Red Yukon

Posted in April 18, 2010 ¬ 10:42 amh.adminNo Comments »

Red Yukon
What is with my potatoes?

I grew three types of potatoes this year, reds, russets and Yukon golds. The tops grew and produced blossoms.

Why are all of the potatoes small. The size is similar to a tangerine!! What can i do to correct this>
That time of year is almost here where i am getting the dirt ready for onions and ammending the potatoes. I have had 10 yards of compost delivered and will be working this bed. The potatoes are in a raised bed by themselves so i am not worried about them be shaded by taller items.

The size of potatoes depends on a number of factors. The variety, soil type, growing time, and weather all play a role. Yukon Gold and some red varieties can be on the small side. Russets should be a bit bigger though. What are the skins on the potatoes like? If they are thin and light colored then you have what are known as ‘new potatoes’ and are small because of when you took them out of the ground. If you don’t want early potatoes you should wait to harvest until the leaves start to turn yellow.

If you did that and your potatoes were still small, it is possible that your soil could use some organic matter. When you plant, spread compost along the bottom of the trenches for the potatoes.

Good luck.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-Yukon Cornelius Tribute