Potato query?

[Flutterby]

I have at last received a starter set of potatoes and tubs. I have been sent 3 different potatoes - Maris Peer, Charlotte and Red Duke of York. Despite saying full instructions would be enclosed these are very vague! Should I plant all 3 types at the same time (in separate containers) or should I be staggering the planting? I obviously don't want them all ready at the same time!

Also I have put them in egg boxes to chit but not really sure if I should have started to do this with them all at the same time.

Advice please!

(Thanks for your patience - )

[dwrudd]

Hi there, nice choice of seed potato's, I grow all of my spuds in containers and this is how I do it.

Drainage is very important in a container and I am sure that you will have holes in your pots but if you are putting them on a solid surface ( patio ) make sure you put a liitle gravel in the bottom first.

The names of First early, second early , early main and maincrop really refers to the time to maturity of each type and so planting at about the same time wil certainly not be a problem as the maincrop types take longer to mature.

To Chit or not to chit, that is a question. I always do, but many say that it is not needed, either way, no need to stagger the development at all.

If you plant the seed on top of about four inches of compost and cover with roughly the same it will not be long before the shoots are up. Keep earthing up the shoots with compost by adding around them and letting them grow taller then add some more until you are just short of the top of the container. Dont overfill or the water will just run off.

Then just sit back and water when they look thirsty. In hot weather I tend to water them every other day or so. When ready, chop the tops off, turn out the bucket and pick up the most delicious potato's possible without any digging-Great!

When the leaves start to set flowers, I tend to chop the tops down by a third, this seems to give slightly better yeilds as it focuses the plant into producing tubers rather than seed. I am sure that others wil be along to tell you their own favourite ways, but you won't go far wrong at that.

Good luck
Darren

[sewer rat]

Hi Flutterby
The tatties you have are a first early (Red Duke of York) and two second earlies (surprise surprise - Charlotte and Peer ).
The first earlies should be ready about 10 weeks from planting and can be planted anytime from now til early May
The second earlies can also be planted anytime from now til Late May and should take about 13 weeks to mature.
The above times should be taken as a guide only - the only sure way is to stick your hand in your pots and have a good grope - you will be able to judge the size of the tubers better this way than any other.
I grew several varieties of early tatties in buckets last year and had a great crop. They are also slug free and as they are growing in compost, they come out spotless and blemish free.

[Jo.T]

Darren - that's a very useful, detailed explanation which is going to help me lots. Ever thought about writing a book?

[Alice]

Hello Flutterby, that's spot on advice you've got from DWRudd. I grow my potatoes in buckets and get lovely tatties and good crops. I planted some Charlotte in January and their now completely earthed up in the buckets, but I do have a very sheltered, south facing , spot.
Thank you Darren for the tip about cutting the shaws once the flowers appear. Makes perfect sense. Mine will be getting the chop this year.

[kernowyon]

Thank you Darren for the tip about cutting the shaws once the flowers appear. Makes perfect sense. Mine will be getting the chop this year.

Great tip. will be trying this one as well this year.

[Flutterby]

Thank yu all for the great advice - especially Darren. Will be following your instructions to the letter and probably ignore the ones sent with the potatoes!

[dwrudd]

You are so very welcome,

I wish you luck, lets hope the weather is kind.

Darren