Am I too late to chit potatoes this year?

[IslandAnne]

I would love to grow some potatoes this year but am I too late to start chitting???

This will be my first effort ever it will most probably be in potato sacks (due to lack of growing space) or large tubs if I can find some cheapish ones.

I take it I'll need to buy some seed potatoes - what would be a good variety to try? How are seed potatoes different to supermarket spuds - my ignorance is shocking

Are they okay to grow in multi-purpose compost - I don't have good soil.

Any other advice. Many thanks, Annexxx

PS is it best to use cardboard egg-cartons?

[Alison]

Don't chit them now, no need just get them planted. Multi purpose will be fine.


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[Alison]

Oh and seed potatoes aren't really different but are guaranteed disease free (not to say they won't get disease as they grow but at least they start off healthy ). I always go for seed spuds as I don't want to risk putting disease into my open ground but this isn't a problem if you grow in pots.


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[Loubear]

You'll probably be able to get seeds spuds for next to nothing in most of the garden centres now as they try to make room for summer stock. They might even have shoots on already. Good luck!


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[Potstubsdustbins]

If you want a cheapish large container go for a 80ltr black plastic dustbin. Keep the lid safe as this can be used for frost protection next season.

A the end of the season riddle the compost and store it in the bins with lid on, this will save you buying fresh every year.

[IslandAnne]

If you want a cheapish large container go for a 80ltr black plastic dustbin. Keep the lid safe as this can be used for frost protection next season.

A the end of the season riddle the compost and store it in the bins with lid on, this will save you buying fresh every year.

Thanks Potty.

Do you need to put drainage holes in the bottom of the dustbin?

I'm sorry but what do you mean "riddle the compost"?

[Alison]

Thanks Potty.

Do you need to put drainage holes in the bottom of the dustbin?

I'm sorry but what do you mean "riddle the compost"?

Yes to drainage holes and riddle is just a gardening term for sieving.


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[Potstubsdustbins]

I put 5 15mm holes in the bottom of each bin that way if one gets blocked it doesn't matter.

[Two_Sheds]

Do you need to put drainage holes in the bottom of the dustbin?

Yes, otherwise you've made a pond