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Seed potatoes?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Cannyfullpots, Aug 2, 2015.

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  1. Anzia

    Anzia Gardener

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    Oh no! I must have *just* made it then. What a shame.
     
    Anzia, Aug 18, 2015
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  2. Cannyfullpots

    Cannyfullpots Gardener

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    Think I'll give up on autumn planting potatoes & just chuck some leaves around instead:heehee::autlvs:
     
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      Cannyfullpots, Aug 18, 2015
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    • kazzawazza

      kazzawazza Total Gardener

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      I was reading on the internet the other day that you can make your own seed potatoes -
      Step 1
      Look for potatoes that already have dimples. That's where the eye of the potato will grow. The eye is actually the beginnings of a new plant. Grocery stores often have several different kinds of potatoes, including red, fingerlings, russet, purple and Yukon gold. Potatoes in stores are treated to resist sprouting. Either buy organic potatoes or buy more potatoes than you think you'll need for sprouting.
      Step 2
      Place potatoes where they will receive light but not where it's hot and dry. The potatoes should send up sprouts in a week or two. One trick is to place the potatoes in cardboard egg cartons so they don't roll around.
      Step 3
      Cut the potatoes so that each piece has one or two sprouts and a good amount of potato, about 1 1/2 inches square for each seed.
      Step 4
      Let the cuts heal over into a callus, which should only take a day or two. Your seed potatoes are now ready to plant.

      I have never tried it though.
       
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        kazzawazza, Aug 18, 2015
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Best to buy 'certified' seed potatoes rather than from the supermarket/store/greengrocer. That way you don't run the risk of getting pests and diseases, 'certified' don't cost a great deal more either.

        'certified' means they are 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. Personally for a few pence more I wouldn't risk growing saved or shop bought seed.
         
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          JWK, Aug 18, 2015
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        • Cannyfullpots

          Cannyfullpots Gardener

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          My potato order finally turned up yesterday....:rolleyespink::yes:

          What do I do with them now? :dunno:
           
          Cannyfullpots, Jan 13, 2016
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          If they are early potatoes you need to start 'chitting', I use old egg boxes on a north facing window-sill, put individual spuds with most of the 'eyes' upwards, they need to be kept cool (but frost free) and lots of light. The idea is to encourage the 'chits' to form, chits are the little spouts that grow from the eye. You're aiming to get the chits stubby around 3/4 to an inch in size by the time you plant them (say in a months time).
           
          JWK, Jan 13, 2016
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          I'll be planting some of my early ones in containers in the greenhouse around then, if they are going straight into the soil then delay for another few weeks.
           
          JWK, Jan 13, 2016
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        • Steve R

          Steve R Soil Furtler

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          A few of us from our allotment site buy our seed potatoes direct from the supplier that supplies every other distributer in the country, they are just up the road from us and we collect them at the end of January and store them in a cool and dark place until we start to chit them around the end of February.

          I plant all of mine in the ground outside at the end of March, many consider this too early because of late frosts but I am aware of this and ready with fleece to cover the crop if necessary. Planting any earlier than this must be done inside.

          My rough guide to planting/growing including a calendar. http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/potato-confusion.93120/#post-916413

          There is a post from me two posts below the above one that shows correctly chitted spuds and why they are.

          Steve...:)
           
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            Steve R, Jan 14, 2016
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          • Cannyfullpots

            Cannyfullpots Gardener

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            :yikes:Totally forgot about my order from the allotment shop!!
            image.jpeg
            Thats a whole lotta tatties!! :snorky::yikes:
             
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              Cannyfullpots, Jan 19, 2016
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