Traditional approach for early potatoes
On the Zeeland island of Tholen, in Sint-Annaland, arable farmer Jan Goedegebuure and his family use a traditional technique for planting early potatoes. Using a semi-automatic planting machine and the help of family members, the cut tubers are carefully placed in the ground. While most growers are switching to more modern methods, the Goedegebuure family remains faithful to this method.
“We are a bit like the last of the Mohicans,” laughs Jan Goedegebuure. “But for us, this still works best for cut seed potatoes.”
His strategy is to cut coarse seed potatoes lengthwise, with the eyes facing upwards. This results in fewer tubers per plant, but ensures faster development and a uniform size distribution, which is essential for a successful early harvest.
Perfect timing and soil conditions
The first potatoes were planted on a light plot with a good location, where a green manure was planted during the winter. This green manure helped to draw the excess moisture from the soil, making the field workable earlier.
“The soil was not completely dry yet, but good enough for planting,” says Goedegebuure. “We ploughed early last week, and two days later we were already able to plant.”
To stimulate early growth, the plot is being treated with soil herbicides this week and then covered with plastic.
Choice of Frieslanders and Dorés
The Goedegebuure family opts for the Frieslander and Doré varieties, with the Frieslander gaining ground. A large part of their early potatoes go to farm shops, which require a continuous supply of Frieslanders. For that reason, they are trying to connect this plot to their greenhouse potatoes, so that the delivery runs smoothly.
First harvest at the end of May?
With the right weather conditions, the family expects to be able to harvest the first early potatoes at the end of May. “If the growing season is a little less favourable, it will be early June,” says Goedegebuure.
The use of traditional techniques combined with modern cultivation strategies ensures that these Zeeland growers can deliver a high-quality early potato harvest.
What do you think? Do traditional methods such as these remain valuable, or is it time for full mechanization? Share your opinion in the comments!
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