Christmas Spuds

[Sue - F]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, this is my first post, just wondered if anyone can help, I put some spuds in (Marfona) on the bank holiday weekend for xmas. I bought 2 packs of 6 from local garden centre, so far only 3 seem to be doing anything, should I be seeing more signs of life or have I been unlucky ??

[northepaul]

Where abouts did you plant them Sue?
Welcome to the Vine By the way

[chris]

Welcome to the vine.

Did you plant deep? Or are you earthing up as they're appearing?

You'll need to protect them from frost, if they're in containers - move them somewhere frost free, else if in the ground and planted deeply enough a thick covering with straw would help protect the halums.

[Sue - F]

Thanks for your fast reply, I've planted them in the garden, about 4-5ins deep as instructed on pack, it said they didn't need chitting - so I didn't, 3 are coming on really well, lots of greenery.......

[Sue - F]

Hi, Thanks for fast reply, I've planted them in the garden about 4-5ins deep, I've not eaerhed up yet as only 3 of the 12 are showing any greenery, do you think I've lost the others or is it a case of wait and see..?

[chris]

You'll need to start earthing them up (drawing soil up around the stalks (halums)), or you can use grass clippings, shredded paper, or a mix of all three. This stops the tubers forming from growing green... you really do need to think how you'll protect them from the frost though, they'll go all mushy otherwise. Unfortunately this isn't mentioned for "Christmas" spuds.

Check out the new shoots forum - there's a thread on there called potatoes made easy, loads of info for xmas spuds in there

Edit:

here it is: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...1-a_26499.html

[zazen999]

I have to say - these are usually grown in bags or pots in greenhouses- so don't be upset if they don't grow big potatoes for you.

[Sue - F]

Oh dear, it did say on the pack that they could be planted in the garden as long as they are protected from frost, I plan to cover with straw/fleece when it gets colder, I'll just have to keep an eye on them...

[Sue - F]

thing is Chris there's not much to earth up yet, that's the problem, most of them don't seem to be doing much....thanks for the link by the way. Sue

[Florence Fennel]

Welcome to the Vine Sue and good luck with your potatoes for Yule, I've never managed to get any the frost gets there first. Hope you get a harvest.

[chris]

You could have a gentle poke around to see, but be careful as you can easily snap a sprouting shoot! If not, just earth up as normal and hope for the best - they could just be later in coming through.

[pauco]

Hi Sue-F, welcome to the Vine from me too. Good luck with your spuds.


paul.

[tattieman]

I would have a look below the surface as said earlier and see what is there. If 3 of them are germinating then the rest should be thinking of doing something as well.

[Bigmallly]

Good luck with your crimbo tatties Sue, I planted some 15" deep as I don't intent to earth them up. They are in a bubblewrap cage so not sure how they will do. My concern is whether I need to water them if & when they start showing. It's just an experiment for me so not too worried if there is a no show.

[Alison]

Mine are in tubs ready to put in the greenhouse in a few weeks.