[mashbintater]

Hi people!

Is it worth planting old seed potatoes? I've read they produce a high yield but the seeds aren't strong enough to produce decent sized tubers. As they're pentland javelins would it matter being new pots or would I end up with marble sized pots??
The sprouts have tiny white hairs growing on them which I read indicate old seeds. Would it help if I ensured good feeding? I intend growing them in a potato barrell, & don't want to fork out for compost if it isn't worth it.
Sorry so many questions, thanks for any replies.

[Steve.P]

Hi,

Not sure what you mean by old seed tats. Are they ones brought early this year, if so get them in the ground but cover with some fleece if you have some as there is a cold snap on its way.

[mashbintater]

Thanks fr your reply Steve P
Yes I bought them this year from poundland, I thought I'd risk them as all other foostuffs I've bought from there have been really good.

I've no ground space so should I plant them in my potato barrell now?

[woodburner]

That's not old. As long as they haven't rotted they should be fine, a bit of shrivelling doesn't matter. I'm just starting to chit mine to go out later in the month. If the chits are getting long, put them somewhere light as well as cool.

[mashbintater]

Thanks woodburner.
So the tiny hairs on the chits don't indicate anything in particular then? I've just asked my hubby to pick me up large bags of compost on his travels as I've not enough of my own to use. I'll plant them when this spell of rain stops.

Thanks people 
 

[woodburner]

I suppose they "might" be mould, but it's usually more obvious than that if they're rotten. (They STINK!)
It's more likely that they are tiny roots forming. (They are usually around the tips of slightly bigger roots. - They have a name but I'm blowed if I can remember )

[Steve.P]

That's not old. As long as they haven't rotted they should be fine, a bit of shrivelling doesn't matter. I'm just starting to chit mine to go out later in the month. If the chits are getting long, put them somewhere light as well as cool.

Ive just turned 40 this year. I have noticed a bit of shriveling this year but i dont think i'm rotten yet so should also be ok

[horsepooisgood]

Blimey Dteve you wait till you turn 50, theres lots of shrivelling then