just planted some spuds

[Tigerella]

Hi

I have had a day off today, a rare event, so I planted 2 rows of Arran Pilot earlies.
I know its still cold. If I cover with heavy plastic. Will that stop any frost?
Perhaps it would be a good idea to put some straw under the plastic?

Does the frost just matter, when the spuds start growing above the soil.

If they do get knocked back by frost, will they just come back and start growing normaly when its warm enough.

T

[Snadger]

It's a chance you take..........may pay off...........may not! No surefire answers, just be philosophical about it if it doesn't work out!

[mrs potato head]

i planted spuds, mimis four rows, last week yep it is early and still frosty, but i was told all that would do is slow them down!. We and all other plot holders at our site lost spuds and toms to blight, im risking early to hopefully combat this, and at least be able to say i had a sucsesful crop. fingers crossed

[Cutecumber]

If the foliage is killed by frost, you are probably stuffed. I haven't heard of anyone whose potatoes have survived this.

However, while the tubers are in the ground they are relatively protected (if you have planted them good and deep) but growth will be naturally slow because of the low temperatures. Hopefully, by the time the haulms do begin to show the temperatures will be higher and the risk of frost much reduced.

[Two_Sheds]

Don't forget how cold and wet the soil is... stuff will rot in cold wet soil

[bobleponge]

As Two Sheds says, cold and wet is no good. However, providing you have reasonable drainage, and there are no haulms showing (which having only been planted today is most unlikely) then the cold should only slow down the process.
Once the soil starts to warm up a bit then, with plastic removed, your little chitted wonders should be thrusting skywards like nobodies business.

[Tigerella]

Hi

It didnt seem too wet, and the forecast is for much warmer weather next week.
But it could turn cold again.

T

[rustylady]

IMHO you are far too early to be planting spuds in Yorkshire. The seed potatoes should come to no harm as they are buried, but if the soil is cold they will not feel like growing yet, and could rot. When the leaves do show above the soil you must protect them from frost or you will lose your crop. I'm going to follow tradition and plant my seed potatoes on Good Friday, weather permitting.

[bobleponge]

I have always thought that one to be an odd tradition as Good Friday changes every year, this year being particularly early I think.
I reckon you may be ok as long as your land drains away. However, what do I know????

[rustylady]

I have always thought that one to be an odd tradition as Good Friday changes every year, this year being particularly early I think.
I reckon you may be ok as long as your land drains away. However, what do I know????

Yes, Easter this year is the earliest I can remember. It usually falls either around the end of March or the third week of April. Not sure how it is worked out, I know it is something to do with the Christian Calendar. Anyway, what I meant is that I won't be planting my seed potatoes before Good Friday, and only then if the weather and soil are suitable.

[Two_Sheds]

I think it was traditionally Good Friday because that was the only holiday the working man got to put in his spuds? Not to do with the weather so much, as the time off to do it.

[Paul Wagland]

I know that feeling! Precisely the reason I went freelance - too much time writing about my allotment and not enough time spent working on it.

[lozza_9]

I think it was traditionally Good Friday because that was the only holiday the working man got to put in his spuds? Not to do with the weather so much, as the time off to do it.

Yep I believe that is correct and I am going to wait till then. Had a great crop last year, still have loads in the shed.

Hopefully this year my souds wont get mixed up and I will know which is which

Loz

[Hans Mum]

IMHO you are far too early to be planting spuds in Yorkshire.

agree i'm not planning to put mine in until at least easter and then only if the weather looks reasonableish

[Flummery]

I think the Good Friday thing came about because the date of Easter is dictated by the moon. This is the earliest reference to Moon planting I've come across! I have to admit I usually do it too. Mainly because I was off work and could get a good session down my plot - now my garden. Doesn't apply now I'm retired but old habits ... can feel a Nun joke coming on!