I have a compost heap and I’m going to use the finished compost as the main bulk of my potato bed. I will then use more compost and straw mixed together to hill up the plants.
I’m wondering if anyone has practical experience adding coffee grounds, epsom salts and finely crushed egg shells directly to compost when planting potatoes.
I’m theorizing that this would add the calcium and magnesium required, deter slugs, and adjust the acidity to the proper levels, as long as I use them in a reasonable ratio.
Additionally, would ground up dried banana peel add the potassium potato plants require? Is there a better natural source of potassium to add to the potato bed?
Finally, would adding a small amount of ground fish to the mix cause the Nitrogen to spike so high that it would stop tuber production?
I’ve done hours of research online, and I can’t find any solid answers to these questions from experienced organic potato growers.
Any other practical advice on potato gardening is also welcome.
Thank you for your time and expertise!
I can’t be the only person who wants to avoid eating commercial root veggies. Did you know what you buy at the store could be grown in bio-solids or sludge? That’s refined sewage. Backyard compost for me, thanks.
I’m in Northern California.
Comments
I don’t know
Wht not take all this stuff and spread it on the garden then till in in well. Stay away from too much
epsom salts.
good luck
You certainly sound as though pototoes is on your diet.
Do the following:
Have five areas of spuds. Label the plots well and do a different additive into each bit of soil where you are planting them.
It is my guess that the results will show what you did and what is the best for YOUR area. You do not say if you are in Alaska or Florida. Go for the gold eh?
One of my thoughts: It is cheap enough to buy organic spuds, so I usually give my garden things that are expensive - Brussels sprouts, kale and lots of chard.
Go organic and eat ASH free meat too.
I’ve never bothered with anything but burrying them on top of the ground, under straw, pulled weeds and compost and composting material and let them grow.
Hello I think you have a good plan just stay with it and let us know how the potatoes come out.
good luck
i need your best tips on how to grow potatoes and sweet potatoes in tires.
