[Growing4mykids]

Have had my pots chitting for a while now, have noticed that they have white shoots coming off them, any cause for concern? thanks

[plum crumble]

the white shoots are the chits - just want you want

[Growing4mykids]

Hi, have had them chitting for a while, they had darker chits, these have only appeared lately but if thats the case, i welcome them with open arms  thanks

[plum crumble]

ok - the darker chits are what you want. If you now have white ones in addition, you really need to get the spuds planted - if you can of course!
 rub off the white shoots, leaving the smaller darker chits. Hope you can plant soon - if you can't, then slow your spuds down by putting them in the cool and dark. You don't really want the leggy white shoots.

[Growing4mykids]

Cool, thanks, was sure i'd read that somewhere but was'nt 100% sure, i've got them in the entry at the side of the house, it's covered and cool, will they be o.k there? Was going to try getting them in this wk/end but the weather has seen to that  should i rub the white ones off now or wait till they go in?

[plum crumble]

rub then off now - they are taking nutrients from the potatoes, which would be better used by your emerging plant. However, it isn't critical - it's just giving you a better chance at a good result! the spuds will be fine if they are kept cool and dark. cheers!

[Growing4mykids]

Thanking you kindly, i'll rub them off, carefully!! 

[mumofstig]

To put a spanner in the works - there is always one 

Where some of mine have been chitting for sooooooooooooooo long, I have the usual stubby green/purple chits but out of some of them have grown what I presume to be roots.
They are straight white skinny pointed ended jobs like these


If yours are like this I'd leave well alone 

[DD.]

Yes, they're roots alright.

Don't want to be breaking those off!

[mumofstig]

I suppose we don't usually see them because the spuds get planted before they grow - but not this year   

[oldman65]

leave all shoots on each one will produce a stem more stems more potatoes which is what you want 

[DD.]

Not necessarily.

You may want less, but larger spuds.

[Growing4mykids]

I shall throw my own spanner in then!! i have small ones like those but on 3 of them there are longer ones(abt an inch) are these just longer ones or do they need something doing about them?

[mumofstig]

Some of the roots on mine are a couple of inches long, and I'm leaving well alone!

[Growing4mykids]

Then so shall i, thanks