earthing up potatoes

[mitmot]

Hello all

I am new to posting in this forum, although i have been reading all the advice and have already used some of the tips.

I have recently moved to a old farm house and created 10 raised beds for fruit veg and herbs.

i have potatoes coming through that need earthing up, but i planted them too close and now can not use any more of the siol around them, i do however have lots of well rotted horse manure, can i use this to earth them up?

I also read about using weed membrane as a alternative to earthing up, what are everyones thoughts on this method?

thanks in advance

[Tigger]

The manure should do the job, especially if you mix it with a little soil or other bulk matter.

I'm sure there will be members endorsing the use of membrane or black plastic too, but I'm not one of them. I think it's fine for paths and under gravelled areas, but I don't think it's good for the soil if you use it as long term cover.

[sandersj89]

If the manure is well rotted it should be ok. Green manure might be a bit strong.

Other materials to use could be grass clippings or I have even heard of hay being OK.

And welcome to the forum.

Jerry

[mitmot]

thanks for the swift answers, and welcome to the forum

think i may try the manure, still have about 8 tonnes of it left!

i have some seed potatoes that are still not planted - Pink fir apple and charlotte, is it too late to bother with them now? (the raised beds, and clearing the ground took much longer than planned!)

[sandersj89]

Charlotte should be fine still as it is an early.

I think PFA needs a long growing season so may be a little late, never grown it myself so dont quote me!



Jerry

[mandylew]

pink fir apple 20 weeks to maturity
mandy

[Compo]

Got given my lottie this time last year and my neighbour gave me some pfa and they were great
but we had a long season if u remember sept and oct were pretty good months

Comps