Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: plopleuk on April 01, 2012, 14:15

Title: Potato shortage
Post by: plopleuk on April 01, 2012, 14:15

I have been advised by a plot neighbor to plant lots of potatoes.
due to the shortage of water in the south, he says there will be a big shortage.
is anyone else thinking and doing the same? (except those in the drought  area  :( )

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: arugula on April 01, 2012, 14:36

You might want to read this:

http://www.potato.org.uk/news/dealing-drought

I would also have thought that quite a lot of the UK crop is grown in Lancashire and Scotland, not drought areas yet...

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: Yorkie on April 01, 2012, 19:55

In order to get a decent potato crop, they do need lots of water to help them swell.

So, although there may be a shortage, you may not get a decent crop if you are in a hosepipe ban area.

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: tosca100 on April 01, 2012, 20:44

No space even if I wanted to. There are other things to supplement a shortage, and make you appreciate a plate of mash! :D

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: mumofstig on April 01, 2012, 20:49

Quote from: tosca100 on April 01, 2012, 20:44

There are other things to supplement a shortage,:D

Grow more squash/pumpkins YAY  :D

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: plot53b on April 01, 2012, 20:50

Quote from: mumofstig on April 01, 2012, 20:49

Quote from: tosca100 on April 01, 2012, 20:44

There are other things to supplement a shortage,:D

Grow more squash/pumpkins YAY  :D

Don't they also need lots of water?

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: mumofstig on April 01, 2012, 20:56

But it's easier to water single plants with a watering can  ;)

Title: Re: Potato shortage
Post by: solway cropper on April 01, 2012, 22:01

As well as the potato council other organizations are also saying there is unlikely to be any shortage as there is plenty of spare capacity in the system. Having said that I've planted more than usual, just in case and I have some first earlies in the fridge to plant out when the first ones are lifted.

I'd be more concerned about a grain shortage as much of our cereal crop is grown in eastern England