"New" potato's

[COMPOST CORNER]

As I have read of first earlies being grown in greenhouses/poly tunnels for Christmas dinner, I was wondering if this meant I could re-plant a few of my first crop of first or second earlies to get "new" potato's throughout the summer? Any ideas

[mrandmrs]

I read 1 of my dad's ancient books the other day and this is what they recommended but I haven't actually don't it so only going by what I have read. Maybe someone who has do it will come along soon.

[Sanjo]

As I have read of first earlies being grown in greenhouses/poly tunnels for Christmas dinner, I was wondering if this meant I could re-plant a few of my first crop of first or second earlies to get "new" potato's throughout the summer? Any ideas

I asked this question last year and Two Sheds advised me that yes you can. Just put them in the bottom of the fridge in the salad drawer, in a paper bag marked as Christmas spud so that nobody eats it.
Come August, pop it into your growing bag (outside) and when it starts to get chilly put it in the greenhouse.
I did this last year and had new potatoes for Boxing Day lunch. Not a massive amount per bag (about 1lb -1 1/2lbs) but it was all home grown.
Hope that helps.

[Keith2202]

Would frost in the winter kill the growth if they were just left outside?
Would it work in a 4 tier mini greenhouse or would it be too cold?

Cheers

[bluemoon]

Frost would kill the top growth, but they could be protected with a fleece. I believe that a second early 'salad' potato, such as Charlotte, works best.

[teakdesk]

Would frost in the winter kill the growth if they were just left outside?

Yes, and growth can be a bit slow in late autumn so start the tubers off a little earlier than during spring to allow for a few more weeks of growth.

Would it work in a 4 tier mini greenhouse or would it be too cold?

Yes, and in London you probably have warmer autumns than we do!!!

[Demeter]

I grew charlottes "for Christmas" last year - planted them fairly late (late August) and the plants got frosted and died long before Christmas (late October) - plastic greenhouse wasn't quite up to the job

Well, I just sort of shrugged - "that's that" - left the buckets as they were, foliage all rotted away. When I came to empty the bucket in early spring I found potatoes inside! Not many, but enough to encourage me to have another go this year! Even if I can't keep the thing alive until Christmas, if I plant earlier, say in July, espcially if the weather is a little kinder through the late autumn period, I've a good chance of potatoes. Haven't yet decided which variety to plant, as I'm growing so many different ones this year!

[HayleyB]

hmmmmm, maybe I'll give this a go with my charlottes in the conservatory then...... Useful

[markwcel]

we tried last year and didnt work...not gonna chit them this year to see if that makes a difference

[Snadger]

Best if you can keep some of your original seed tatties in cool conditions and just plant later!
It's very hitty missy and after a couple of years of trying I've given up...........unless I intend to heat the greenhouse over winter which is highly unlikely!