On 08/03/2011 12:51, Baz wrote:
I have been digging over last years potato plot over the last couple of
days and have dug out loads of ones I missed. The ones I didn't put the
fork through are in very good condition, which makes me think that
considering the harsh winter we have all had, why dig them up in the first
place at harvest time? Why not leave them until needed? Yes I put the fork
through some, but with more care it would not be so.

I often think that potato would be a pernicious weed if it were not for
the fact that the tubers are edible. It is almost impossible to avoid
having a few volunteer spuds left in the ground somewhere.

The ones I harvested last autumn and stored are not nearly as good as the
ones left in the ground over winter. I do realise that I will need the
ground in April onwards, but I can harvest them then and store them for a
much shorter period until the new ones are ready.

A fair number of the ones I missed in autumn have succumbed to either
blight or frost this winter. I was digging the ground over this weekend.

I know I am missing something here, probably basic, but I wondered if
anyone who reads this has any comments,criticism or useful advice.

Mainly to store them somewhere less likely to result in losses.

I generally harvest fresh spuds for a while before the maincrop.

Regards,
Martin Brown