Tatties

For the first time, I am going to give some tatties a try - they will be in my big blue containers, so should have plenty of room.

I am thinking of going for International Kidney, as they are almost dual purpose - waxy/salad type if lifted young, or floury if left to mature.

So, any pitfalls I need to look out for?

 

I always grow a few containers of early spuds every year, I've gone for 'Rocket' as I've found them the best taste & yield and don't break up when boiled. International Kidney is a good choice too (aka Jersey Royals) - they are second earlies so will be ready a month or so after 'Rocket'.

Getting them off to a good start and keeping them frost free and well watered are the keys. Last year I started chitting mine indoors on a bright windowsill in late Feb. Then I planted them in mid-April, 2 tubers in old recycling boxes with Wickes MPC. These were in my unheated greenhouse, so I had to cover them once or twice with fleece when frost was forecast. Don't bother with earthing up early/2nd early spuds there is no gain, just plant them half way down the container and cover with compost. The containers come outside when all risk of frost has passed and need a good sunny spot. Mine were ready at the beginning of June. Obviously the longer you leave them the more yield, my first container gave me 1.36kg, two weeks later the second container gave 2.2kg, followed by 3kg from the 3rd container another week later.

Watering is difficult to gauge in a container, you'll be surprised how much they need once the foliage gets going. If you have a sheltered garden they will do OK outside if greenhouse space is limited, they will just be a bit later.

 

Thanks all

Could I earth them up a few times to build on depth (as in plant them quite close to the bottom of the tub and then build up from there) to give a few layers, or am I best only earthing up once or twice?

 

I've found earthing up doesn't make any difference in terms of yield for early/second earlies, you just need to ensure there is an inch or two covering the tubers to prevent them going green. So just plant in the middle of the container about 4 - 5 inches deep.

@Zigs has a few photos of Pink Fir Apple earthing up that have caused some 'debate' in the past

 

Hmmmm, I am wondering if I should look at getting some late ones to replace them once they are harvested? How fussy are they for going into a container that has previously been occupied by tatties?

 

Very fussy FC, they will need fresh compost - all sorts of nasty bugs build up in the soil with potatoes (& toms).

 

Fresh compost isn't too much of a biggie - I use the spent stuff on my borders and lawn; my thinking being that more organic matter has to be better

 

Funny you should mention using Morrisons potatoes, as I was just about to ask that very question - I have around 8kg of spuds sitting that are already sprouting eyes; no idea what variety they are without looking, but what differentiates seed potatoes from these ordinary eating spuds?

 

Seed potatoes are 'certified' meaning they are guaranteed free from viruses, bacteria, eelworm etc, grown in controlled conditions away from any disease/pest sources. The seed packet will have a label stating the certification and assuring you of the health and quality of the potatoes. Most seed potatoes are grown in Scotland these days, better growing conditions up there and less bugs.

Personally for a few pence more I wouldn't risk growing saved or shop bought seed. You are going to a lot of effort to grow your own so don't gamble on planting something that may result in a crop failure.

Another thing is that supermarket spuds are often chemically treated to suppress chitting, so even if yours have sprouts growing already they may be very sluggish to get going if ever.

 

Are there any companion plants that I should be considering to ward beasties off?