2nd Cropping Potatoes

[Colin Miles]

A previous attempt many years ago with 2nd cropping potatoes had yielded virtually nothing, but with the summer potato yield greatly reduced and anticipating a continuance of the mild Autumns I decided to try it this year. I chose Charlotte, technically a 2nd early, mainly because we very much like the flavour and because I have always found it the most slug resistant variety. But I had intended to plant all in 14 litre black plastic pots, but didn't have time to sieve enough soil, so I had 22 pots and 15 in a row in the ground.

The results were very variable. 1 potted tuber and about 3 in the ground did not show. Of the rest about 6 of the pots and 5 in the ground were most reluctant growers and probably didn't produce more than about half a dozen small tubers. Of the rest, those in pots grew quickest and the 11 best pots contributed nearly 2/3 total yield. Clearly the pots warmed up quicker and later on I was able to move them to the sunniest position in the garden.

The end result was just over 17lbs of very fine quality potatoes - no slug damage either in the pots or the ground. I mention the latter fact again as in my allotment in Hemel on clay soil I grew many diffent varieties and slugs were a major problem with most varieties - even earlies - and Charlotte was by far the best in this respect, far better than Kestrel.

Was it worth it? This year yes, but I think in a 'normal' year I probably wouldn't bother.

[gloworm]

Tried some from Marshalls for two years, expensive to buy but good results. Must be sown no later than middle July. I thought of keeping some spring ones in the fridge to delay spritting and sow them, but not tried this method yet

[Lurganspade]

Tried some from Marshalls for two years, expensive to buy but good results. Must be sown no later than middle July. I thought of keeping some spring ones in the fridge to delay spritting and sow them, but not tried this method yet

Hi,

Don,t, all you may do is carry over diseases etc from last year,blight and all. You may be lucky and get away with it one year but why spoil a whole years crop for the sake of a few pounds!
It is much better to buy fresh "certified" seed each year then you will have a fighting chance of little or no diseases!

[gloworm]

I really meant to save spring bought early seed pots and to delay their growth in the fridge til July planting