[TheSpartacat]

Do they need chitting??
My MASSIVE bag of Kestrels arrived today and while I'm waiting on some space to get freed up (i'm bramble whacking) - should i be chitting them, or can they go straight into the ground?

And is there a last date where they can go in the ground, as I'd like to stagger the sowings if possible.
I think i may have over-estimated my need for seed.... its a massive bag! I presume that seed potatoes have been treated or something and unwise to eat any that i don't plant?

Ooooh I'm SO excited! :-)

[Weeble]

Most early type of potatoes are suitable for planting to use as a crop for Christmas spuds.
You can buy them now or plan ahead for next year by keeping a few of next years spuds in the fridge.

I've not tried this but you could also use this years spuds that chitted before summer and have been stored in their seed tray, making sure they are clear of aphid attack. As these are already chitted they can be planted slightly later than the non-chitted chilled ones.

You can start planting them out from early July to early August in the warm soil without the need for chitting. The potatoes will be ready for lifting from late October, or as soon as the foliage is fully grown.

Be aware that potatoes are frost-tender, so growing them late in the year can be a problem. However, if you cover them over with fleece they should be fine. I make sure the compost, has sufficient nutrients to maintain growth right through to harvesting without the bother of additional feeding.

[mumofstig]

You may as well put them in the light to chit, while you carry on digging. They probably need at least 12 weeks growing to get a fair yield........so need to go at the latest 12 weeks before your first expected frost.
If you are growing them in the ground, how do you intend to protect them from the cold during november and december? Most people grow them in tubs so that they can be moved into shelter, when the weather worsens.

[evie2]

Do they need chitting??

What's chitting?

[sunshineband]

Chitting is letting the little shoots start growing before you plant the potato. The potato needs to be in good light so that the shoots are short and stocky not long and thin. Shoots are often dark coloured: green or purple 

[evie2]

Thank you Sunshineband

[harry]

I'm going to plant them straight in the ground without chitting :blink: