| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| cab |
Spuds in a binThis is clearly my day for asking questions, I'm already on a hat-trick!I'm growing spuds in an old bin. I planted them on six inches of compost on the bottom, and I've earthed up as they've grown. Now the depth is around two feet. If I keep eathing up to the top (another two feet) will I get away with it? |
||||
| Jonnyboy |
Yes, I've done it loads of times. I do find they are slightly smaller than field grown spuds but a success nonetheless.
Incidently, I've just learned the odd fact that the term 'spuds' is an American term originally used to describe the tool used for digging potatoes up. |
||||
| cab |
I think I've heard that somewhere too. For the life of me can't remember where. Think it's in a Buckatski (sp?) book. Cheers for the advice on the bucket. I'll keep piling on the soil and compost as the plant rises. |
||||
| Jonnyboy |
Just one thought, you have put drainage holes in it? | ||||
| cab |
There's a little crack in the bottom through which water seems to be able to drain. That's why we bought a new bin. | ||||
| Jonnyboy |
I normally put a few stones in the bottom to ensure it drains OK. I would either check it doesn't get waterlogged or maybe drill a few holes around the base. | ||||
| cab |
If we ever get any meaningful rain here, then I'll certainly have a good look. It's rare that any of our containers get waterlogged, and few of them have holes in. We're in the dryest part of England 
|
||||
| sean |
here? |
||||
| chrissy |
On the subect of containers Tesco's (sorry!) have got some 50cm pots, probably about 40-50 litre capacity for under £3 each at the moment. Very deep, and I reckon you could grow just about anything in them. | ||||
| Jonnyboy |
I hadn't read that topic, honestly! |
||||
| cab |
Yeah, that might be it. |
||||
| twoscoops |
Didn't Titmarsh mention it on his 'I'nt Britain Great' TV series? I seem to recall the Irish shortened spade to spud in the nineteenth century, the filthy tinkers. | ||||
| nettie |
I did quite well growing spuds in a few pots like the one you've mentioned, Chrissy. Have got my second earlies in there again this year, and the maincrop are on the allotment. | ||||
| Treacodactyl |
I'm using some black builders buckets, 99p each and with holes drilled in make good posts. I have about a dozen of them growing all sorts of stuff. We also picked up two 45cm planters for £5 at morrisons. Look quite good so I'm not sure what will go in them, a fig possibly. |
||||
| Bernie66 |
If you get the timing right and put in some of the smaller potatos from your maincrop into the container you can get new potato's for christmas. I know its a bit gimmicky but they taste great 
|