Potatoes Off To A Great Start

[bp fick]

Not to get too far afield, (sorry about the pun) but the organic factor is important to me. I really don't want a nice dose of pesticide with my food or the food I raise for others. It's a choice. A decision. But this isn't merely a Mother Earth type issue in scope. Not for me. It is much, much broader.

I'm not preachy and I'm not a zealot. This is a much larger concept in farming called sustainable agriculture and this is my direction. I merely find integrating sustainable farming practices into my semi-retired life on my small plot of earth a rewarding challenge. I admittedly like the much higher returns for my products. That doesn't hurt my feelings or my pocket book. As strange as it sounds, sustainable agriculture has proven potential to actually out perform in terms of productivity. These are things that interest me and brings a challenge to my efforts.

 

[bp fick]

Alright, it is hilling day. I'm take a break. About half way done and it's 9 am. Started early and am trying to beat the heat. Not being successful on that count, but it is going, but I'm huffing and puffing.

Pictures later, when I'm done and I've caught my breath. :thumbsup:

 

[bp fick]

OK, these 'taters are done. Nothing to do now until digging time. That was a difficult job by hand, but got 'em hilled. Can't wait to dig them on or about August 5-10?

This is one of the downsides to a BX. Not enough ground clearance for cultivating taller plants or hilling potatoes at the proper time. Haven't given up hope for B2320 in fall. We shall see.

 

[Duffster]

OK, these 'taters are done. Nothing to do now until digging time. That was a difficult job by hand, but got 'em hilled. Can't wait to dig them on or about August 5-10?

This is one of the downsides to a BX. Not enough ground clearance for cultivating taller plants or hilling potatoes at the proper time. Haven't given up hope for B2320 in fall. We shall see.

Are you going to remulch them?

 

[bp fick]

Are you going to remulch them?

Not today!!! My back is killing me!:laughing::laughing:

Duff, maybe. I did not remove any straw. Just piled it into the hill. It worked fine.

 

[peter_vii]

Hilling by hand is not fun. Good job.

You cultivated using BX? anybody uses B series to hill potatoes?

 

[Duffster]

So........Different patch of 'taters different bugs, I think. Got pics of these buggers. What do you think they are?

 

[bp fick]

So........Different patch of 'taters different bugs, I think. Got pics of these buggers. What do you think they are?

Standard bug. Leaf eater. Attack them with soapy water, spiced with cayenne pepper. Should work. Must re-apply if washed off by rain. If that does not work, you will have to try other measures.

 

[Tony_S]

That is a potato beetle larva. They can munch down some leaves!

 

[niemeyjt]

What is the high fencing to protect against?

Since you have it, have you considered letting some chickens loose in there to eat the bugs and beetles? I read someone in France saying her chickens did a good job reducing pests - although she also has to protect some of the tastier vegetables from their attentions - I guess potatoes would not be particularly tastey for them.

J