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@RhinosWorryMe@climatejustice.social

2026-04-15 15:59 UTC

@econetwork@mas.to @scogings@mastodon.world Potatoes like rich, fertile soil, so dig in plenty of organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted manure, before planting. If possible, do this the previous autumn or winter. Given that yours are already in the ground, you can apply a 10cm layer of compost or well-rotted manure around them, if you have it. The main thing I've found that improves the harvest is *regular* watering. Potatoes like it wet, but irregular wet-then-dry-then-wet (which we often get here in the UK) makes the potatoes lumpy. Too dry conditions can also cause "common scab" which makes rough patches on the potatoes. It's not a big problem because they're still edible, but they don't look good.

Replies (1)

  • @scogings@mastodon.world 2026-04-15 16:10

    @RhinosWorryMe@climatejustice.social @econetwork@mas.to I'm still undecided about the soil fertility and watering. Generally, plants that develop underground storage organs do best in sandy soil, otherwise why build a storage organ, but I've also read spuds need feeding. I've been told by an agronomist that sweet potatoes do best in sandy soil and should be droughted for 1-2 months before harvest. All I can add is that my soil is rich and my summer rainfall is usually good and the spuds do well, which supports your advice.

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