2016
Russet Potato Crop Discussion
Aside from the control-side plants attaining their maximum height a day or
two before the biochar side, there were no significant observable differences
between the two until the end of summer. July and August were very hot with
several +100°F (+37.8°C) days; however, the Discovery Garden is watered at
least twice weekly and all areas of the two beds seemed to receive adequate
moisture throughout the hot summer. In spite of there having been no frost by the
end of September, the control side had started to yellow and die down while the
biochar plants remained green and robust. The control side was harvested a week
before the biochar side, and may account for its slightly smaller potatoes --
they were on average one inch shorter 6" (15.2cm) than those grown in the
biochar mix 7" (18cm). The photos show quite a few more large potatoes
grown in the biochar soil than in the control soil. The total weight of the
potatoes was nearly the same -- 46lb 2oz (21kg) for the control side and 47lb
(21.3kg) for the biochar side. 120 potatoes were dug from the control side, 92
from the biochar side. We found three blemished potatoes from the control side,
but no scabs or blemishes from the biochar potatoes. Potatoes from both sides baked
side-by-side were found virtually identical in flavor and texture. Biochar may have
contributed to keeping the plants on that side green longer than those on the
other side, but we can’t be sure. When the potatoes were harvested, both soils seemed
to have about the same moisture content, but that variable was not measured
accurately.
Biochar Side Control Side
October 13, 2016
Potatoes were then spread out by size and counted.
Biochar: 47lb (21.3kg); 95 potatoes; 1" (2.54cm) to +12" (30.5cm); avg size, 7" (18cm)
Control: 46lb 2oz (21kg); 120 potatoes; 1" (2.54cm) to 11" (28cm); avg size, 6" (15.2cm)
October 11, 2016
Potatoes were washed then allowed to dry.
October 11, 2016
During harvest, we noticed there seemed to be more earthworms on the biochar side, but that would be difficult to accurately determine.
October 11, 2016
Back on August 23, a photo shows one or two dead potato plants in the east edge
of the biochar side. Today during harvest, we found several walnuts and hazelnuts
there and speculate that squirrels burying their winter food supplies may have
accidentally cut the stems of a couple potato vines.
October 11, 2016
2016 Harvest for 2016 completed!
October 11, 2016
There were some good-sized potatoes on the biochar side. Was it the extra week or something else?
October 11, 2016
Potatoes were in excellent condition and ranged from 1" (2.5cm) to over 12" (30.5cm) in size.
October 11, 2016
Although it has not yet frosted, the plants look like they
will grow robustly until nipped, so we went ahead and harvested the biochar side today because we didn't want to allow it another extra week of growth.
October 4, 2016
Control side harvested. Soil moisture content was uniform throughout the
bed, and a number of earthworms were present. Potatoes were generally in good condition.
Will harvest other side next week. Plant growth on that side has not slowed.
September 25, 2016
The skins were still a little soft, so we left the harvest off for another week.
The two potatoes taken, however, were of good size and quality. The larger was 8" (250mm) and the smaller 6.5"(165mm). Total weight was 1lb7oz (770g)
September 25, 2016
We harvested a couple from the control side to check for skin hardness.
August 23, 2016
Potato plants beginning to spill out over the sides.
Water restricted to start drying soil out and harden tubers.
Control bed beginning to yellow.
August 23, 2016
One or two vines prematurely die in biochar side --cause unknown.
August 9, 2016
Good color, no problems.
July 10, 2016
Continued good growth.
July 10, 2016
Both sides continue to grow up and out.
Flowers popping out on both sides, and both show very light insect damage on their leaves.
June 14, 2016
Both sides are now over 30" (76.2cm) and robust.
So far, no insect or varmint problems.
Dirt has been hoed to the center four times.
There may be enough dirt left to hoe one or two more times.
June 5, 2016
Both sides are now over 2' and starting to flower.
Dirt from sides has been hoed to the center twice.
May 26, 2016
Average height Biochar side = 13.5"
Average height Control Side = 14.0"
So
far, the Control side seemed a little taller and fuller, but in
comparing the average heights, they're actually very close. The season
is young!
May 17, 2016--Started hoeing soil into potato trenches.
May 15, 2016--Potatoes continue to grow well.
