[domw001]

I was having a think today about what to do with my seed spuds when I chit them.

Two years ago I left them in the shed and mice got at them 

Last year I put them in my mini greenhouse. They were untouched by mice but the process took longer and "chits" were smaller because there was too much light.

This year I was planning to put them back in the greenhouse again and try and exclude some light to help the chitting along.

Anyway the problem I see is that of potential frost.

I lost about 30% of my winter-stored spuds in the shed this year      and I am guessing that the seed spuds could be affected as well if it turns cold and nasty again.

Should I just risk it or does anyone have any other ideas?

[mumofstig]

They need to be cool, but frost free, and with as much light as possible.
Chits should be smallish.......long chits can easily get broken off during planting

Greenhouse is good unless we have a return to freezing day & night temps. In a normal spring giving them a bit of extra protection at night is all that's needed IMO

[DD.]

You need light when chitting you are actually after small study shoots, not long weak white ones.

I'd revert to the greehouse idea!

[DD.]

Snap - just about!

[domw001]

You need light when chitting you are actually after small study shoots, not long weak white ones.

I'd revert to the greehouse idea!

Agreed, but I find there is too much light in the greenhouse and the shoots are not as developed as I would like (ideally i am looking for 5-10 mm or half an inch in proper money)

So if  blackout the roof and a couple of sides I think i should have the right amount of light.

May keep the frost out too.

[DD.]

I don't think size matters, in fact a lot of people don't think chitting matters at all.

If you believe in chitting, then the aim is to kick start the spud into life. This you've achieved no matter what the length of chit is.

[mumofstig]

the smaller shoots are probably a result of cool temperatures, rather than lack of light.
If they do not grow as long as you would like, then move them somewhere a little warmer, but still in as much light as possible.

[Stevens706]

If you are putting them in the greenhouse just give them a covering of a couple of layers of fleece, it will protect from frost and if it's important to you, reduce the light a little.

[JayG]

I think this thread needs to lighten up, if only for the benefit of the seed spuds!

Cool but frost-free, plenty of light (but not over-strong); a north-facing window-sill in a cool room is ideal (you are aiming for firm, purple chits, up to but not more than an inch long, which you won't get if you deprive them of light.)

As I've recently said elsewhere mine chit slowly and happily for literally months when kept in those conditions. 

[Salmo]

Store cool, frost free and dry until you want to start chitting. Light or dark does not matter at this stage.

About 6 weeks before your target planting date bring them into the warm and light for a week or so to break their dormancy.

Once you can see new chits(buds) put them into cool and light conditions. Not too cool or they will not develop. Too warm and they will dry out. Light will keep the chits short.

Later you will see nodules forming round the bases of the chits. These will develop into roots as soon as they are planted.