First early Potatoes now in

It was a lovely sunny day today, I think Spring has finally arrived:)

While I was busy (see below) my Wife planted out some more Onions (red this time) & Shallots.









So I got busy planting out the first early Potatoes 'Charlotte' a very tasty salad type new potato.
I have 70 to plant out (about 6kg). They have been 'chitting' since end of Jan (see earlier Blog 31.1.10) and are ready to go in.
First I measured out the patch of soil, previously manured and cultivated.












I dug trenches about 6" deep and 24" between each trench, then I place each spud 12" apart, for early types, in the bottom of the trench.
I also sprinkle a handful of Organic Chicken Pellets in each trench to give them an extra boost.
Then back fill to cover the tubers.

7 rows/trenches, each with 10 tubers in.

I have been asked how deep they should be. As we have 'light sandy soil' they finish up about 10" (25cm) deep, but if you have 'heavy clay like soil' 8" (20cm) should be deep enough.



When I have finished I rake up the soil over each line of spuds into a small mound, mainly as a visual aid, so I can easily see where they are.
In about 2-3 weeks they will need earthing up, as each plant 'halum' grow.

Watch this space for news on how they are doing.

Thanks for reading/returning.
Ian.