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potatoes

Growing spuds

Posts: 114

Location: Southern Sierra Nevada's

posted 12 years ago

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We have a friend that has a friend who is a circus worker (Carni). I just find that interesting is the reason I mention it.
This gal swears by planting potato's the following way. Dig a trench however long, about a foot deep or possibly 18 in. Then line it with 2 in. Of pine needles. Place spuds at normal spacing and cover with pine needles to the top of trench. I forget if she covered that at all with any dirt. She waters it and says ot does great.
Has anyone heard of this? Do spuds love acid (pine needles). While on thos thought do taters love anything in particular? NPK? Any thoughts?
Jim

CA, Southern Sierras, alt. 4550 feet, zone 9ish. (still figuring it out), 3 mo. grow season. Regular wind to 20 mph. SANDY soil with scrub oak,pine,and juniper. 2 seasonal creeks.

Joe Braxton

Posts: 320

Location: NC (northern piedmont)

posted 12 years ago

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Sounds like a version of straw potatoes. I'm not sure about the pine straw, maybe someone else will know.

Example I found with a quick search-
http://www.chirotoons.com/potatoes.html

Scott Farmer

Posts: 11

Location: Nevada County, CA

posted 12 years ago

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Joe Braxton wrote:Sounds like a version of straw potatoes. I'm not sure about the pine straw, maybe someone else will know.

Example I found with a quick search-
http://www.chirotoons.com/potatoes.html

That's a great link! Definitely going to try that no-dig straw method this year, in addition to a couple potato box projects.

If you understand the way broadly, you will see it in all things.

John Polk

steward

Posts: 7926

Location: Currently in Lake Stevens, WA. Home in Spokane

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posted 12 years ago

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I would be curious to know the nutritional values of spuds grown in a straw pile vs mineral rich soil.
I don't see how they could absorb the minerals from an inert pile of straw.
Certainly would be easier...especially the harvesting.

Victor Johanson

Posts: 426

Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

posted 12 years ago

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The plants will send roots down and into soil; only the tubers will grow in the straw.

Vic Johanson

"I must Create a System, or be enslaved by another Man's"--William Blake

Kota Dubois

Posts: 171

posted 12 years ago

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Potatoes like an acid soil, although I've never seen just how acid. I imagine the pine needles would ensure the acidity. Seems to be worth a try if you have the materials.

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Jim Lea

Posts: 114

Location: Southern Sierra Nevada's

posted 12 years ago

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Good stuff everyone. Thanks for the input. Im going to give it a go. Any thoughts on inches of water a week. I have never grown them.
Jim

CA, Southern Sierras, alt. 4550 feet, zone 9ish. (still figuring it out), 3 mo. grow season. Regular wind to 20 mph. SANDY soil with scrub oak,pine,and juniper. 2 seasonal creeks.

Mateo Chester

Posts: 148

Location: Zone 4b

posted 11 years ago

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Check out this article on Potato Boxes ! Glad I used the search function before posting!... http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_14839542?source=pop

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