Tatties

[Doggler]

Hello, another new girl to the world of growing veg. I'm having to grow all my veg in pots and have a quick question on 'tatos. I've planted some Maris Peer in a couple of barrels and have just been given some Nicola, Melody and more Maris Peer. The thing is these ones haven't chitted yet and I'm not sure what the latest date I can plant them is? Can anyone help?

[WiZeR]

Dont worry too much about chitting, just bung them in now, they wil come up/

[dwrudd]

Absolutely spot on Wizer, there is much discussion on whether or not chitting is required and Monty Don did an experiment last year where he planted some and chitted others first. No real difference between the two.

Don't worry, get them in and enjoy the results, but remember to earth up the spuds in the bags to get the best result.

Just plant the potato seed ni the bottom of the container and when the shoot is about 2to3 inches tall, add some more soil 'just' to the top of the shhot. Keep doing this until you fill the container and the crop will be fantastic.

Good luck,

Darren

[Doggler]

Great. Will give it a go. One more question, how often do I need to water them? I read somewhere that veg is thirstier in pots than in the ground but I don't want to drown them.

[SueA]

It depends on the weather Doggler, if it's hot & sunny you might need to water every day. If not once a week may be enough.

[Doggler]

Many, many thanks for this advice. Most of the books/websites I've seen just deal with growing in the ground so I've been a bit confused. With any luck I might have a European potato mountain by the end of the summer!

[Doggler]

Sorry, another question. What about maincrop potatoes. I've got some "Melody" should I have planted those too by now?

[Lesley Jay]

Doggler you need to get the maincrop potatoes in now aswell.

[Doggler]

OK! Get a bit confused about when to plant First Earlies, 2nd Earlies etc. All a very steep learning curve but am loving every minute of this.

[JennieAtkinson]

Glad you asked the question about watering Doggler. I'm growing in bags and I seem to be watering them an awful lot. Hope that is ok.