Scottish potato planting season characterized by sporadic activity

The potato planting season in Scotland has been characterized by sporadic activity, with farmers taking advantage of every opportunity to plant tubers due to fluctuating weather conditions. The inconsistency in planting schedules is anticipated to pose challenges for those targeting a continuous harvest, as it results in uneven harvesting times. Frequent rainfall has contributed to start-stop planting conditions, with the soil appearing dry on the surface but remaining saturated beneath, further complicating planting efforts.

Despite these hurdles, the majority of the crops have been successfully planted. In the Black Isle, planting operations are ongoing, while in Moray and Aberdeenshire, approximately 75% of the potato crops have been planted. Angus and Perthshire report about 90% completion, and the Borders region is nearing the end of its planting season. This year has seen an increase in farmers planting later in the season, which is expected to prolong the Scottish harvest period.

Seed potatoes have faced a tight supply, leading some farmers to use farm-saved seeds, a practice generally not recommended due to the risk of disease. With warmer weather conditions, potato growth has shown promise, although low sunlight levels are likely to affect yields and seed maturity, making a bumper crop unlikely. Concerns have been raised that crops planted later may experience bolting, leading to a wider range of tuber sizes and challenges for the seed sector.

Source: thescottishfarmer.co.uk