Spud planting time

It's potato planting time this weekend. They're chitting like crazy so I can't wait any longer to get going, although I know the first few leaves will probably be frazzed by frosts. Provided I plant them reasonably deep (7in or more) and earth them up well, they'll be fine. I'll also add some damp shredded paper because, well, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall  recommends it, and that's good enough for me.

I am keeping this picture of a previous season's plants in my mind's eye: it's something to grasp onto when my back starts to ache from the digging.

A randomly selected potato planting tip: if you have several large tubers and want to make more plants, just cut the potatoes in half or even third, making sure you have at least one or two decent sprouts forming on each cut section. Then plant as normal, and hey presto you get more plants for your money.

Comments

[Bill Lee]

"I'll also add some damp shredded paper..."

Would that the theGuardian or would
the Pink'un be better?

[Jane Perrone]

I often use shredded paper from my office so the potatoes are being fed on old drafts of my book! The Guardian will do just as well, however ...