Is it possible to overwinter spuds?

[SlugLobber]

Just wondering!

[Capsid]

Not sure why you would want to. Dig up the spuds and store them in paper or hessian bags, eat them through the winter. You can keep some of the spuds back to plant next year, but it is not recommended as they can harbour viruses picked up through this year's growth.

If you did leave them in the ground then I guess the tubers would sprout new plants next year.

[Flummery]

They obviously do overwinter in a way, because next year, any that you missed come powering through just in time to stagger the blazes out of your neat row of lettuces!

[Snadger]

I'm always plagued with keel slugs munching mine!

This year I've grown some Kestrel 2nd earlies which are supposed to be slug resistant. Up until now this has proved to be the case as they were next to other varieties which were riddled with slugs...........but none on the Kestrel.
Theoretically I should be able to leave them in the ground and just dig em up as I need them...........hmmmm, shame I've dug over half of them up or else I may have tried leaving them..........still might yet!

[SlugLobber]

Thanks, chaps. Capsid, I'm short of storage space, so not sure I'll have room to store. Will seek out some Hessian sacks, though!

[Winged one]

Wasn't it Snadger himself who built a clamp with great success last winter. Would that work for you on the plot itself, rather than keeping them underground. At least then you could access them no matter how frozen the ground itself.

[SlugLobber]

What do you mean by a clamp, oh mighty Winged One??

[Winged one]

Um - twas a protected mound of earth around straw around spuds if I am not mistaken. I know there was a thread about it earlier in the year, or I am sure Snadger would explain it properly for you.

Me, I only grow earlies and don't ever have anything to store so am DEFINITELY the wrong person to ask.

[Demeter]

Just finished digging up the last of my spuds from the garden, there were enough to get my money's worth, just about... but a bit disappointing to say the least, nothing like as good as the ones we grew at the farm - the slugs have been at them big time, a few lovely big tubers were completely hollowed out and had slugs living in them, inviting their mates, and cracking open the beer. *cries*

And even the "good" ones mostly had some damage so I doubt there woudl be any storeable even if I had enough to store!! Definitely going to try Kestrel next year, methinks!

Meanwhile, there's the last of the kale gone in already and some sliced slug buffet available for any birds who may care to visit...

[Two_Sheds]

What do you mean by a clamp...?

here are some instructions: Making a potato clamp and other ways of storing Vegetables - By Andy Hamilton

[Snadger]

I used a clamp last year with great success. One thing I learned though is to give a bit of thought as to where you site it.

It needs to be DRY ie under a tree canopy or in an area that gets full sun. I made the mistake of siting mine in shade and in a wet area.( I thought " Well I can't grow much here so this is where I'll stick the clamp") The straw will keep out the water, similar to a thatched roof but only if its in a dry position or with an open aspect allowing the wind to keep it reasonably dry.

[SlugLobber]

Ooh thankies! Is it fate that Mr farmer has just harvested the crop behind my house and left a giant straw bale in front of my garden?!?!?