Potatoes in Pots

[TimH]

I've chitted three sets of potatoes and placed them in three potato bags but I'm confused,
I've read many instruction about planting them in bags.

1. 4" of compost in the bottom and sink the seeds half way down and then cover the potato including the green shoots in compost.

2. 4" of compost in the bottom and sink the seeds half way down, cover but leave the shoots exposed.

3. 4" of compost in the bottom and sink the seeds half way down,cover with about 3" of compost.

Which is the right way (all 3??), and what do people do the most?


Cheers

Tim.

[selfraising]

Hi Tim
Well I follow the third option on your list. It doesn't help does it when instructions are so varied?

[zazen999]

I don't think it matters...but in more northern and thus colder conditions, I cover mine with 4 inches of compost so that the foliage will be growing up and out of the soil as the chances of frosts are lessening.

[Victoria26]

I put them in a bag with around 5" of compost at the bottom and then cover them with
2" covering the shoots and top up the compost everytime i see the shhots appear. Look for tattieman on here. he has posted a cracking thread about this!

Good luck

[TimH]

I was torn between 1 and 3 myself.

[tattieman]

Right way wrong way it is all about what works for you and the conditions that you will grow the spuds in dependant on the area you are in. I have a short guide in the top tips section for people to read.
I wonder if a MOD could lift my chitting guide and container growing guide and make it one thread as a sticky on this page?

[gojiberry]

Initially I always completely cover the potato chit as well. Then once the shoot has emerged I never completely cover the growing tip and usually leave a couple of leaves so the plant can photosynthasise which makes a stronger plant. If you are going to completely cover the growing tip each time it appears you might just as well fill the bag in one go and save yourself time. It is the same on the lottie never cover the growing tip (unless frost is forecast).

Ian