potatoes

[kittykat8]

Planted potatoes about 2 to 3 weeks ago in polytunnel , how much watering do they need.

thanks
marion

[sewer rat]

How much water they will require depends on several different things.
What type of soil are they in - obviously a light sandy soil will require more watering than a heavier clay one, though the former will heat up quicker.
Did you add manure to the soil first - FYM is good at holding moisture whereas chicken manure pellets which some grapes have posted about, are not ! The more FYM or organic matter in the soil, the more water retentive it will be.
I assume that they are early varieties as you have them in the polytunnel, so they will be ready to harvest in about thirteen weeks from planting. I would be fairly generous with the water,especially as being undercover they will receive no natural rainfall to help them grow. but more so after the haulms have appeared above ground. When the tubers start to swell, this is when maximum water is required otherwise you won't get very many decent tubers.
Tradition says that potatoes require an inch of water a week - how you work it out is down to you.
Also, do not water the foliage if you can avoid it. This wastes water and can assist in spreading disease.

[JennieAtkinson]

Hi KK - I'm finding that despite the wet damp weather, the polytunnel is drying out already and I am having to even water the leeks I've got in there pretty regularly.