Potato and broad bean question

[stressedoutmum2]

Hi there, I have two questions - sorry I'm continually learning!

Firstly, I have some potatoes all in flower (not sure what sort as OH bought them as seed potatoes and he's even more clueless than me!!!) can I leave them in the ground until I am ready for them or do I need to dig them up and store them?

Secondly, moving onto broad beans - I am chuffed to bits as have enjoyed a bumber crop of broad beans this year (must be doing something right). I want to save some for next year - what do I do? Sorry if I'm being daft do I save a bean or two, dry them out and plant them or what?

Its a continual learning curve but I'm loving every minute and there is no better feeling than when I'm reaping the rewards

Anyway, any advice you can give would be welcome.

Amanda

[Tam]

You can leave your potatoes in the ground and use them as you need them. When the tops wither you can then dig them up and bag them. Your broad beans that you want to keep for next year's seed will readily dry if you spread them out anywhere warm and dry.

[gojiberry]

Firstly your potatoes, it is not always a good thing to leave potatoes in the ground as you are leaving them open to pest damage especially the slugs. Secondly some potatoes deteriorate if left in the ground to long. A good example is Sarpo Mira which will keep growing into Nov if we don't get a frost but by then they are very large, are unpleasantly floury and usually have cavities in the middle.

Broad bean seeds are easy to save, just leave a few pods on the plant to dry (if the rain ever stops) and harvest when the shells are brown and dry. Keep on eye on them as the mice like them and if you leave them to long they can start to go mildew in the pods.

Ian

[stressedoutmum2]

Thank you both, I'll keep an eye on the tatties and bag them if need be - any hints on where to get some bags suitable - at the moment I dry them and wrap them in newspaper - its worked so far but could do with something a bit more reliable.

As for the beans thats great news as I've already got some pods drying out and turning brown nicely.

Many thanks for your expertise

[Demeter]

The good news with spuds is that they will store - even earlies will keep perfectly well in the fridge for a few weeks.