So...following this alternative method of growing spuds that I read about, I planted my potatoe cubes on the surface and added more and more shredded leaf mulch as the plants grew up. Now I have plants that have long surpassed the 10-12" mounds of leaves and keep on a growin. Can I just let them grow along the ground now and they will grow the spuds in the lower portion of the plants that are in the leaf mounds? Or should I keep covering them as they grow? I am a virgin potatoe farmer, so Iooking around for some ideas. Yukon Gold by the way (mmmmmmm)
Thanks
A little guidance on potatoes anyone??
In Dave's Garden forum, I'm trying to muster support for a potato/root vegetable forum, btw.
Other than that, I'm afraid I'm just as virgin as you are, where potatoes are concerned. I planted my first potatoes this last Memorial Day weekend.
If your vines are still growing and have not flowered, you can keep adding mulch. You may get a few more potatoes that way, otherwise yes the tubers will form in the mulch just above the roots and you can let the vines go where they may. Just make sure that the tubers are not exposed as the mulch settles down. Keep em covered.
what happens if they flower? Is that bad? Is there anything I can do if they do flower?
Not all potatoes flowers, and the ones that do don't always. It is basicly a signal that the plant is maturing. Tubers will be rapidly forming. Use to take it as a signal to start graebbeling new potatoes. A mature plant will be filling out the tubers that it has started and top growth will cease.
Thanks Farmer! Your guidance and patience is much appreciated. I LOVE DG!!!! Thanks