We pulled away the weeds to see if we had any potatoes left to dig - found over 150 pounds. We had done an experiment where we dug new potatoes for market in a shallow area around the plants. We left the plants in the ground to mature, not knowing how many tubers we'd left. Seems like the return was as good as we'd ever had. It was also the worst year we'd ever had for potato bugs (colorado beetles), and we learned that diligence pays (hours of hand picking). The yields from the worst affected plants were as good as the least affected.

The spiked/damaged potatoes are already cleaned and canned, the pigs are enjoying a cooked potato skin breakfast. Needless to say, one job leads to another and today's project is to finish the root cellar. I guess tomorrows project should be to pick and pack apples!

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

Answers

Sounds like you have a lot to do! Good to hear from you and glad to hear about your progress. What kind of spuds did you grow?

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

Hi Sheepish,

We grew Irish Cobblers, Red Pontiac, and Yukon Gold (we sold most of these at market!). The root cellar is nearly finished, we are just putting in a bit of insulation, unfortunately it is gross dirty work on your back under the house, so we keep finding other chores. Moving the sheep, stacking wood, planting garlic. Anything.....besides going under the house. We do need to get this done though so it's back out after this cup of tea.

Kim

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

Just curious...what would happen if you let chickens in your potato garden? Would they eat the bugs or do damage to the potatoes more? I occasionally let ONE hen into my cabbage patch to do cleanup on the bug population. More than one hen creates too much damage.

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2001

I think the chickens would wipe out the potato bugs quickly if they were allowed in the garden. Our garden is fenced to keep the chickens out, and the strawberries are immediately next to the potatoes. No prize for guessing what dessert (or hors d'oevres) would be if we let them in!

Update- We finished the root cellar insulation, and added 2 bushels of Arkansas black apples and a bushel of granny smiths (free from an abandoned orchard!)

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

David, I heard that potatoes and apples shouldn't be stored in the same place. Does anyone know about that???

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Yes, Diane, the ripening apples may make the potatoes sprout early. I'm mot too concerned because we'll process most of the apples pretty soon. Arkansas blacks make beautiful blush wine and pink jelly.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001