Spuds, how long will they keep in the ground

[keat63]

I did ask the question on another thread, but it's been a few weeks, that thread has gone a bit quiet.

I've dug up a plot of maris piper, and still have a plot still in the ground.

How long will they keep in the ground, and and is there any advantage or detriment to leaving them there for a few months more ?

[Scarlet]

Well I think it depends on your plot. If I leave mine for too long they just get slugged.

[Scarlet]

This is worth a read:
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...oes_66846.html

[burnie]

Somethings been boring holes in my Roosters, ok for mash or roasties, but don't fancy 'em as jackets though. Can be better to lift 'em the farmers are lifting them round here, it's tattie fortnight and the schools are off, don't know why as they use machines to collect 'em now.

[Snadger]

Earlies are best cooked soon after they are dug but maincrop can either be left in the ground if they are below the frost level, or probably best to harvest them if you have a keel slug infestation.

[annie8]

I make a clamp for my main crop. Seems to keep them slug free

[keat63]

I've had a few which have been holed.
Maybe I'll get them up this weekend.

[Derbydal]

iv'e lost loads of my 2nd earlies to slugs but Pentland Dell only three had slug damage ,but they arn't as tastey as the Maris Peer or Charlots ! atb Dal

[Stan79]

Lift them... slug damage here too if I leave them in too long.

[4Shoes]

Does depend where you are and the soil conditions. And if there is a reason not to lift. i.e Christmas Lunch

If any pests - Slugs, wireworm, etc - Lift

Heavy wet soil or where you get deep frosts lift.

No or very little frost Leave or cover with mulch for Christmas potatoes. (bit late to plant Christmas pots in Bag in greenhouse)

Lift everything else before it gets too wet.

Storage options.

Frost free Dark Shed - Boxes or hessian bags or even in a heap covered with breathable material
(Straw, sacking, etc.

Clamp in Garden.
Tramp soil and level.
Remove all damages pots
Heap of potatoes. Cover with 4" to 6" straw - 6 - 10" Soil.


Best luck.


Re Potato Holidays.


Know gone are the day when a squad of school kids turn up and pick you tatties. Back breaking stuff.

or then days of sitting on the back of a Potato Harvester with your chums - Cold back braking work.


Now a cushy number where the potatoes are lifted and the operator just has to clear a few weeds and clamps of soil.... Unless it is cold and wet and you need 2 tractor to pull it

Don't think it is that sort of year

[keat63]

I recall in the spring that this particular plot was rather muddy compared to the one on the opposite side of the allotment.
Whether this is down to the soil structure or maybe that side of the allottment is prone to water settlement.
So I'm going to get them up and either keep in the garage or shed.
The garage is a tad warmer than the shed.