[jazzbyrd]

Can someone explain the Black plastic method of growing pototoes?
I understand that you plant through holes in black sheeting. Does this mean no earthing up ? I am a litte confused .A step by step guide for would be great as I am a new vegetable grower  

Thanks
Jazzbyrd~~ this site is so helpful

[nwalch]

Yes you either plant and cover with black plastic (to exclude the light) and cut holes in the plastic where the shoots come up or lay the plastic and cut holes to plant in at the required depth, whichever you find easier.

I dont think you have to earth up using this method but you do have to ensure the plastic is thick enough to completly block out the light (or cover the plastic with some soil or bark so it does). This is also a good way of keeping the plastic in place.

[waddecar]

Tried it once on a 4 foot wide bed. Two problems:

1. difficult to supply enough water (even with a seep hose in place)

2. slugs had a field day

[nwalch]

What about using weed suppressing membrane. That lets water through (but not light) so you shouldnt have the watering issue. Agree about the slugs. Need to use somehing against them (ADVANCED SLUG KILLER - http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_179&products_id=1821 or NEMASLUG nematodes - http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_179&products_id=570)

[sharky]

Is earthing up where you rake the soil over the new stem and leaves?
What is the perpose of this?  :oops:

[agapanthus]

Is earthing up where you rake the soil over the new stem and leaves?
What is the perpose of this?  :oops:

It's to stop the light getting to the potatoes (some tend to grow close to the surface) and also to get more of a root system going, to get more spuds!!! Oh yes, it also protects the haulms (green leaves and stem) from late frosts.

[agapanthus]

I used to grow potatoes using the thick black weed suppressant in raised beds with great results.

[mabel]

I've planted some spuds that had chitted under the black weed supressant stuff and the shoots are now about 6 inches tall.  I am now going to plant some more spuds which have just chitted as normal so will let you know the results.

[jazzbyrd]

Thanks so much for you comments on this ~ its really been helpful.
I was wondering about slugs and the fact you cant see them at work!
I will give it a go because I am using raised beds throughout my allotment and thought that it might be easier !!

Jazzybyrd

[Angelah]

OK, having a blond moment - do I need to earth up after the spuds have started to grow if I'm growing through plastic?

I have loads of spuds to go in, new and very weedy plot, so am hoping this will work for at least some of the spuds!

[nwalch]

I used to grow potatoes using the thick black weed suppressant in raised beds with great results.

Did you cut a hole in it and put the seed potatoes just under the plastic or dig you dig a hole under the plastic for them.

[agapanthus]

I cut a hole and then dug a hole 4inches or so deep, popped the potato in with a handful of compost on top and top off with soil.

[allotmentnut]

We planted out spuds under plastic and carpet last year and had great results.  The bottom end of the allotment had not been touched so thought this would break up the soil.  Probably helped that it did not stop raining so watering was not a problem. :o

Doing it by the book this year, digging double trench half filled with manure.  That is the job for today.  If results are as good as last year will be very pleased.