[PackformRoy]

I'm new to allotments I only got mine in April last year. This year I've got my potatoes nice and early. Question - how soon should I put them out to chit, I don't want them too advanced before the soil is warm enough, with this mild period I am cautious of getting them too advanced.

[arugula]

You're on the early side yet. Late January for further south - assuming you are UK based - into February for a location further north. They should then be ready for April planting. It would be helpful if you could add your approx. location to your profile too.

[sunshineband]

It would be helpful to know whereabouts in the country you are are, Roy, so could you add this to your profile please? Thank you  

As a general guide, planting potatoes outsde before the end of March leaves them liable to get their leaves (when they grow) frosted, and this sets back the time you can get a good crop from them

Some people protect theirs with fleece and in the south plant them as early as the beginning of March if the weather is mild and the soil not soaked

Hope that helps a bit

Sorry must have posted at the same time as Argyllie 

[PackformRoy]

Thanks for the info, I'm based in Newark Notts and I thought it might be a bit on the early side but difficult to find info in books, they all suggest chitting for earlies but not when to start or how long it takes I suppose its something you learn as you go along, thank you anyway.

ps if anyone lives near Grantham Downtown are selling 3Kgs of seed potatoes for £3.99 BUY ONE GET ONE FREE mix and match on a range of Thompson and morgan potatoes

[JayG]

If you want to try and temporarily stop them chitting the best bet is the salad drawer in your fridge, but you need to be very careful they don't get damp through condensation and start rotting.

If you put them individually in a tray (lined with paper to absorb any condensation - many use egg boxes which are ideal but take up more space) and place them on a cool, frost-free, north facing windowsill they will chit away slowly for months (the thing not to do is leave them in the bag somewhere dark - you will get white chits a mile long which are useless for planting out!)

[woodavon]

Brilliant helpful advice - thanks.  I've been wondering how to 'stop' them sprouting.  Don't have any N facing windows but an E one will do.  Also thanks for the info about Downtown as it's not far from me.

[seedman]

Check out this link lot of information there
http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/potato/

[AndyRVTR]

I was just wondering yesterday when the first 'chitting' question would pop up...   Between 4 and 6 weeks prior to planting is normally ample time...  

[Salmo]

Start chitting 6 weeks before you want to plant. Store them in a cool place until you do, light or dark will not matter.

Bring into a warm light area for about a week to break their dormancy (this will probably not be needed with most earlies. Once you can see chits move them to a cool and light place until planting.