Regrettably, I must admit that I didn’t cultivate any potatoes this year. None whatsoever. As a result of the exceptionally rainy spring, my seed tubers sat idle in their mesh bags, sprouting frail, white tendrils that bravely stretched towards the scant rays of sunlight piercing the confines of the garden shed. Continually awaiting favourable conditions to prepare a new plot of soil for them proved futile.
In the meantime, store-purchased potatoes have provided some comfort. The renowned Queens, famous for their delicate, fluffy interiors, demand perfect timing during preparation to prevent a mushy outcome. The resilient, nutty Charlotte and the golden Orla, both early bloomers, offer unmatched flavours when gently steamed and generously served with heaps of butter and a sprinkle of salt. However, experiencing the thrill of digging up your own produce is incomparable. The magical moment of unearthing potatoes you’ve grown yourself is invigorating.
One person with a wealth of knowledge about unearthing ‘buried treasure’ is Raymond Higgins, an award-winning Irish vegetable grower. Remarkably, Higgins bagged his first medal in a competition at the tender age of 11. He hones his skills in cultivating not only top-notch potatoes but also onions, leeks, parsnips, beans, peas, shallots, kohlrabi, cauliflower, and tomatoes. These skills he acquired from his grandfather while living in Westmeath. Just last year, Higgins scooped three national awards at the Tullamore Show, landing him exhibits in Harrogate, UK, where he won additional accolades. As the Chairman of the thriving Irish branch of the UK’s National Vegetable Society (NVS), he now plants his crops in over two allotments he meticulously tends at the Hydro Farm site near Blarney, Co Cork.
Higgins refutes the common perception that winning in vegetable-growing contests is exclusively about size and aesthetics, asserting that for most NVS members, flavour is paramount. “Absolutely. Being visually appealing isn’t sufficient. They must also taste exquisite,” he emphasizes.
The All-Ireland Potato Champion, akin to an award-winning Michelin star chef revealing a cherished culinary secret, affirms that growing top-notch potatoes involves a handful of specific processes. A particularly significant factor is procuring premium seed potatoes promptly at the beginning of the season. The champion grower also stresses the criticality of meticulous chitting, or pre-sprouting, which should be done to both early and main crop variants. Further, uprooting excess shoots using a knife a week prior to planting is advised to maintain a maximum of three viable shoots. Planting in an enriched growing medium, supplemented with gradually releasing fertiliser and matured manure, is also pivotal. Constant watering is vital, along with adequate distancing between the tubers (“two feet”) and rows (“three feet”) to prevent potential diseases. To extend the growth period, it is recommended to remove any emerging flower stems. Thoroughly pre-watering the soil/growing medium before planting aids in enhancing growth.
Higgins, one of the participants at the NVS Irish Championship during the previous weekend at the Moate Agricultural Show in Co Westmeath, was highly appreciative of the star judge, Medwyn Williams. Williams, now in his 80s, is a multiple Chelsea gold medal-winning renowned Welsh gardener, grower, and President of the NVS. Describing him as a legend, Higgins, aside from participating, also serves as an expert judge at various shows across the nation. His judging duties encompass everything from inspecting exhibition-standard potatoes for concealed flaws to gauging their dry matter content. His preferred exhibition variants include the popular British Queen, Kerr’s Pink, Winston and Rooster. He mentions the emerging prominence of new Irish varieties recognised for their superior blight resistance and strength, including the white-fleshed maincrop Kelly and the Irish Gold, a purple-eyed second-early.
Tomatoes are a hobby of Higgins, who from late January begins cultivating them from seeds, tucked away and kept warm. The baby plants that emerge from this process serve as additional sources for cuttings, in turn generating a larger growth of new plants. These subsequent plants, Higgins suggests, show increased productivity by sprouting extra fruit clusters. He attributes thriving expansion to a blend of factors including a quality growing medium, consistent feeding, plucking of the sideshoots, sufficient spacing, elimination of lower leaves and suitable ventilation to cut down on disease susceptibility. “For effective watering technique, I avoid wetting the leaves to curb disease propagation. Instead, I utilise a watering can without its ‘rose,’ directing water solely to the soil or compost,” he explains. Currently, his preference is the Damaress, a newly introduced hybrid variety with high yield potential, boasting an appealing taste as well as appearance.
Prior to the UK’s EU exit and before the pandemic hit, the country was a major seed provider for prize-winning varieties for numerous Irish NVS members. Ever since, there has been a marked increase in the adoption of home-saved seed of vegetables, a skill that was once commonplace and is now experiencing a necessary revival. “We conduct regular Zoom meeting and hold gatherings a few times annually where we organise discussions and have seed exchange events. These are excellent ways of cultivating our knowledge and abilities,” states Higgins. Remarkably, the society’s members’ ages run the gamut from teenagers to early 90 year-olds, confirmation that age bears no significance when it comes to pursuing one’s passion. For additional information, refer to www.facebook.com/NVSIreland/ and nvsuk.org.uk.
This week’s tips
During this season, it’s easy to overlook the fact that houseplants can significantly benefit from regular watering, liquid feed and clearing of any wilted or damaged leaves. Now is an advantageous time to gingerly repot plants that have outstripped their pots, using the correct compost. Be cautious not to increase the size of the new pot too abruptly, as it may cause the root systems to linger in moist, cold compost, leading to disease risks.
Ensure your green leafy vegetables are safe from bird attacks in the ensuing months, particularly brassica crops like cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts, which pigeons can potentially ravage.
Remember to note the important dates in your diary.
The St Oliver Plunkett Church, located at Sea Road, Haggardstown, Blackrock, Co Louth, will be hosting the Festival of Flowers on the weekend of August 31 and September 1. Celebrating the church’s centennial year, the festival will run from 2pm to 6pm and will be directed by Paul Martin, a renown garden designer with a Chelsea gold medal to his name. Notable floral designers such as Jenny Murphy, a fellow Chelsea gold medal winner, Caroline Slevin, Blooms and Strandfield will be contributing their talent to the display. The public is invited to attend this glorious event.
In the same vein, St Nessan’s Community School, situated in Baldoyle, Dublin, will be the venue for the Howth & Sutton Horticultural Autumn Show and Plant Sale on Saturday, August 31 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Interested newcomers are welcomed to join the exhibition. More details about the event can be found at www.hshs.ie.
Moreover, Fota House and Gardens in Fota, Co Cork, will proudly present The Annual ISNA Autumn Plant Fair on September 8 from 11am to 4pm. Many of Ireland’s top small specialist nurseries will set up shop at the fair. Visit irishspecialistnurseriesassociation.com for additional information.