Why such a poor potato harvest?

[lumpyjumper]

I've just emptied my potato barrel in which I planted 4 seed potatoes in March. (Pentland Javelin)

Plenty of vigorous growth was having to earth up at least twice weekly during May and June, I watered well throughout the period, often every other day, flowers were all looking great, have just rummaged in the upturned earth and found less than 1lb of potatoes, most are only the size of a marble.

Where did I go wrong?

[tootles]

They don't sound as though they were quite ready???

[Cutecumber]

I agree - you need to have a rummage before you tip the container out, never assume anything based on flowering or growing time.

If the potatoes are small, just leave them to grow.

The only time you really have to stop them is when the foliage has died or is diseased and the tubers are not going to grow any more. Remove the haulms and leave the potatoes in situ until you need them. They won't grow any more once they have been detached from the roots, but they'll be safe and sound.

[kwa50]

I am really happy with my potato harvest - I planted loads in pots and potato sacks, and so far have collected a big bowl full - and hope to collect a lot more. I think as well have a rummage because some of mine were very small, but I just left them for another week or so. The taste of them is well worth the wait. Will always try to grow my own potatoes I am a big fan.

kwa50
CraftChallenge.co.uk - Home

[Alice]

What a shame Lumpyjumper but as Cutecumber says I think you didn't leave them long enough. The surest test of ready is when the foliage starts to turn yellow and die down. Even if you've tipped a container over, have a good look and if the potatoes are small slide the whole lot back in and leave a few weeks. You can pick the big ones and slide the small ones back. It doesn't matter if the top growth is all over the place - the potatoes will still grow on.

[Two_Sheds]

Perhaps your compost wasn't nutritious enough for them?
My spuds have been enormous (grown in the ground, no manure but it's good soil)

[SlugLobber]

Let me get this right, if the potato becomes severed from the main plant and you put it back in, it will continue to grow? Presumably from the tiny roots coming off it? I had a rummage last night and was trying not to disturb the small spuds, with no success, lol!

[Cutecumber]

No, a potato tuber will not continue to grow if severed from the plant.

[SlugLobber]

Ah, thanks. Oh well, worst case scenario is that I have some 'Christmas tatties.'