Potato Fail | Organising for the Year Ahead | Allotments For Fun and Food

[@christye6013]

Happy New Year to you Malcolm, Thanks for all the great output 2022, looking forward to sharing 2023 with you and the plot. On the subject of Potatoes, when I worked on a Market garden operation we had a rule that our cold store was set at 4-6 oC , never lower than 2 oC and shut the vents if outside dropped below -2oC. I move my Spuds into the garage before first frost and empty the pots by 2nd week of Dec to avoid rot

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Makes perfect sense Chris……take care Malc

[@barryr5049]

A tip for next years potatoes Malcom . I live in the Midlands ,my allotment is at 660 ft above sea level we had -11 of frost on 2 nights of the big freeze . I grow 35 tubs of potatoes in 30ltr tubs on allotment and have not lost any to frost , I have always let my tubs dry out as much as possible this year was easy with the weather we had , and then I cover them making a ridged tent over the tubs with thick water proof builders PVC plastic that they put under concrete to water proof floors . I have grown them like this for 6yrs and no trouble . Emptied a tub yesterday perfect potatoes , 12 tubs left up Lottie will see us into March .

[@MalcolmKingswell]

That sounds like a great method Barry……great job Malc

[@nikkiclarke4417]

Hi Malcolm, mine is the opposite to you, my sprouts🎉 were not that great, but i grew my parsnips in 40L pots and they were huge! They are so big they are growing through the holes in the pots into the ground. Really impressed😊 that looks like a lovey harvest. I’m glad you mentioned the growing of your onions. I wasn’t sure when to start sowing mine. Polytunnel is starting to look organised. As always you are so busy and dedicated. You are an inspiration. I hope you and you lovey wife have a happy new year. Thank you for sharing and looking for to future videos in the new year .

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Hi Nikki, it seems that so many vegetables grow well in pots , its just the watering challenge that stoops us I think…..happy new year to you Malc

[@PamsMountainGarden]

I have never seen a potato squirt juice before. 😮

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Potato smoothies Pam????

[@PamsMountainGarden]

@@MalcolmKingswell Thank you, no. 🙃

[@jacquelinewhittaker4651]

Beautiful winter veg there. My potatoes are stored in a cardboard barrel in the garage, but even they have deteriorated in quality after that very very cold weather too.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

That was a good decision though Jacqueline …well done Malc

[@TuftyMcTavish]

🥔 I lost all my spuds too. I chopped the green tops prior to the cold weather, but left them outdoors thinking it wouldn’t be that cold. Oops 😬 I did think at the time to put them in the Greenhouse or garage, but I’m regretting that wrong choice now. My garage is chockablock with piles of pots, saucers and trays while it’s cold. Looking forward to bringing everything outside in a few months. Just sown my 🌶️ 🫑 and you’ve reminded me to get the 🧅 done too.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

So many tough decisions for us gardeners, keeps us on our toes Tufty….take care Malc

[@TheJenmiester]

Yes Malc love the Doctor Who reference 🤣 was literally thinking of painting my tool shed in blue like the TARDIS

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Blue is a great colour for a shed Dr James…….take care Malc

[@sandrinefresne6575]

Like you I sowed my parsnips into kitchen rolls not toilet rolls because they are longer/ deeper , that has given me lovely parsnips for a first time growing them. I do the same with scorzoneras .

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Its always worked for me Sandrine but I think I might do a trial this year……fun times Malc

[@stormwilde3145]

A Happy healthy New Year to you Malcolm 🙂 you are one of my favourite gardeners on you tube ..because you always take time to like or answer our comments to you and that means a lot 🙂

[@Karen-Smith]

Always so graciously and politely, too 🙂

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you too….take care Malc

[@myrustygarden]

Some lovely veg harvests there Malcolm 👍👍. I don’t grow parsnips myself as they are super cheap and I’m the only one that likes them 🤷‍♀️. I think almost everyone has issues with their potatoes in pots if they didn’t take them inside out of frost and rain. 😂😂 even Tony C smith had shop bought for Xmas dinner. Happy growing season 2023 👍🇨🇦

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Looks like many of us suffered the same fate Ali……we do learn the hard way …..take care Malc

[@valeriepritchard677]

Minus eight in Norfolk potatoes grown in bags Charlotte still in great condition, but I cover the top of the bags to keep them dry. Then the compost insulates rather than freezing.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I think covering potatoes is the way forward Valerie…..take care Malc

[@carolwhite6979]

Nothing like a really good sort out on a rainy day, whether it is your hoop house, or your craft room stash! Happy New Year, Mr. K! My 2023 be good to you and all those you love! ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Mrs K would agree with that Carol …take care Malc

[@Carol-oc7mx]

Hi Malc It would seem that a few allotmenteers that I follow have all reported the same thing happening to their frozen potatoes grown outside in pots. No home grown Christmas potatoes this year 🙄 but there is always next year I love how you have organised the poly tunnel it makes so much sense👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Carol , we never stop learning …….take care Malc

[@cpoco]

You've done a fantastic job with the temporary camera! Great work getting things sorted too! Happy New Year, I look forward to watching your growing in 2023!

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Christopher , thankfully my other camera has now returned, happy new year to you too….Malc

[@ibrstellar1080]

Happy New Year Malcolm and may 2023 bring you fertile soils and bumper crops.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year to you too Ibr ….take care Malc

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

2022 will go down as the year that I learned that you can milk potatoes! 6 pots mostly soft as ... Does anyone want A Pint and a half of potatoe milk !.. Seriously though Happy New Year Malcolm

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Potato smoothies…..yuk…..take care Malc

[@truthforall1303]

Happy new year to you Malcom and Mrs K from us two ere in Devon 👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Have a great year Truth…..Malc

[@Bev437Sqn]

Best in 2023 to you and yours Malcolm.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Bev and all the best to you too….Malc

[@jackiedixon2340]

Hi Malcolm & a happy new year,Parsnips ,please try this idea we had very good results last year.first find a piece of pipe say 1 inch diameter knock it into the ground about 2 feet,wobble it round to make the hole cone shaped then put sieved compost into the hole upto ground level water the compost then find a piece of down pipe & cut this into 1 inch pieces,put the pipe over the compost hole then sow 3 parsnip seeds per station cover with compost & firm down,we covered them with a poly carbonate sheet to help with germination & to keep the rain off,wow almost 100% germination,pinch out the 2 weakest,the tap root goes straight down, 4inch diameter parsnips & 2 ft long,ok it could have been luck but we have been trying for years & this was by far the best,oh don’t forget slug pellets & remove the pipe when they get 4/5inches high.happt gardening good luck.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I am going to sow a few direct Parsnips this year so ill try your method thanks very much Jackie……take care Malc

[@stephenbrammall2565]

All ready to go for this coming season Malcolm..

[@MalcolmKingswell]

We will be out of the blocks like a flash Stephen….take care Malc

[@steves7030]

Happy New Year to you too. Hears to a good 2023 crop!

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Same to you Steve have a good one…..Malc

[@tonyr7393]

HNY Malc. I harvested the last of my potato pots today - they were a 95% write off! In hindsight it was so obvious what that lengthy freeze was going to do to them, but i just left them where they'd been all season. Idiot. On the plus side, the yacon that i harvested a couple of weeks ago is providing a wonderful array of meals currently. After a bit of curing, to me it tastes like poor mans honeydew melon, so i am absolutely delighted with this first season crop. If you like a nice sweet (but sugar-free) taste and have not tried yacon before, i can thoroughly recommend it. The plants yield a very large amount as well and are easy to grow, so it's probably been my number 1 crop for 2022.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

That Yacon sounds wonderful Tony....can I find space hmmmm?

[@valoriegriego5212]

Happy New Year Malc and fam!😃 Sweet harvest!👍Beautiful sprouts!😋 Job well done in the polytunnel. Seed sowing time...yippee!💃 Malc, I think you repeat a segment of taping starting around 15:36. See ya Wednesday.👋

[@grahambolton3428]

I thought it was me going mad in the head, good to see ive still got my marbles for now🙄😂

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I think so , age is creeping up on me fast Valorie….take care Malc

[@valoriegriego5212]

@@grahambolton3428 😁

[@Carol-oc7mx]

I thought my mobile had thrown a dickie fit and had jumped back or a senior moment had crept in 😜

[@strifamne1749]

It's a Tardi polytunnel, I think we time-travelled back a few minutes 😊

[@rebeccazody1278]

Yours is one of my fav channels

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Rebecca , so glad you enjoy it…take care Malc

[@nooie99]

Happy New Year Malcom. Looking forward to watching your progress through the coming year.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Nicola….plenty to do and lots of fun to be had…..take care Malc

[@juliebaker905]

Happy New Year Malcolm 🎉, hope you and your family have a happy and healthy 2023!. Been up our allotment this morning for the carrots, parsnips, swede and celeriac for dinner, your right it’s a fabulous thing to do😊. As you say ‘Good times’ take care and I’m looking forward to your adventures this year. Regards Julie

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Julie it certainly is a high point…..take care Malc

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Gutted about your potatoes for you and Mrs K malc , apart from.that you seem to heading in the right direction , well organised as you are is half the battle , I have taken your advice and my Globo onions are on their way to me as I type this out , thanks for all your advice mate and keep up the good work 👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

You will love the Globo onions Jim, great choice Malc

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

@@MalcolmKingswell there in the post as we speak lol , Brilliant F1 Brussels too , here's hoping for better results next year Malc 👍

[@Roo-s_Life]

Happy New Year. I couldn't agree more with you about harvesting and eating our home grown veg fresh off the plot. Plot to plate in a matter of hours, that's what it's all about ☺ 🌱 xx

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! Roo, its the best part....take care Malc

[@Karen-Smith]

Malcolm, you're like a magician - you tell us what you're thinking of doing then by the end of the video it's done. It would have taken me at least two weeks to swap the polytunnel around like that 😊 Happy New Year to you and Mrs K.

[@ibrstellar1080]

It's bit like Blue Peter when they start making things and then here's one I did earlier!

[@Karen-Smith]

☺

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Karen and a Happy New Year to you too…..take care Malc

[@tassiegirl1991]

Happy new year and gardening in 2023 Malcolm

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year to you too Tassie Girl ….have a great one Malc

[@tahliel]

The thing with seeds is that at some point in history, someone was crossing varieties to create the heirlooms we buy today. F1s aren't all that different, they just have a bit more science involved and haven't been bred stable yet.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Well said Tahlie ....take care Malc

[@stephenforest2464]

Great channel, Malcolm. Wishing you a bountiful 2023 harvest.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Same to you and thanks, Malc

[@LindaBrandtArt]

Happy New Year to you and hopefully 2023 will be the best

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy New Year Linda….fingers crossed for a great season…..Malc

[@peterdillon2628]

Seems to all falling into place after no doubt a few hours of mental / physical juggling. My remaining potatoes faired the same demise, so out they went onto the compost. Then I wondered what they would actually taste like if "cooked" in some manner. Thank you for all the effort in producing the videos in 2022 - looking forward to 2023 and how things develop on the plot. Peter

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Its amazing how much we learn every year Peter, Pots away next year....Malc

[@Hhaahland4]

Would bringing your slatted bench top forward to align with the front of your bench brackets allow you to put a shelf, above your bench & attached to your poly tunnel arches, for you to store small pots, trays, jars of bits and bobs etc…? Hooks hanging from the struts above that to hang hand tools? Love a good organising task that finds a place for everything and everything in its place so apologies for the unsolicited advice.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Advice always welcome Helen, if I run out of room I might just do that…….Malc

[@leandrabramham9467]

Happy new year. New subscriber and loving your channel and energy. So looking forward to 2023!

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Great to have you along Leandra , happy gardening Malc

[@tonydean7400]

Hi Malcom. Another very helpful video, but sorry to hear about your spuds being lost to the cold spell, but the sprouts looked fantastic! You certainly did a great job of turning your polytunnel into a 'tardis'. How do you prevent condensation in the polytunnel so effectively at this time of year? Is there a special technique or is it just another of your Dr Who special powers? Happy New Year Tony

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Ha ha Tony, I don’t really worry about condensation and there is some but I have air flow through netted windows in the doors which helps…..take care Malc

[@tonydean7400]

@@MalcolmKingswell Thanks very much. the tops of my doors were netted through the summer, but I covered them with twinwall plastic for the winter to retain any heat. Perhaps I will remove it then! Cheers :-)

[@mandytaylor1008]

Happy new year malc and Mrs K enjoy the veg👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Mandy , it was mighty fine…..take care Malc

[@barrymetters1938]

you grow parsnips in toilet rolls they will split, grow direct in the ground so you don't disturb the growing root, you will get much better success.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I think I will have to try that this year Barry…..many thanks Malc

[@barryroberts6470]

I was watching your video and i thought i was going crazy, the reason being is the little bench part going into the Dr.Who Tardis explanation and moving over the slatted table, you actually put that clip in twice. So one min your talking away and the next min your repeating yourself so i understood what you said twice ha ha ha. Have a great growing season Malc 👍 Happy New Year to you Malc and Mrs K and i hope you and your family have a Safe and Healthy 2023. Barry (Wirral)

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Its an age thing Barry , added two take by mistake…….happy new year to you too Malc

[@darrybush5293]

Malcolm Happy New Year🎉from Southern California, really have enjoyed your videos this past year.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! Darry, here's to another great season, take care Malc

[@cew9837]

I am aspiring to follow in being as organised as you! I really need to use the wet the same way but books and hot chocolate have taken over for the between days. Onwards into the New year tomorrow. Happy New Year to you and Mrs K.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Books are knowledge and hot chocolate is delicious, the organising can wait till tomorrow……take care Malc

[@nickthegardener.1120]

Happy New Year Malcolm, I'm going to look for the brilliant Brussel sprout seeds. 👍🤠

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! Nick, they certainly worked for me....take care Malc

[@noracopse5691]

Happy new year to u nd ur family malcolm keep up the great gardening

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Nora , I certainly will…take care Malc

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Happy new year!! and what a strange weather year we have had lol

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Its been pretty unusual, and a challenge for sure, take care Malc

[@markshaw5835]

Happy new year, shame about the potatoes I've seen a few people have the same issue with potatoes. Your tunnel getting full, looks better though how u changed it. Time for some seed sowing

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Looking forward to the frost sowing Mark…..take care Malc

[@markshaw5835]

@@MalcolmKingswell me too

[@edowlut2004]

Happy New Year Malcolm and to your family, when you next start your parsnips do try one row direct sown into one of your beds, it will be interesting to see how they fare against sowing into toilet rolls and then planting out

[@rebeccawhite6607]

heres wishing you health wealth and happiness for the new year x

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Rebecca and health wealth and happiness for you too…..Malc

[@TraineeHuman]

Same story with my spuds Malc - always next season though :)

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Agreed , ill be watching the weather carefully next time…..take care Malc

[@SecrePeach]

Happy New Year Malcolm, and so the new season begins! The new plot is really coming together now, can’t wait to see the shed and water butts in situ and working (shed water collection is on my list so I’m looking for inspiration).

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy New year to you too Karen, Im on the home run now….take care Malc

[@lancpudn]

Happy new year Malcolm. Great job on the Brussels sprouts, Still one vegetable that I cant grow for toffee. 😁

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Try those Brilliant F1 Ian, first success I have had….take care Malc

[@barbarahudson1042]

Happy new year.Great work.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Barbara and a Happy New Year to you too…..Malc

[@francesbatycki404]

Happy new year!🇨🇦❤️

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy New year Frances

[@theflyinggardener]

Great to see the progress in the polytunnel Malc! 💪🏼😁

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks, can't stand it untidy for some reason, take care Malc

[@grahambolton3428]

Happy new year to you and mrs K, malcolm mate, hope 2023 brings you everything you require mate🙏👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Graham. Looking forward to it…take care Malc

[@joanpulley9722]

Happy New Year 2023 ! Great videos !

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Joan, and the same to you Malc

[@leeannandrews932]

Happy New Year to you also

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Lee Ann, have a great one Malc

[@nancytabor8302]

Happy new year! Love the home grown veg.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! Nancy ....have a great one....Malc

[@grahamrdyer6322]

Did I hear the Dr Who story twice or am I going mad ! Yes I'm thinking about getting my onions and peppers in, And so it starts ....The growing year that is

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Oh dear Graham, yes I think I did two takes and included them both….I think age is creeping up on me fast……Malc

[@anncarmichael1267]

Happy New Year to you and your family xx

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Thanks Ann and a happy New Year to you and yours…..Malc

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤ Happy New Year x always enjoy watching and learning xx

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! to you too Karon....Malc

[@majordog2399]

Bubble and squeak is amazing, happy new year to you and Mrs K.

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! it tasted amazing .....Malc

[@Dawn_Grows_Veg]

Happy New Year Malcolm and Mrs K. What a shame about your potatoes 😞 Perhaps covering them with some sort of waterproof cover or fleece may help next time. I had four pots of late Charlotte potatoes left outside as I was clearing my greenhouse in November and decided to put them in there. This is my first time trying Christmas potatoes. and had seen a couple of Instagram gardeners mention that too much wet and frost is bad for them. Yours look like it was the frost that affected them rather than any rot from the wet. I wonder if covering the pots with some heavy weight fleece would have helped? I also found that the ones I planted mid August grew better and lasted better than the ones I planted two weeks later as an experiment at the beginning of September. Those were all quite small. Amazing the difference two weeks between plantings made. Gardening always gives us something new to puzzle and work through, its never boring or samey 😊 I am trying to plan for next year, making sure the Christmas veg is planned in this time, never got my Brussels or parsnips sorted. Looking forward to trying again for Christmas 2023 😄👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I’m definitely going to cover them this year Dawn , fingers crossed 🤞

[@grahamarnold8433]

Happy new year Malcolm, good luck this growing season 👍

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year! good luck too you too....Malc

[@samanthareeves5690]

Happy new year to you both xx

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Happy new year!! Samantha....Malc

[@CamperVanTango]

My sprouts are still very tiny! Do you think they might continue to grow after winter or will they be dormant? Thanks for your videos, good luck with the downsize

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I think they will probably almost stop and probably suffer during bad weather, Im going to leave a few through the next couple of month....take care Malc

[@taffpatch1]

Happy new year Malc, I was just wondering if you sow your parsnips direct ?? I also wondered why you cut the whole sprout plant down ??? They do look good though x

[@MalcolmKingswell]

I think I might grow a row direct and the rest in toilet rolls across two varieties just for fun to see how they compare. With the sprouts I have so many that i wanted to clear the space……Malc

[@taffpatch1]

@@MalcolmKingswell Giving direct sowing a go is a good idea Malc and like you said don't put all your eggs in 1 basket xx Direct sowing works well for me nice straight(ish) roots x

[@jacquelinewhittaker4651]

I'm going to put on my old hat of 'irritating maths teacher' Malcolm. When you looked at a volume of compost and called it a square metre. Oh, no, no ,no....as the man in Dibley used to say. Altogether now, what was the volume? Yes, a cubic metre potentially, and it will be lovely stuff, whatever you call it. 'A rose by any name ...etc etc'

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Lol you are right of course ….never was any good at maths lol…..take care Malc