Another Potato Question

[veggiemad]

Hi all,

It's my first time growing potatoes which are currently in the greenhouse doing really well. This has given me confidence to actually plant some more in the garden when I have my raised beds in place.

My question is how long do potatoes need to be chitted for? I'm worried that I won't be able to plant them out until June and if so, would it be too late given that they would need to mature for 20 weeks. Wondering if I've missed the boat

[zazen999]

No - just plant them. They don't need to be chitted and chitting happens naturally as it's just 'breaking dormancy' and they do that themselves once the shortest day has passed.

[veggiemad]

Oh right - so I can just plant them straight in? Will order my tubers tonight, was thinking of planting Maris Piper and possibly King Edwards.

[Two_Sheds]

Just what Zaz said: there's no need to chit at all. We chit them indoors to get them started while it's still too cold to plant them outside ~ it's just a headstart is all.

You might find them in short supply now though: most sales are made in Jan/Feb

And yes, you just dig a hole and drop them in

[Florence Fennel]

I'm late this time too as I was undecided about spuds this year. I'm putting some in tubs and a few in the ground. Got them cheap from Thompson and Morgan, 20 for £2.99, they're a Sarpo, but can't remember which without looking at the packing. They'll go in unchitted and I know that's ok. Welcome to the Vine BTW.

[Lottie Babe]

Get them in! I usually buy mine after the New Year and let them chit in the garage. But my late dad never used to chit his and he had great results. As well as buying my seed potatoes I've bought a dozen shop bought spuds (Lincolns) I have put them into the green recycling bags that the council no longer need. They are starting to come through already.

[briggsy2011]

I got mine from tattieman, and they are growing like a dream! my first earlies are all earth up to the brim of my tubs. They have survived the frosts outside as I made sure they were covered with soli and fleece. x

[Moo's Mum]

I've got 2 rows in and a big pot. I've just been out now to earth them up again as they're poking through! I've got some more that need planting out, but haven't got around to it yet. My grandad always said they've got 2 chances, either they'll grow or they wont, so I'll give them a go and see what happens To be honest, I would've thought with all the terrible weather we've been having that a lot of people are a wee bit behind.