I've just found forgotten potatoes! Is it too late?

[gardening_gal]

Now I know there is a thread where I said I was going to be more laid back about calendar planting times but I'm not sure if potatoes are a different issue.

Tiredness, senior moments or for whatever other reason, I completely forgot about two trays of seed potatoes I was chitting. I think they have been sat there for maybe 3 months.

The potatoes themselves are very shrivelled but the chits look strong, maybe just over an inch tall, thick and deep greenish purple in colour. One type is Charlotte and I can't remember the other right now.

What to do with them? It's June, I'm in the Highlands with no summer to speak of as of yet at least. Is there any point planting them now? Is the fact they are so shrivelled a problem?

[bikermike]

If you aren't pressed for space, I'd plant them - worst that can happen is that they act as green manure.

[gardening_gal]

They'd be going in containers, I don't actually have ground for them. Sorry, I should have said that in the op.

[Nicos]

No harm in trying!
If they are very slow then try and keep them frost free as you would for Xmas spuds.

[Jimny14]

Have you got a greenhouse or light frost free shed they could live in? I'd plant em up and see. Depending on whether you could move the container when full (have a trolley etc) or not would decided for me where to place your containers. They'll be fine outside now but as mentioned may benefit from fros protection later.

[Penellype]

Charlotte is a variety that is often sold for "Christmas" new potatoes, for planting around July. I've tried these 3 times- the first lot worked fine, the other 2 got blight before any potatoes had formed. If you are lucky with blight and can protect the plants from early frost you should be fine planting potatoes in June.

[utini]

I'd plant them. In fact I've got a bag of Charlottes that I've deliberately kept back to use as a second crop when I've got some space. They'll be going in soon, in bags and flower buckets.

[gardening_gal]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for the replies, they will be going in today!

I do have a tunnel I could drag them into if needs be (and I also have a flatbed trolley thing and movers straps that I bought to help make moving furniture easier when I moved back here) so looks like it's definitely worth a go.

Thanks again all.

[Jay-ell]

I planted Charlotte last year in August and had new potatoes in November so plant them out.

[Snoop Puss]

^I've only recently planted mine out (first and second earlies). They've popped up in next to no time and are looking very healthy. If the dreaded blight holds off, you should be OK.

[Snadger]

I just planted three spuds today where there were gaps in the rows. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[bramble]

I planted up two half barrels of potatoes yesterday.
One was Pentland Javlin and cant remember the other ones.
Plant them rather than letting them go to waste.

[gardening_gal]

Thanks all, I always feel better when other peeps do similar.