Too late for spuds?

[danniiangel]

Hi all

I think my spuds have failed as I earthed them up too much and there has been no sign of them for weeks now and a rummage around revealed no leaves left beneath the soil. Is it too late to plant more spuds now?

Thanks

[hollychap]

if you have some get them in there still on sale near me

[rustylady]

Never earth them up above the leaves. You should always leave some green showing.

[danniiangel]

Are there any varieties I should go for to plant now?

[WendyC]

I would look for first or even second earlies on the basis they are quickest growing and we are well into the growing season so limited number of weeks. Good luck!

[Two_Sheds]

there has been no sign of them for weeks now

Did you have some foliage then?
You shouldn't cover it all up, because the leaves need the sun to photosynthesise. However, I would've expected them to survive, even if they were weak and spindly. Did they rot in too much rain?

Spuds need 3 months of good weather really: you're pushing it. You also need to think about and prepare for blight if that comes your way August time (where are you? perhaps put it into your profile)

[danniiangel]

I did have foliage. I suspect they may have rotted in the rain. I'm in London and we've had lots of rain, and my plot is clay soil so it really holds onto the moisture.

[rustylady]

Danni, can you edit your profile to include your location please? Then it will save us having to keep asking.

[danniiangel]

Will it matter that they're not chitted? Just about to buy some online.

[Two_Sheds]

Chitting is something we do when there's still frost around, to get the spuds started. It's not necessary now

[danniiangel]

Oh, OK. That's great - thank you.

[kathyd]

Don't people sometimes plant spuds late to get them in time for Xmas?

[donnakebab]

I'm thinking of trying that this year.

[Kaiya]

Isn't that usually in bags etc. indoors though to ensure they survive first frosts?

[kathyd]

Isn't that usually in bags etc. indoors though to ensure they survive first frosts?

I think so Kaiya yes - but I don't know when they should be planted. IF we got any sunshine, then having them in a gh or tunnel might overheat them? If you leave them too late, they won't grow in time. Any suggestions?