Canterbury
January
Q.
Hi Tui, when in Canterbury can we plant yams? Whats the best way and can we use the yams from the supermarket?
Kim Monaghan
A.
Hi Kim, yes, sprouted yams from the supermarket can be planted. Yams are frost tender and so they need to be planted when the risk of frost has passed around October-November, and harvested in autumn, early winter after the first frost has knocked the tops and they start to die down. To get a head start with your yams in winter partly fill a pot with potting mix, place the yam in the pot and lightly cover. Keep topping up with potting mix as they grow. Keep them in a warm sunny spot until planting time. When it comes to planting dig in generous quantities of compost to the soil, space them out at 30-40cm spacings and keep them moist through out the growing season, yams don't do well in really intense heat so mulch and water consistently throughout summer or provide some shade over the bed to protect them. Thanks, Tui Team.
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When is the best time to plant yams? Comments
I have yams that are well and truly sprouted, you recommend not to plant till October which is now, cover well and they will not poke their nose through till later in the month so I am planting within the next few days. My biggest problem is grubs attacking the crop before harvesting, birds and grubs. Any ideas.
George Harpur
Hi George, the reason for not planting until October is because yams are frost tender, planting later ensures the risk of frost has passed. I am not sure what grubs you may be referring to, possibly nematodes, wire worm, army worm or beetle grubs. The easiest way to prevent nematodes and wire worm is to rotate crops and not grow root crops such as carrots, yams or potatoes in the same part of the garden each year. In autumn plant a green crop such as mustard and dig that into the soil in late winter, early spring (August). Mustard contains a natural chemical that repels nematodes. As for keeping birds off your patch, the birds are likely there digging for grubs and insects in the garden. Netting is the best way to keep them off, also try humming tape which is available from garden centres, that may also be effective.
Lianne
Can you please tell me, do I plant the yam in a full pot of soil or in about 10cm on the bottom and top up as the stems grow? Thanks
Barb
Hi Barb, to grow yams in pots you need a large pot, if the pot is too small there will not be many tubers. A plastic bucket is about the smallest you would want to go. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a quality potting mix, such as Tui Vegetable mix to plant the yams into. Part fill the container two thirds full and lay the yams on the surface, lightly cover with mix, leave them somewhere warm and sunny. As they sprout add mix around the shoots until about 3cm from the top of the pot. They will need constant watering so that they don't dry out during the growing season.
Lianne