[rhysdad]

Whether i'm mad or not i don't know but i'm attempting Christmas spuds this year. I've only grown spuds in bags before but this time they are in the open plot. I got my seed spuds and planted them roughly 14/15" apart in rows 18" apart. I added some MP compost in the bottom of the trench along with a liberal supply of FBB. I earthed them up straightaway (may have committed first foul there) and watered them in well. I watered the ridges again 3 days later and i'm wondering how often i need to water them initially. I don't want them rotting in the ground. The weather here is warmish and dryish at the moment so any water is what i'm adding.... Thanks for any advice. BTW i'm growing Charlotte and Orla...

[mumofstig]

Think about how you are going to protect them once the winter frosts start, bearing in mind we had snow in December last year 

[DD.]

Mum's right - they're going to need a lot of protection.

Most folk tend to grow them in containers which can be more easily protected or moved to shelter.

[rhysdad]

I did wonder about cold protection but they both say you can harvest from October. If this IS the case and they don't last until Christmas then 'what the hey' but i'm going to try. As for my real query, have i planted them sort of right and is the watering about right? too much/little?? Thanks for the replies as well MOS and DD.

[DD.]

October is not really that far away and I doubt you'd have much of a crop by then.

In any case - it's not really Christmas, which is what you said you were aiming for!

[rhysdad]

October is not really that far away and I doubt you'd have much of a crop by then.

In any case - it's not really Christmas, which is what you said you were aiming for!

I know Dave!! We'll see! Now, as for the planting....? am i about right?

[snowdrops]

I don't know about anyone else but they shouldn't need watering. You want them to find their own water. I haven't & never water my potatoes & my 1st earlies -rocket- are very big.

[DD.]

Spacings about right, I never earth up initially, I like the leaves to come out ASAP and start doing their job.

I'd just leave them now to do their own thing and plan how you're going to protect them.

Don't forget that being outside at this time of year, they'll be suspectable to blight once they come through.

[mumofstig]

I haven't & never water my potatoes & my 1st earlies -rocket- are very big.

but you don't grow them in the very dry south-east corner, do you 

I only water when the soil is dry a couple of inches below the surface, sometimes it looks dry but is moist underneath.

[snowdrops]

Well no, I grow them in Burbage where I live,the commute would be to far But it has been very dry here as well. When I've dug them out it's been dry all the way down.

[Chrysalis]

For what it's worth (not much, probably ), I've planted charlottes and maris peer in baskets in the last few weeks.  Some I earthed up straight away and others not yet.  All have come through already   
I expect to harvest around the end of October/November and may be able to keep a few for Christmas.  I will be protecting them with fleece if the cold comes early....  We are quite sheltered and the baskets are deep so the soil remains warm.  Our first venture into spuds, but very successful so far this year.  Good luck!

[dicci]

I've bought some tubers today too, thought I'd give it a go. After all, if it doesn't work I've only wasted a couple of quid..
     I'm going to grow mine in bags though, then when the cold comes I can get them into the greenhouse with some fleece round them.
     Experimenting is half the fun of it, it's always worth a go...good luck, and let us know how you get on.