Tag: petula-xx

hqcreations:

petula-xx:

SPUD REPORT

This was supposed to be an evaluation of how effective shredded paper was as a mulch for potato growing. But, as is often the case in gardening, I made other, more interesting discoveries.

SHREDDED PAPER MULCH. Verdict – It is effective as a mulch but not superior to other options. Much better suited to large plots and raised beds than pots or tubs. Needs soil surface area contact, worm and microbe activity to really function at its best, break down and form a good, protective barrier.

WHAT I LEARNED. The best harvest was from the raised bed – bigger, better spuds by far (bottom picture). The 100 litre tub was next best and the planter pots (top picture) delivered the least effective yield per seed potato. Spuds clearly prefer large, uncrowded spaces with better temperature control to do their best.

MY NEW FAVOURITE POTATO. I put in 2 kilos of seed potatoes. 1kg each of Dutch Cream and Snow Gem. Equal plantings of each variety across the 3 sites (pots, tub and raised bed). Yield results:

Dutch Cream – 1.92 kg

Snow Gem – 3.53kg.

Assorted mixed tiny spuds = 200gm.

SNOW GEMS: Faster cropping, larger spuds, cleaner skinned and absolutely delicious! They have a soft, delicate flesh which makes THE MOST DIVINE mash ever! This is the spud I will be growing from now on. Ticks a lot of boxes for me.

IN SUMMARY. In my conditions spuds do best in a large space, shredded paper mulch works better here too and is satisfactory. Snow Gem variety spuds are a winner in the patch and on the plate.

what type of paper did you use for the paper mulch? inquiring minds would like to know~

agreed to hqcreations, and also- DAS A LOTTA TATERS WOW