• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Spuds Ahoy – The Verdict

January 8, 2012 @ 22:09 By Gavin Webber 18 Comments

Today, I dug up the potatoes that you saw me plant back in this post titled “Spuds Ahoy!”.  The leaves had mostly died off, and I thought I was in for rich diggings.

This is the patch after I cleared away some of the dead stalks.  Now not wanting to damage the spuds, I used a small plastic garden fork and dug them all up by hand.  It took a bit of time, but it took me back to the days of playing in a sandpit as a child.

After about 30 minutes of digging, here is my bounty.

Not the biggest potatoes in the world, but certainly big enough to eat.  I don’t think the spud patch is in the best position, as it only gets full sun for about 4 hours a day.  It gets plenty of water from the run-off from the rainwater tank, and the soil was quite moist, so it had to be the sunlight.

We had some of the purple Toolangi Delights as roasted potatoes for dinner, and they were delicious.  So much flavour.  At least they are enough for about a weeks worth of meals.

Oh well, better luck next year and I think I will choose a different spot.

How did your spud crop go this year?

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: vegetables

← Chickens – Return On Investment Dumpster Diving – Saving Food Waste →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. lorikyles says

    January 8, 2012 at 22:37

    Hi Gavin, I’m a long time stalker who has been inspired by your blog to have a go at living greener this year, our vegie garden is producing enough salads for us at the moment, but I’ve not tried spuds yet…they are on my list though, I’ve heard they taste heaps better 🙂

    Reply
  2. Vintagemaison says

    January 8, 2012 at 22:43

    Well, just a couple of months to go and we’ll be putting our spuds IN, although our French neighbours wait until end of April as they worry about late frosts. We have just moved our sheep into their field having let them manure the veggie plot but might put them back in a couple of weeks for a top-up!

    Reply
  3. Melissa says

    January 8, 2012 at 23:07

    We planted potatoes for the first time ever and we are totally hooked! They will be in our garden every season now. My kids loved digging them up exclaiming “this ones a monster!!”

    I too have had other things fail as they weren’t in the right bed. I love that it’s all trial and error in the garden until you get it just right! In our case, our failures go to the rabbit and guinea pigs so not a total a waste!

    Love the blog Gav, keep up the good work!

    Reply
  4. Lotte says

    January 8, 2012 at 23:42

    Way to go Gavin! I bet you had expected and hoped for a slightly better harvest, being in a cooler region, though! I had a crap harvest last year, but I attribute this to growing the spuds in planter bags and *way* too much rain. This year has been relatively dry in Bris Vegas and our potato harvest was smashing as a result. Oh well, this is probably the only thing I have ever grown better than you. Ever!

    Frittata anyone?

    Reply
  5. Kristy says

    January 9, 2012 at 00:06

    I must give spuds another go lol
    I was thinking of the ‘tyre tower’ setup, for taller and more root (potato) room..? wdyt?

    Any thoughts on why your purple ones were bigger?

    I bet they tasted GREAT – enjoy 🙂

    Reply
  6. Linda says

    January 9, 2012 at 07:27

    Hi Gavin, I haven’t dug my potatoes up yet but last year was fantastic! I couldn’t believe the number of potatoes we got! Fingers crossed this year will be the same. I liked Melissa’s comment because, yes, it is such family fun! We had two teenagers and three young kids here for the harvesting last year and everyone had a ball! It was like finding treasure. Even the ‘totally not interested in gardening’ teenagers got excited!!!

    Reply
  7. Tracey says

    January 9, 2012 at 08:10

    It’s also been my experience that sunlight makes a difference to potato yield. If you’re running short of appropriately placed garden beds you can always grow them in tubs/large pots.

    I grow my spuds mostly through the winter, staggering plantings from autumn. Using containers means I can place the potato plants in the areas that get winter sun.

    I don’t get quite the yield from a container I would in a sunny patch of garden bed, but my winter-sun areas are very limited so it enables me to have delicious home grown spuds and to be harvesting something from the garden at a fairly slow time.

    Reply
  8. Onesimus says

    January 9, 2012 at 08:50

    G’Day Gavin,
    I’m in my 6th year of trying to grow spuds and have not yet had a decent crop.

    So far I still have a lot of greenery so don’t know how things will go this year.

    I’ve scratched around among the thick mulch and haven’t found a single tatty – so confidence is low at this stage.

    Reply
  9. Frogdancer says

    January 9, 2012 at 09:19

    I tried 3 different kinds in grow-bags this year. I harvested the Nicola spuds for Christmas Day and was disappointed at the amount I got.
    I’m looking at the other 4 bags, thinking it’s about time to upend them and see what’s in there.

    Reply
  10. farmer_liz says

    January 9, 2012 at 14:02

    They look delicious! Our first crop ever was a disaster, we ended up with only a handful of potatoes, so I gave up for a few years, but we tried again this year in an old drum full of rotted manure. They plants are still growing, but I can’t wait to tip it over and see what’s inside! I Think half the fun is the big reveal!

    Reply
  11. JulieG says

    January 9, 2012 at 13:12

    That looks like our first crop! Our second was better, but still on the small side.

    But you can just roll the little ones in olive oil and roast them whole, they’re quite a nice addition to salads!

    Reply
  12. Kane says

    January 9, 2012 at 15:10

    Talk about a coincidence Gav, I also up-ended a few of my spud buckets last weekend! I had an interesting find too… of the 4 x 40L spud buckets I planted in late September, I planted Kipfler spuds in 2 buckets and Nicola spuds in the other 2. With 2-3 seeded spuds from Diggers in each bucket I was hopeful for a huge harvest, but at the same time wary that I may be disappointed. Turns out, moisture was a key factor for us, with the 2 drier buckets (as in just moist to touch, not soaked) that were sitting just under the eaves producing at least 5 times more spuds than the others! The 2 buckets left out in the rain produced less than 200g between them (~50g Kipfler and ~150g Nicola), whereas the two buckets under the eaves produced almost 1kg between them (~600g Nicola and ~400g Kipfler. So I have moved all the other spud buckets planted in November and December under the eaves where they are protected from rain but still get 4-6hrs sunshine. While limiting their watering regime to once a week (they’re already heavily mulched) I’ll also give them a little extra compost to try and boost the size as they ranged between pea size and cricket ball size. Happy planting!

    Reply
  13. Linda says

    January 9, 2012 at 21:28

    I’ve come back for a second comment. Actually it’s probably poor form but I’m showing off! This post got me thinking and I remembered that I was using a site last year to record my gardening activity so I went back to check and last year I harvested twenty seven kilos of potatoes in an area about four by three metres. Other people might be interested in using the site. I know I can’t rely on my memory and it’s great to look back and see when something was planted, when it was harvested etc. http://www.collectivegarden.com/wiki/Special:Plantings/Greenhaven/Orchard/Back_of_the_chook_shed

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    January 11, 2012 at 18:56

    Sowed 3kg of seed potatoes last year, using Peter Cundall’s method of throwing them on the ground and layering lucerne/poo/etc on top. We’ve been bandicooting for them and have had some beauties; absolutely delicious. Still have a few plants but will dig them up this weekend and prepare the bed for autumn planting. Will need to find another bed for taters next time…

    Cath

    Reply
  15. Kim says

    January 13, 2012 at 07:05

    I learnt alot about potato growing this year…one of which is lots of water and nutrition. We grew ours in a tub and ended up with little teeny tiny potatoes . We giving it a go again but with lots of mulch.fingers crossed!

    Reply
  16. James says

    January 18, 2012 at 13:19

    I have heard that the more leaves on the plant mean more small potatoes, less leaves mean less but bigger spuds.

    Reply
  17. Gavin Webber says

    January 18, 2012 at 15:26

    Thanks for your comments everyone. I love the spudly enthusiasm! I think that I will try the Peter Cundall method next year as well.

    On a parting note, I love that every harvest is an experiment and an adventure. Here is to a bigger harvest next year!

    Gav x

    Reply
  18. africanaussie says

    April 7, 2016 at 07:24

    Up here in the tropics we can only grow sweet potatoes and I got a few monster ones, but not a very even crop. I find it hard to dig them up without damaging the potatoes.

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Black Aphids On Garlic
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Curing Black Olives
Hot Chilli Chutney
Quince Paste
African Horned Melon
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Broad Bean Rust
Strawbridge Family Inspiration

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2025