Spuds in Greenhouse for christmas??

[Edwardo82]

Dear all,

Is it possible to grow some spuds in my Greenhouse to possibly eat over Christmas and new year? I might be a little late but I am always up for a challenge.

Please let me know what you all think.

Many Thanks in advance

[piskieinboots]

I would say you are too late to be honest. Mine are a fair way on now, even to the fact that I have had to de-flower (!) them already.

[Two_Sheds]

Even 'normal' spuds take about 3 months to crop...

[porterlizz]

=Even 'normal' spuds take about 3 months to crop...
__________________
~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

I read that as 'Even "normal" spuds take about 3 months to crop... Gandhi'

[Edwardo82]

I thought so, thanks guys, might have a dig anyway to get some earlier in the year, always worth a go.

Thanks again

[rdmstff]

Christmas spuds

We purchased spuds specially for Christmas to be grown in tubs, followed the instructions to the letter, disaster, most expensive spuds we have ever had.

[leicestershirelass]

We purchased spuds specially for Christmas to be grown in tubs, followed the instructions to the letter, disaster, most expensive spuds we have ever had.

We tried growing potatoes for Xmas last year .. planted them in polytunnel - they weren't ready for Xmas and still waiting several months later.

We wouldn't bother with Xmas potatoes again as they took up space that we wanted for other veg during spring + they had a dire effect on some tomato plants that we planted nearby. All future potatoes will be planted outside.

In fact we're still eating potatoes grown on veg and wouldn't be surprised if we still have a few left that we will be eating in December. Next year we're going to grow more outside as they seem to keep well once picked and stored.

[maytreefrannie]

Leicestershire Lass, I agree with what you say about taking up space and all, but I've a bucket in a teeny-tiny greenhouse with a couple of spuds (Queens I think) in it - I feel it's worth a try. I don't have any tomatoes of course at this time of the year.

Last year I tried potatoes in a bin for Christmas, the greenery grew brilliantly until I forgot to cover for frost - and that was the end of them.

[leicestershirelass]

Leicestershire Lass, I agree with what you say about taking up space and all, but I've a bucket in a teeny-tiny greenhouse with a couple of spuds (Queens I think) in it - I feel it's worth a try. I don't have any tomatoes of course at this time of the year.

Last year I tried potatoes in a bin for Christmas, the greenery grew brilliantly until I forgot to cover for frost - and that was the end of them.

Hi - I agree .. if you don't try different veg / planting techniques you don't know what works and what doesn't.

That's why I like this site as it gives an insight into what people are growing and doing on their plots.

Good luck with your buckets of spuds .. I noticed yesterday that we have some shoots appearing in our compost bin .. maybe we'll have some for Xmas afterall ...

Has anyone tried growing them in a stack of old tyres?

[Brengirl]

Yes I did. What a palava! I was (am) a pure novice and enthusiastically kept topping up with yet another tyre. Apart from the continual trek to the recycle depot for tyres it cost an absolute fortune in compost. And yes, I did get no potatoes.

[maytreefrannie]

I think I may have posted about this before so sorry if I sound repetitive - I've tried potatoes for the last few years and got none - even last year, when I had a little plastic greenhouse. This wasn't warm at all, the zips on the opening were torn, but I thought it might provide some protection. Anyway, result - zilch.

However, it doesn't stop me trying again - this year we have a polytunnel which is much more protected and I have planted one per each bin and ------ da da!!! still hoping to eat new potatoes for Christmas.

For anyone who'd be keeping them outdoors, it's a good idea to watch for frost and protect them - which I forgot to do, each year I tried them outside.

[The Large One]

Well, i'm always the optomist
planted some in bags last weekend and will keep moving them around to follow the sun/warmth and eventually into the plastic greenhouse and see what happens

[nomis]

what happens if you do not deflower them?

[chris]

Nothing. I've left the flowers on mine - some set fruit (which is poisonous btw, don't eat them) - and I've had a great crop. I'm also planning on saving some of the seed for an experiement next spring

[Alison]

what happens if you do not deflower them?

In theory they put energy into producing flowers and fruits rather than spuds so you get a smaller crop but I'm not really convinced it makes much difference.