pot sowing in orkney or shetland

[diana]

Is there anyone out there who lives in Orkney or Shetland (im in Orkney) that has planted there early pots yet?

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I don't remember seeing any of the Grapes living in Orkney or Shetland, there a few Grapes in and around Inverness, Tain and I think I've seen a Grape from Skye. I'm in Ayrshire and will not be putting my tatties in until at least mid-March, the weather is too cold and unpredictable.

[sewer rat]

Is there anyone out there who lives in Orkney or Shetland (im in Orkney) that has planted there early pots yet?

Hi Diana.
Jennie Atkinson is in Shetland and Birdiewife is in Caithness - I think they are the two furthest North that I know of, though with the Vine growing so quickly recently, I can't be certain of that.
I have serious doubts as to whether early pots are in anywhere in Scotland just now - the ground is way too cold. I'm sure Jennie of Bwife will answer your query shortly.

[Flummery]

I haven't even planted any in East Yorkshire yet!

[diana]

One thing to remember about Orkney is we do not get many frost but have had quite a lot of snow this year which is unusual and yesterday was like spring.

[Flummery]

I would have thought the wind chill factor from the usual high winds you get would have contributed to the dying back of potato foliage if they're up too early?

[diana]

Yes true but not sure how much that affects the growth of the tubers anyone know?

[snohare]

I'm in the centre of Aberdeen and the soil here is frozen to a depth of several inches with snow on top; further inland there is a much worse ground frost with two feet of snow above it. I cannot see that the Isles will be any better as the weather there if anything tends to be worse, with more heat loss from the ground over the winter as you go further North.
Only a lunatic would be sticking tatties outside in these conditions ! (Unless they had a polytunnel of course. Or were really bored and desperate to garden...)

[Two_Sheds]

Diana, you sound desperate to plant.
Why not pop one or two in and let us know how they get on?

[snohare]

Yes, it will give us all an excellent excuse to give in to temptation and do some planting ourselves !

[diana]

I will do it tomorrow WHATCH THIS SPACE

[diana]

Sorry never could spell (watch)

[diana]

I hate to tell you you are wrong snohare but you are, we do not get the frost you get on the mainland the wind is our main problem I could go out now and dig my whole garden if it was not so wet. Remember we are in the gulf stream up here which prevents us getting the frost.

[snohare]

I believe you Diana, I hadn't realised that you guys got the Gulf Stream. I know what an amazing difference one tiny gyre of it makes to us at Findhorn just along the coast, if you have that on your side then I can only say I am envious !
(Apart from the wind. Do you guys ever get to walk totally upright ? )

[diana]

Well Snohare you are right this time no we dont get to walk upright