underwater spuds!

[bikermike]

It's rained a lot recently hasn't it?

My plot has the "benefit" of various drains, and it has got sodden to the point I've never seen it that sodden before, and there is standing water on the ground next to where my spuds are (they will be lower than that).

any idea how long they can survive that sort of wetness?
I have some left-over first earlies that I could chuck into a bed I am building for next year and have them in above the water level. Is there any easy way of telling if the first lot are going to come up until they show leaves above the surface?

[Snoop Puss]

I had a similar situation a couple of years back. The ground was not far off clay slip. I thought they'd rot, but they came through. I was amazed. I guess the problem is how long it's going to carry on raining.

I guess you could consider digging up one of the seed potatoes and gauging its condition to see whether you think they're going to survive. Otherwise, you're stuck with waiting till they show signs of life above the surface.

If you've got some first earlies left, you might as well bung them in, though. Unless you had better plans for the new bed after all.

[bikermike]

the problem with bunging in the others is that I will have too many spuds anyway. If I plant the rest, I may be forced to secretly hide spuds in other people's shopping to get rid of them...

[4Shoes]

I've seen potatoes pop out after a short time. I wouldn't be too worried if the ground has been dry enough this year to get them planted, it will dry up fairly fast. (I'm assuming you are not using the no dig method)

[Snoop Puss]

I may be forced to secretly hide spuds in other people's shopping to get rid of them...

Do it openly with pride! Who on earth is going to turn their nose up at a gift of home-grown spuds? Courgettes would be a different matter, but spuds...

[bikermike]

the problem is that experienced allotmenteers can see an offer of veg coming and avoid it before you've even had the chance to make it.

committee members have an even more finely-tuned ability to catch the unsuspecting almost volunteering for something and getting them to agree to do it...

[Snoop Puss]

No neighbours or relatives who'd take them?

Your second paragraph needs to be explained in the mini rant thread... Sounds like you got nabbed for an unwanted job.

[bikermike]

you are probably right, but then I have to give away things I've grown... I get a bit possessive at that point...

the second point is not a rant, it's how small non-profit organisations work, but I did get nearly trapped after making the foolish opening gambit of "it would be nice if...", allowing the immediate return of, "well, if you want, I can get the materials, when do you want to start".

Luckily I was able to play the new baby card and escape, but it was a close-run thing...

(all in fun, I have total respect for our treasurer who keeps the place on the straight and narrow...)