Drought affecting potato harvest

[wmontanez]

Is has been declared a Moderate Drought in Massachusetts due to this past warm and dry winter and so far the rain has been less this year. According to some data mining I did last year we had normal rain where I live and this year just below average.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/rainfall/
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/...2-cond-rep.pdf

I would not consider this a drought but I've noticed some reduce yield in most of my potatoes since I don't irrigate just rain water. Some of the area growing potatoes had run-off (downhill slope in my garden) and those have better yield. Overall I have up to 50% less yield in some varieties than my best year, some are indifferent (good) and more scab!

I did enjoy last winter compared to 2010-2011 winter where I had snow banks of 5ft tall in my driveway but was a good potato season, it rained normally during the summer months. My rain water only irrigation treatment is paying off in the grass since mine is greener than most. Tomatoes are doing fine I guess but the peppers are really enjoying this warmer weather since they look great.

I collect rain water only one 55gal drum is connected to my downspout but I have 3 more sitting there since I never had to use more than one. I guess is time to connect them and continue to harvest rain water for a weekly deep waterting supplement if I want to get late potatoes to bulk up

My quest for a self reliant garden continues and those vegetables yielding good for me this year will be treasured even more.

How is it going for you??