Dig vs. No-Dig Potatoes Experiment - #3

In Portugal, February is the time to plant potatoes. We've never grown potatoes before so thought we'd do an experiment to find out they way that works best for us.

We've been using the no-dig method for growing vegetables for the last year or so and have planted a bed of no-dig potatoes to see how that goes.

But in our pursuit to build a semi-self-sufficient homestead, we wanted to plant a larger crop. We used our BCS with a rototiller attachment to clear a 6x4m area for testing a more traditional "dig" approach to growing potatoes. Let's see which method is easiest and most effective at producing an abundant harvest...

If *you* would like to make, do and grow your way to a semi-self-sufficient and more sustainable life, join our club and surround yourself with a bunch of like-minded people tackling all sorts of creative projects

[thisorthat]

I like your experiment to try different methods to see which one works best. A suggestion for a future video, it would be very interesting to "talk" with your neighbors and see how they garden. It would certainly be educational for your viewers and I bet you would also learn some tips. Your land is lovely. Cheers.

[florentinalily]

ooop - nearly missed your vlog as it didn't have an identifying title... great vlog! ps I have had potatoes in the flower garden - plant, then put a cardboard box around them when they sprout then keep mounding up earth in the cardboard box as they grow. When ready pull off the box and there they are! no digging up. Ps surround the box with bin liner - taped) so it doesn't collapse when it rains. Potatoes are traditionally the first crop to put in virgin soil to clean it and dig it over... great job x

[lisabisco]

Your garden is what I aspire to! It is beautiful. I have planted potatoes many times. In USA, each seed potato is cut into chunks with some nice green sprouts in each chunk. We do not plant the whole seed potato.

[lewih]

Love your channel! People are so funny. I actually think you did a fantastic job, and the beauty of things possibly going wrong one year is that you get to try it again the next! Good luck on your potato harvest! I laugh at your interactions on every video. Peace and blessings 🙏

[victorgoncalves]

Welcome back, what happen to the other channel ? My dad, when preparing the soil uses the grass on the bottom (facing down so it won't grow ) as compost and put the potatoes on top of it . Much needed rain .

[humblebee]

I think both beds will do well but the newly created bed will likely give you some extra weeding. I love watching your projects and the progress that comes with it. You two are so industrious and creative and much more skilled than you give yourselves credit for!

[Carol-ocmx]

When you are planting out you should always mark and lable your rows
- firstly you don't forget what you have planted where and when
- secondly it will help when weeding to identify which are the seedlings

You are doing a grand job👍

[gaynor]

You've got some lovely soil there to work with and I look forward to your future potato crop. The no digbeds sound like a great idea. You both work so hard on your land and I admire you both for that. Have a good week ahead xx

[josetavares]

You deserve a medal. I have a Property that needs someone like You to revive it. grate job.

[evelinebronsveld]

In stead of adding compost to hill up you could also add grass clippings, straw or hay in a thick layer then covering some poles cross wise to prevent it from blowing away.

[Almsudl]

11:50 Well chosen music ! 🙌🏻 Thank you for a new song for my “Ambient-Playlist“. :D

[lorimontcalm]

I can't believe I missed this video!!! But what a special treat it was tonight!! The bell is firmly switched on!! It is a marvel how you guys divy up the work without developing huge resentments as to who I'd working harder!! You two crack me up, and make me wish I was you! Hugs from 🇨🇦.

[markt.]

Cahcoo! And the potatoes are into the ground, congrats!😎👍

[billastell]

It's always fun to watch newbies gardening.

[josephrego]

You guys and your work are truly an inspiration!

[wendyburgess]

I love the sight of that beautiful rich Compost. Almost want to scoop some up in the palms of my hands.

[Neilhuny]

That horse muck looks great quality! I tend to agree with others here that you don't need it with spuds if the ground has been left fallow before planting but Portugal soils look SO dry to me that any compost help to retain water must be good! I'd use manure and/or compost every time.

Quick related tip: if planting beans always put plenty of scrunched up newspaper, kitchen scraps etc in the bottom of a trench you will plant them in. It seems "raw" unrotted vegetable matter, cardboard, paper etc works best. They need moisture at their feet.

[cindybickford]

I have to say I really enjoy how your garden looks. Really your whole farm and how Kylie works is so clean

[christinetrewin]

Oww that made my back ache just watching, had great success with the dig method here in SW France despite it being hot and dry. Our chicken tractor has arrived and been constructed, just waiting for the poule now 😍😎🇫🇷🐓

[mumighisolfo]

I don’t remember if it only works with sweet potatoes or if it works with both, but Becky at Acre Homestead had really good luck planting hers in straw bales! Very very minimum effort and I believe she had a great success