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Post by 12540dumont on Jan 9, 2012 15:07:02 GMT -5
I know I said I'd given up on winter potatoes, but we haven't had any rain, and every day is like spring, so here's one more farm experiment. First, I tilled and then Leo used the Furrow attachment on the BCS to make deep trenches. Then I sprinkled Bone Meal and Calcium in the bottom of the trenches. Attachments:
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Post by 12540dumont on Jan 9, 2012 15:09:00 GMT -5
Then we put shredded corn stalks in the bottom of the trench, put potatoes on top of them and covered them again with corn stalks. Then laid the irrigation on top of the whole mess. Attachments:
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Post by 12540dumont on Jan 9, 2012 15:11:52 GMT -5
Finally we covered the corn/potato trench with soil and raked it flat. The Dark Red Norlands were already sprouting and wouldn't have held till March. If it rains in March, we won't be able to get in the field. If they emerge through the soil, I'm going to cover them with Agribon. And really, if this doesn't work, I'm never going to do winter potatoes again. Really. Cross my heart. Attachments:
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Post by spacecase0 on Jan 9, 2012 18:30:54 GMT -5
this is a very dry year for california it is strange that I have to water my plants in the winter, even the spanish grass that is everywhere is dying off this winter, not like I am trying to convince you to try them again, but my potatoes are doing just fine right now
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Post by steev on Jan 9, 2012 20:34:42 GMT -5
All the potatoes that survived the rodents are doing just fine; which is to say, not one; they've all gone to spud heaven.
What's the chopped cornstalk about?
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Post by 12540dumont on Jan 10, 2012 13:47:21 GMT -5
I read that in some areas in Ireland they do this with leaves. I have no leaves, but Leo shredded all those cornstalks, which I figured is close enough to dry leaves.
The leaves are supposed to add heat as they decompose making a stronger root structure.
You know me, I had to try it. Looked a little like Dan's grass in the taters, I don't have grass either!
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Post by steev on Jan 10, 2012 15:40:17 GMT -5
Sounds like one could trench, add fresh horsepoo or chicken-pooed cornstalks for even greater heat. In fact, with enough well-aerated compostables, one could probably raise baked potatoes!
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