Feeding my potatoes

[robfosters]

My potatoes are now earthed to the top in their barrels.

While earthing I have been adding a standard pellet potato fertiliser to the soil.

Now that they are all earthed up, should I start adding a feed of Tomorite or just leave them be? If so, how often should I feed?

[chris]

I just used potato fertiliser as you have been doing, and my yeild compared to a mates were probably tenfold. I didn't apply any liquid feed, I guess a high potash feed could help as its aimed at fruit development (despite them being tubers)

[VirginVegGrower]

Ditto I use the pellets at planting time and get a decent yield. I do better in bags though as I put my fork through ground planted when harvesting. OH says he's getting me a tater scoop!

[Potstubsdustbins]

I use the special pellets to start with, I mix them in with the first 6" of compost in the bottom of the bin this keeps them close to the root system. I then feed with high potash as the tubers start to grow, works for me.

Colin

[firefly]

Folks,

just been reading this thread. I've not fed my potatoes anything as of yet. I'm growing:

pent javelin E
kestral M
wilja M
sante L

I have some growmore NPK 7:7:7, so a balanced fert. Will this be a good choice to use or should I opt for higher K based fert, such as potash etc? I read vitax Q4 is also a popular fert.

I have no experience in this area so though i'd ask for advice.

Also, would my my onions & garlic benefit from growmore feed?

Thanks,
firefly

[VirginVegGrower]

I bought some liquid potato feed yesterday in a brown bottle - organic something - going to give this a go'

[King Carrot]

Ditto I use the pellets at planting time and get a decent yield. I do better in bags though as I put my fork through ground planted when harvesting. OH says he's getting me a tater scoop!

I scrabble mine out of the hill with gloves on to avoid damage!

[Snadger]

I've just been pulling out a load of rampant comfrey. Rather than chuck it I've added it as a high pottasium mulch to my tatties!

[VirginVegGrower]

I scrabble mine out of the hill with gloves on to avoid damage!

I tend to go in with hands once I have loosened the haulm although by then it is too late and I have stabbed some. I am useless at harvesting potatoes - good at growing them though

[Florence Fennel]

I've just been pulling out a load of rampant comfrey. Rather than chuck it I've added it as a high pottasium mulch to my tatties!

Daft question I know Snadge, but do you chop the comfrey up? I have a load I could put on my taters (first time in the ground and two in bags).

[Flummery]

I've never fed my spuds but the once and I didn't feel there was any difference in yeild. The trick is to feed the soil first. If it's got well rotted manure of any type (herbivore that is!) it'll give you a decent yield. I have my suspicions 'they' will sell you a fertiliser for anything if they think you'll be intimidated by thinking everyone else is feeding theirs with the stuff.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Trouble is when your growing in containers it is very difficult to have enough growing medium to last the season without extra feeding.

Colin

[Norm]

Trouble is when your growing in containers it is very difficult to have enough growing medium to last the season without extra feeding.

Colin

Me too. I use Chempak #4 as a weekly feed as soon as the tops appear