Potatoes Made Easy

[binley100]

It's too dark in there at the mo to check but tomorrow I'll put me glasses on and have a closer look. It doesn't freeze in there but does get quite cold at night.

Okay today I put on me glasses and went for a closer look. The tips actually look more purple than black. So hopefully everythings ok.

[Sanjo]

Hi Guys I just found the thread was in here and not on vegging out.
You have got on well with out me and answered all questions superbly.
I will check on here now for new posts.

Well now, aren't we all clever - we must all have been paying attention in class. Like a lot of grapes I always hesitate to answer a question unless I am 100% certain I know what I'm talking about. Thanks for the (virtual)pats on the back Tattieman. It doesn't mean we don't need you, just that you're a good teacher!!

[COMPOST CORNER]

Well now, aren't we all clever - we must all have been paying attention in class. Like a lot of grapes I always hesitate to answer a question unless I am 100% certain I know what I'm talking about. Thanks for the (virtual)pats on the back Tattieman. It doesn't mean we don't need you, just that you're a good teacher!!

Hear hear!!

[tattieman]

Thanks guys that has made my day.
I am still in the sheds packing potatoes but I have popped up to the office for a few labels and thought I would check on you all.

[Caro]

Just to prove that we need you, Tattieman ....

What is the minimum size container I could get away with using for charlottes? (Sorry for novice question, but this will be my first attempt at potatoes).

Many thanks

[tattieman]

I would say a 10 litre container would be the smallest size that would be worth planting in. Give it a try and let me know.

[humblepie]

Chitting Problems

Hi: My seed potatoes arrived in the post after xmas, already with a few small chits, and so I decided to store them in the dark in the garage until february. This was possibly not a good move as I think the garage went a little below freezing in the cold spell - only a degree or so. The chits now have black ends, but the potatoes themselves appear okay. Should I rub off the damaged chits and hope new ones will grow when I get them into the light, or should I try and get replacements whilst I still can??? Thanks.

[COMPOST CORNER]

Another question Tattieman. I will be growing some charlotte, nicola and pink fir apple in the larger Morrisons buckets, could I get a few off to an earlier start in an unheated GH? If so, roughly when could I start them?

[jacob marley]

Hi: My seed potatoes arrived in the post after xmas, already with a few small chits, and so I decided to store them in the dark in the garage until february. This was possibly not a good move as I think the garage went a little below freezing in the cold spell - only a degree or so. The chits now have black ends, but the potatoes themselves appear okay. Should I rub off the damaged chits and hope new ones will grow when I get them into the light, or should I try and get replacements whilst I still can??? Thanks.

The last place to store spuds is in the dark if you store in the dark you will have more long stragley shoots than you know what to do with .
They need to be stored in the light....jacob

[Bigmallly]

I bought some Rocket & Pentland Javelin. When I opened the pack, some of the seeds had 1x3" long sprout. Did anyone watch the country programme the other night about growing & chitting jersey spuds. They took off the first sprout to encourage more to grow I think, I have done the same, hope I've done right.

[Alison]

The last place to store spuds is in the dark if you store in the dark you will have more long stragley shoots than you know what to do with .
They need to be stored in the light....jacob

You store them in the dark (frost free but cool) and chit them in the light (a bit warmer to stimulate growth)

[jacob marley]

You store them in the dark (frost free but cool) and chit them in the light (a bit warmer to stimulate growth)

It would seem that i have been doing it wrong for about 60 odd years .
Humblepie's spuds will be planted in about 7 weeks time by storing them in the dark they grow long shoots by looking for the light by putting them in the light it slows down the search for light .
Mine are in trays on top of a cupboard on the landing and thats were they will stay until the second sunday in march.
Thats how i do it anyway and it works for me....jacob

[BB48]

Chitting question

Hello All

Hope you are surviving the winter and looking forward to growing this years veg.

I went to our local potato day and bought my supply for the allotment at weekend. I know that the potatoes need chitting but when do I start and does it matter how long for? Last year I had them on the spare room windowsill for ages before I got them in the ground and they looked a bit dried out when I finally got them in. They grew ok but didnt produce as many spuds as my fellow lottie's did.

Any advice please?

BB

[OllieMartin]

Check out Tattieman's blog:

http://www.jbaseedpotatoes.co.uk/

He's accepted as being the vine's answer to any potato-related question. There are also instructions on chitting, planting etc.

[zazen999]

BB48 - I've merged you with the current thread on the topic; have a read of the above and see if that helps, or confuses you even more.