First and Second Early Spuds
18th February 2010, by Dan Walford

‘Chitting’ Potatoes
This week I bought my early seed potatoes from the huge variety that’s now available at most garden retailers.
I’ve chosen to start off with Charlotte (great as a salad potato, but can also be boiled and roasted) and Estima (an excellent mash and jacket spud). Make sure you pick a variety that suits your taste.
I’ve placed mine in egg boxes (but a wooden tray would be fine) ensuring each tuber has the rose-end pointing up. You might even be able to see the potato eyes starting to grow. Place them in a light and frost-free room so they develop sturdy green shoots. They will be ready for planting outside at the end of March, or beginning of April, for harvesting from the end of June.
To get the biggest crops it’s important to ‘chit’ your seed before planting.
I grow mine in the veg plot at the bottom of the garden, but if you have limited garden space then a Miracle-Gro Potato & Vegetable Gro-sac maybe the answer. Carefully push your seed potato (with the shoots facing upwards) into the loosened compost to a depth of approximately 25cm (10in). Take care not to damage the shoots as you plant the seeds and ensure the potatoes are evenly spaced and not touching each other. Each gro-sac is suitable for 5 seed potatoes so you can expect to grow quite a nice crop from each one.
No comments | Filed under: Fruit/Vegetables | Freshness: 163 days ago
Comments are closed for this article.
Latest blog entries:
Millions Of UK Gardeners Prepare To Face Hose Pipe Bans
23rd July 2010, by Dan Walford
Keep Summer Flowers Looking Their Best - For Longer
5th July 2010, by John Clowes
A dry summer's predicted - plan ahead with drought tolerant plants
9th June 2010, by Lucy Summers
Blog categories:
Flower Gardening (6)
Fruit/Vegetables (5)
Miscellaneous (3)
Weeding (1)
Chelsea Show (4)



Latest blog entries
23/07/10
09:10
Millions Of UK Gardeners Prepare To Face Hose Pipe Bans
05/07/10
17:38
Keep Summer Flowers Looking Their Best - For Longer
09/06/10
17:41
A dry summer's predicted - plan ahead with drought tolerant plants
Latest forum posts
29/07/10
21:06 by JNoel
Patch Magic
25/07/10
18:37 by ceebee
EverGreen Complete Soluble Lawn Feed
22/07/10
15:58 by Mrs P
Nectarine pest
Featured user photos
< Previous Photo Next Photo >
Leyland Cypress 15' x 40' x 8' - depth
St John Ambulance Giant Plant Sale
Eastbrook Primary School Garden
Top of the toms
Wisley Filming
A welcome visitor!
Photo sent in by Mr Price of his Christmas Cactus
Chelsea Baskets
Keep informed
Site Map | Product Ingredients | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Careers | Contact Us
© 2005-2010 The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company