| They need a root-crop fert like 6-10-10 ie, the last 2 numbers high with trace elements. To acidify soil if yours need it, periodically add vinegar water [about 1/4 C vinegar to a bucket of water [about 2 1/2gal size]. A bucket would cover 5-6 plants. Repeat since rain would delute it; in clay about every 6-8 wks, sand about every 2 wks. Acid soil prevebts Scab. Generally, to keep them from getting waterlogged, straw is added to cover them rather than soil to keep them in the dark [they claim the green from light is toxic to people.] Now if you really want to play- choose 4 to test and 4 as controls. Using the theory that cutting back stimulates root growth, pinch your test plants back about 10% 3 or 4 times during the season. When you dig, take them to the grocery store and weigh each batch -all 8. |