Pototoes under plastic

Michael Doran asked 13 years ago

We have a large area in the garden which is used as a percolation for our biocycle system. this has been barren except for grass for 10 yrs now, last october we covered the complete area with plastic and left over the winter. We have now removed the plastic and all the grass has died and we are turning the soil. We would like to grow some potatoes on some of it as it is raised and there should excdllent drainage. What do we need to do with the soil in preparation? Also, we would like to grow them under the plastic as it seems to help control the weeds, can you plese offer your advice?

1 Answers

Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
A percolation area generally cannot be planting over with trees or shrubs as their roots tend to block the percolation drains. This is why grass is grown over such areas and in principle, there is no reason that you could not grow potatoes on it.

Potatoes can be grown under plastic with a  X-cut to allow the stems to emerge. The tubers are produced at or close to the surface, which is convenient, but they are also more convenient to slugs which can cause severe damage.

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