Date: 18/05/2009 21:14:40
From: Muschee
ID: 56194
Subject: Spuds..new bed

Evenin All :)

I set up a no dig bed for my spuds yesterday. Just wondering what else , nutrition wise, they will require that I’ll need to add to the bed.
I know they need very little nitrogen. But what else helps make a good spud grow??

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Date: 18/05/2009 21:17:36
From: bluegreen
ID: 56195
Subject: re: Spuds..new bed

potash

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Date: 18/05/2009 21:21:28
From: Muschee
ID: 56196
Subject: re: Spuds..new bed

bluegreen said:


potash

Excellent…done… was a good way to clean out the fire ready for this winter’s fire’s
Thanks Bg

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Date: 19/05/2009 09:35:06
From: pepe
ID: 56209
Subject: re: Spuds..new bed

Spuds in the Perth hills – plant in August? Frost will kill them.

You have 8 weeks before planting, so you have time to build up the soil with a green manure crop. Put in a quick (6-8 week) green manure crop of mustard (for soil nematodes), barley or oats (organic bulk) or a legume crop (field peas, broad beans or chickpeas).

Remember that when you pull the spuds out in December you can immediately plant a leaf crop and then a root crop without further fertilisation. So, altho’ spuds can thrive in virgin soil, Pete Cundall has illustrated phenomenal results (50:1 returns) with fertile soil. Therefore, when you fork the green manure crop in 6 weeks time, spread manure and blood and bone over the crop before turning in. The green manure will absorb any excess nitrogen. BG is right about potash too, but it takes a while to be available to the plant roots, so apply that now.

Also stockpile straw and pine needles because its good to mulch the spuds with about 400mm thick mulch and the soil needs to be slightly acid..

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Date: 19/05/2009 09:55:52
From: pepe
ID: 56216
Subject: re: Spuds..new bed

a couple more things

- go down into the avon river district and see if the rural stock agents/ nurseries can take an order for certified spud seed in august. the town nurseries are asking $7 per kilo for tiny amounts of seed tubers and its difficult to make a profit at those costs. it has become a gourmet crop and is suffering cost wise. the tubers that come from certified seed stock are also ok for planting.

- see if you can get kennebec seed – my favourite.

- you will need to water the spuds in oct/nov/dec so plan on putting seepage hose under the mulch.

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Date: 19/05/2009 14:12:56
From: Lucky1
ID: 56225
Subject: re: Spuds..new bed

My spuds have reshot, the ones the elf missed when he harvested them last year when my leg was really bad.

Guessing the cold weather will kill the plants off??????

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