Potatoes

[lesleygl]

I am going to dig up my potatoes as have been told they must come out of the ground NOW! But keeping them until they are used is a problem for me. I can't get hold of any paper sacks or hessian sacks. Would a card board box do if I make sure I cover them up well?

Not sure that they really have to come out of the ground now, in my experience they seem to be OK if they stay in a little longer

[rustylady]

Who told you they have to come up now? A cardboard box should be fine if you do lift them. Avoid plastic cos it makes them sweat. The aim is to keep them dry, cool and dark.

[lesleygl]

My neighbour told me. I have left them in the ground before for longer but he seemed quite adamant. I will use the cardboard box method - thank you

[arpoet]

dig the odd plant up and see what they are like. If they are main crop they should last until after the stems die back.
roger

[Two_Sheds]

The only reason to keep them in the ground is if they're prone to slug damage or waterlogging (and therefore rotting).

I leave mine in until I need them ~ and I always miss some, so get free volunteer spuds the year after (yeah, I encourage volunteer spuds, I love 'em so there)

[rustylady]

It's your plot I presume. He has no right to tell you what to do, only to advise.

[zazen999]

My neighbour told me. I have left them in the ground before for longer but he seemed quite adamant. I will use the cardboard box method - thank you

Tell him to butt out?

[VirginVegGrower]

Feisty girls!
If he's anything like my neighbour - opinionated oaf - I recommend wearing earphones, even if attached to nothing or not playing anything. I take my iPhone whenever I go. If he's there the earphones go in and I sing or whistle along - he soon bolts these days...hee hee hee!

[Shadylane]

Mine are coming out in September, ie when I get round to it. I expect they'll be full of milipedes again If you want some hessian sacks they sell them on ebay

[VirginVegGrower]

Or JBA Seed potatoes. We bought 10 and they are hooge - came next day too. Now that's what I call service:-)

[lesleygl]

thanks for the info - I hadn't thought of e-bay and will have a look at JBA seeds. I have to say he was trying to be helpful and is a very nice chap. But I like the idea of headphones and will dig out my IPOD tomorrow.
Thanks again

[rana]

I'm familiar with planting potatoes but I'm not sure an IPOD will yield much of a crop....................

[Potstubsdustbins]

Mine stay in the ground until I either need them or the haulms have died right back which ever is the later.

Don't forget to spread them out somewhere to dry before storing.

Colin

[binley100]

Ask at the local chippy ..........or have daughters who buy stuff online from topshop..