Despite the cold and dry month of April, potato grower Benny De Coster expects Monday 10 May to harvest the first Belgian Frieslanders.
“On April 12 there was still a layer of snow on the fleece, but in the end we can harvest at about the same time as last year. These are pre-sprouted Frieslanders that we planted on February 24. We have opted for a large size, namely 40/55, which are heated, pre-germinated and hardened. We were able to keep the plants frost-free by covering Agrocover fleece. ”
The Frieslanders, which De Coster will harvest on Monday, will go to regular customers. “Market vendors, greengrocers and a supermarket have been waiting for the new Frieslanders from the beginning of May. We sell all potatoes in advance, because there is so much demand for them. This year, too, I strived to get onto the market at the same time as the first potatoes from Spain, and that usually succeeds. The fact that consumers are so fond of Frieslanders is due to the taste. It is a very tasty and tasty potato. ”
“The potatoes that were planted on 10 March have suffered frost damage to varying degrees. These potatoes were only screened with non-woven cloth. We see a slight growth delay and probably some yield loss, which was caused by the freezing cold. Planting is done in full field at a depth of a few centimeters to get the plants upstairs as quickly as possible. Earthing takes place later on an already well-developed crop. We also do not use crop protection agents. Frieslanders are well suited to this way of growing. The variety also gives the best yield under these conditions. It may take a lot of working hours, but we get a great product in return ”, concludes Benny.
