Spuds: how wet is too wet?

Started by markp2511, April 03, 2010, 15:53:23

Previous topic - Next topic

markp2511

I have half the new plot dug over and a shed load (literally) of spuds chitted and ready to go in.  It's been very wet here though recently, and the heavy clay soil isn't draining that well.  In parts, if you dig half a spade down the hole fills up with water.

Will this be too wet for spuds?  I'm contemplating the extra work of putting some long raised beds in to help drainage (I already have the timber) and think it might be the safer bet.

Any thoughts?

markp2511


goodlife

If the hole fills up..that is definately wet,,,,
My rule is...if it sticks into you boots and spade..keep out ...
Clay particularly is prone to compact and later dry out like a concrete..so if you can wait untill the hole stops filling up with water and then start.. or you will regret rest of the year.
If I would have a good supply of straw then I might consider planting in really wet ground. I would dig trench, fill it with straw, put my taters in and top it up with more straw and then soil...
More organic matter you put in to improve the drainage the better...your soil not only drain, but warm up and stay lighter better as well...

1066

I think Goodlife sums it up nicely! After the recent rain here some patches on my plot are squelchy, and have water pooling. I've been digging trenches to help drain it all away as well as raising soil levels, adding organic matter etc

lincsyokel2

I have the opposite problem, These plots im on are on a thin layer of soil (about 5 feet deep) sitting on a limestone escarpment 185 above sea level, its drains like mustard.. When  the sun shines in summer, the ground dries out and it sets like concrete. You cant dig it in summer at all. You end up pumping vast lakes of water onto it all the time to keep it even slightly damp..........
Nothing is ever as it seems. With appropriate equations I can prove this.
Read my blog at http://www.freedebate.co.uk/blog/

SIGN THE PETITION: Punish War Remembrance crimes such as vandalising War memorials!!!   -  http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22356

goodlife

Ahh, but the answer is same..organic matter...keeps the soil open structured and holds the moisture...+ used regurlarly builds up the soil layer...
...organic matter as mulch reduces evaporation and stops hard and dry surface from setting.. ;)

lincsyokel2

Quote from: goodlife on April 03, 2010, 19:17:41
Ahh, but the answer is same..organic matter...keeps the soil open structured and holds the moisture...+ used regurlarly builds up the soil layer...
...organic matter as mulch reduces evaporation and stops hard and dry surface from setting.. ;)

I did consider at one stage 40 tonnes of fine vermiculite............
Nothing is ever as it seems. With appropriate equations I can prove this.
Read my blog at http://www.freedebate.co.uk/blog/

SIGN THE PETITION: Punish War Remembrance crimes such as vandalising War memorials!!!   -  http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22356

gaz2000

im waiting to drop my potatoes in too,just so d**n wet at the moment

would like to have them in before mid april so fingers crossed

need a boat to reach my plot at this rate  :(

Powered by EzPortal