Straw potatoes

Matt Kane · May 26, 2008

I am using straw for my potatoes this year. I was wondering when its time to add more straw, can it be put over the plant, or do I put it around the plant. So far my potato plants look great. Thanks, Matt

Coffee Helps · May 26, 2008

Not a Master Gardner, but I'd say just put the straw around the plant- don't cover up the growing point (tip-top) of the potato plant. Probably works just like "hilling up" potatoes: protect the potatoes that form from getting green skin from the sun.
Have heard of growing potatoes in a compost pile, but haven't ever done it that way.

Sam#3 · May 26, 2008

Dad mulched potatos a couple times when he had straw. He worked the ground just like usual and then spread the straw about knee deep and left it alone.
As was mentiomed, if your mulch is thin you will need to cover the spuds to prevent sunburn and cover or pull any weeds that come through.
They're sure easy to harvest. Roll back the straw and pick up the spuds.

city farmer · May 26, 2008

here in fl. on new potatoes i use oak leasves for mulch not only helps cover the plants also helps create great soil the more you pour on top of the plants the more potatoes you get

Matt Kane · May 26, 2008

Im actually using hay thats sat for probably 10 years as round bales. They were on the edge of the fields around here and there is all that I want for free. Its in good shape inside the rolls. I can tell the worms love the stuff also.

old · May 26, 2008

I never add more but it can be done that way. If you do put it around the plants not right on top of them
Hobby farm

RayP(MI) · May 27, 2008

I tried using hay from a round bale a few years back... Think I'm still fighting weeds that came in with it. Weeds that I never saw before in the garen.

Straw potatoes

Matt Kane

Member

Coffee Helps

Member

Sam#3

Member

city farmer

Member

Matt Kane

Member

old

Well-known Member

RayP(MI)

Well-known Member

Similar threads