into several pieces with eyes on each one. Then plant with the skin side facing UP. Very important to do that. If they aren't face up they could take longer.
Just be patient. The waiting is awful, I know. I want it all to pop up the next day. But they will.
So what else have you planted? And how's the little cutie doing? Is she helping yet?
Kris
Life is what you make it. Always has been. Always will be. |
Edited by - kristin sherrill on Apr 27 2009 7:15:53 PM |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 04:47:25 AM
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Jonni- It took a while for mine to get going for the very same reason- rain! And then cold, hot, cold, hot. Good night above! Mine have been in for three weeks now and just last week I noticed the first push of earth. This week? Well, most of them are up and doing just fine. Maybe give them a bit more time and see how they fare. I'd hate for you to have to do double duty unnecessarily. :)
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 05:46:24 AM
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Alright...you've all made me feel a little better....I did go home and dig up just one to see what's shaken--a little bit of sprouting, but more than last week, so maybe by next week??? It was SO warm here over the weekend, 85 and sunny for 3 days in a row, and now we're back to more normal temps. 70's and rain for the next 4 days. Maybe that will give them a boost. Karin, our weather sounds soooo similar, which is weird because you're in such a different zone! Our last frost date is May 15, but I think we're seriously over it...
Chit...leave it to the English. There are whole UK websites devoted to the art...but like Kristin said, it's not much of an art. Just leave them in a warm spot and forget about them and viola!! Chitting complete. The Brits say that you can't have a good crop without doing it. As my Irish husband says, "well, they should know something about potatoes, the bas****'s!"
I guess I feel a little "out of control" with things since Violet was born. Usually I'm so organized and now I walk into a room and forget why I came in. I've been to Target 3 times this week because I forgot stuff that actually WRITTEN down on my list. Gah! So, the garden is source of anxiety this year. I just don't want to ruin anything, and mother nature has been less than helpful :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 7:34:29 PM
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Jonni, it don't get much better, honey! I went to Aldi's today to get my usual stuff and needed kitty litter really bad. Forgot it. Oh yeah, it's bad. Sometimes I have to hold the note in my hand. And that doesn't really help at all. One time when I was buying milk from a friend, I put the jug on the front seat so I'd remember to stop on the way home. I got a few miles past her house and looked over at the jug, empty, and had to turn around. Also have put egg cartons on my lap while driving so I'd know to stop and get eggs. So it won't get any better. Honest, it won't. Keep that notepad close!
And we will get potatoes! I can feel it.
Kris
Life is what you make it. Always has been. Always will be. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 06:14:59 AM
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Well, at least I'm in good company :) I've recently imagined the whole house with post it notes all over it. When I was younger and in boarding school with no mom to breath down my neck to remind me of things (or at 16, "nag me"), I put post it notes on the bathroom mirror at night with reminders for the next day, so when I went in to brush my teeth, I'd see them.
Sending you and everyone here, "good potato vibes"...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 07:01:14 AM
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I did see some more this morning!! And onions, too.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Suzan
True Blue Farmgirl
659 Posts
suzanne
duncannon
pa
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 07:03:46 AM
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| Well, I'm with Kris on the memory thing...it's gettin bad when you put the notes and reminders out and see them but don't "see" them...that's me! Planting to commence this week. Wish me luck, first time planting on this property which won't even grow grass...using raised beds. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 07:07:36 AM
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Smart, Suzan--we use raised beds, too. Some good soil, a good wood frame and you're off! Look at it this way: at least you don't have to make an effort to kill grass where you want other wonderful things to grow :)
Notes, notes, notes....it used to be just my husband who forgot things written down. Now I have NO room to be superior!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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nampafarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
494 Posts
Kim
Nampa
ID
USA
494 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 09:24:38 AM
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got a question about watering them: My neighbor, an older woman, says she doesnt water her potatoes until she sees green come up only then does she start watering them. So question, when do you start watering your potatoes? Oh, I had a friedn also tell me that when I see greens, put more soil over them so I will get more potates. He says he waters his from the get go.
Kim
Farmgirl Sister # 302 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 10:05:20 AM
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Well, she might be right...but most things I've read (my reference is the Victory Garden home gardner's manual) state that you should water immediately after planting and a good soak each week--that it will save them from being "knobby".
I dig shallow but wide trenches--maybe 4-5 inches deep, 12-15 across (the width of your shovel is a good rule) and then put them in and mound a bit of dirt over them. When they start growing, then you keep mounding them so that the green part doesn't become unruly (and it sure can)....so the soil you've dug from your trenches can be put aside for mounding.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2009 : 12:49:33 PM
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I have never watered potatoes. And we always get nice big ones. I do every few weeks or so start raking more dirt over the plants. That makes the plant stronger and gives you more potatoes, too. Plus keeps the soil loose. If the soil is too hard, the potatoes can't do much growing.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2009 : 05:56:19 AM
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That's so strange, Kristin--that you've never watered. And you're even more dry than we are, I'd suspect. Dunno...I won't have to worry about watering them this week, anyhow. We're getting "soaking" rain for the next 7 days. Gah.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2009 : 06:09:18 AM
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I should have said because we usually plant huge amounts of potatoes. I guess if they were in a few raised beds I would. But not with 4 1/2 rows at 200' each. I don't have irrigation set up in the farther "field" garden. SO I have to put things that don't need much water, like okra and peas and beans and corn. I put the squash and zuc at the south end near the tree line so they won't get as much hot sun and can cool off in the afternoons. I have a well that I can water the other garden with if it needs it. I do water the spinach and lettuce though.
HAve you seen any more sprouts yet? I saw more yesterday. We have still not gotten the rain they said we should have all this week.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2009 : 05:45:40 AM
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That's because it's all up here!!! (the rain)....Oh...yep, you plant way more taters than I do--sure wish I had that kindof space. Is your soil clay based like ours? It's soooooo tough, it would take years to amend our soil, and then it goes back so quickly, I just decided on the raised beds. I went out this am to check and still nothing poking above the soil. I'm thinking they will though. When I dug the little one up, the sprout had already started greening and was growing taller. We just need to fight off the extreme heat that happens around here just after Memorial Day. One day it's 60 and the next 90 days it's 87 with humidity.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2009 : 07:25:28 AM
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Jonni, just wait til the sun comes out. Those little sprouts will be racing toward it. Yes, my soil is horrendous here. Very red. But I have been adding compost and other things as I go. Some spots are great and others are like small rocks. But I do put lots of good composted manure in each hole when I plant the plants. So they get a little extra care.And this rain today is just what they needed!
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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82kygal
True Blue Farmgirl
548 Posts
Laura
Somerset
Kentucky
USA
548 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2009 : 04:41:03 AM
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I planted potatoes for the first time in Kentucky. I was worried about them coming uop it had been about two weeks. Butttttt yesterday hubby said come looky what we have. YAY!! they are all up and about 1" high.
I am so excited. Now to plant everything else if it would stop raining for a little while. 
With God, all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
What ever you are, be a good one. (Abe Lincoln) |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2009 : 2:11:09 PM
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Tell me about it, Laura! You too waaaaaaaayyy down there with the rain? We've been just hammered...and they said it was supposed to rain all weekend long (and so I made plans thus) and it DID NOT rain. And it still isn't raining, but tomorrow they say it will rain for the next 4 days. That's what they said last week!
I did see a couple of sprouts on a couple of mounds. Not like usual though, when ALL of them sprout at the same time. Maybe tonight I can get those others in--it's still been fairly cool around here.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2009 : 5:54:25 PM
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Yup. it is raining here again today. i'm going to plant potatoes in hay as soon as I get a dry day. This wet weather makes me so sore, but all my perrenials are up and looking good, except for some of my bee balm which must have succumbed to the severe cold we had this winter. I have a big clump by the front door that the hummingbirds like, and of course that is the one that bit the dust completely.
The year I got the most potatoes was when the neighbor's dairy cows got out and stamped on almost everything in my garden, except the potatoes and the tomatoes. They ate some laundry off the line too, I had thought only goats like to do that sort of thing. The potatoes really thrived when the competition was totally eliminated......
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2009 : 7:41:27 PM
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Karen, my neighbors cows got in my garden one year and ate all my corn down to the ground. That's all they ate. I was so upset because it was just starting to tassel. I loved his cows though. Now I have cows and the garden is right next to the pasture and I planted corn near the fence line. Not too bright, Kris.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2009 : 06:36:52 AM
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Ugh...well, I don't how cows to contend with, but I think even if I did, and they ate all my stuff (laundry even????) I'd still kiss their silly noses. Love me a cow, I do :)
There were even more sprouts when I got home last night--and I was able to plant the fingerlings, well those that had sufficiently chitted enough. I don't know what the hold up is, but it's taken forever for those fingerlings to sprout.
Like you, Karin, the perennials look wonderful right now--green and lush, and ready to bloom. My Jupiters Beard, Globe Alliums, Holly Hocks, Prince Charles Clematis, Siberian Iris and farm Irises are just ready to burst with color. The farm irises have been going for about a week with some repeat blooms. I do think I need to get some more color in my yard...it occurred to me that almost all my flowers are some shade of purple...guess that's why I named my daughter, Violet, except I have WHITE violets in my garden :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Garden Gate: Potato questions....worried! |
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Potato questions....worried!
