My first spuds!

[Flummery]

Just emptied a 12" pot in which I put one Arran Pilot seed spud on Feb 12th. It was wrapped in industrial bubble wrap and fleeced over initially and kept in the greenhouse. As it had had 3 calendar months I tipped it out today (wanted the tub and the greenhouse space) and harvested a pound and a quarter of lovely new potatoes. I have another the same with a Lady Chrystl in and a big shrub tub with 3 Anya which has been outside for a few weeks. They will keep me in 'tasters' till the garden and lottie spunds are ready. It's always worth a punt!

[brooklynodog]

Had they flowered? Mine have been in their pots for nearly that long, but no flowering yet.

[Flummery]

No - Arran pilot didn't flower for me in the garden last year either. I go by the length of time they have been in - waiting for flowering isn't necessary with earlies as some of them don't flower.

[Novice Gardener]

Oh wow, well done. I can't wait for mine to be ready

[brooklynodog]

I might have a look at my first batch in that case. I succession planted about 8 pots of first earlies

[HeyWayne]

Way to go Ma. My Arrans have only just started coming through the ground - planted them long after you did, so I reckon I'm a while off yet.

Yours look like good spuds though!

[Stuart14]

I can't remember when I planted mine. I planted 3 seed potatoes in a 12" bucket. Did 3 seperate buckets, so hoping for a good crop. The plants are growning thick and fast now, so I guess there should be something happening in the soil!

Do you water them often?

[jacob marley]

theres always something special about the first earlie spuds majic well done jacob

[brooklynodog]

I have been having to water mine every day lately because of the heat wave, twice sometimes else they go limp

[Growem]

I'm always unsure how much to water my potatoes. Right now, they seem to be doing fine, but I always think with the hot weather maybe I should do more. But are potatoes like carrots - too much water means too much green foilage and not enough good stuff below?

[Two_Sheds]

I have been having to water mine every day lately because of the heat wave, twice sometimes else they go limp

too much. It's really not necessary.

[brooklynodog]

If they are in pots and allowed to go limp will they not suffer from it then?

[Stuart14]

How will I know when to harvest my Spuds?

[busylizzie]

I didn't know some earlies didn't flower, I've been patiently waiting for any sign of flowering on my enormous Red Duke of York plants but no sign yet! Maybe I will have a little rootle around and see what I can find...

[Nicos]

If they are in pots and allowed to go limp will they not suffer from it then?

I'd water them...but they may be less stressed in a slightly more sheltered place next time.
Remember to check the moisture level a few inches deep though- not on the surface.
I would water anything which limps, but moving it's position would be better cos it's not really very good watering partway through the day and then the strong sun heating up the water- and any on the leaves could scorch them