SPUD-ARAMA
The Spud. That humble root crop that we all know and love. Whether you like to make big fat wedges out of them or a hot and steamy pot of potato and leek soup not much beats them for an easy to grow addition to the garden.
From now onwards is a great time to plant them in your garden. The shoots are frost tender , but hopefully if we get them in the ground soon by the time they are sending up their shoots the threat of frost will have passed.
Spuds grow from the roots underground. Simply buy some organic spuds from your grocer and leave in a cupboard until they start to grow shoots. You can then cut them up to ensure there is about 3 shoots per piece and plant them about 15 cm deep in loose well drained soil.
They can also be grown inside old car tyres, buckets, Hessian sacks and garden beds built up on top of the spuds. To do this first lay down a bed of compost or well rotted sheep manure, put the chopped up spuds down about 20cm apart and cover with a layer of mulch. As the green shoots start to grow above the surface keep adding layers of mulch (and tyres). Spuds will be ready to harvest at 16-20 weeks but you can start to dig up small ones after about 6 weeks. To harvest simply dig around where the shoots are with your hands or a fork.
Tip: If you dig the up when the soil is dry they will come out clean if the soil is dry.
go forth and Spud-ulate!!!
