[wbmkk]

I was in my local Wilkinson's yesterday (North Shields) and noticed somebody buying bags of seed potatoes. It's a case of fill up a paper bag, for £2 I think.

Last year, my first year with an allotment, I was obviously a bit too keen to get going and bought some seed potatoes, also pretty early on in the year.

I chitted them in an unheated lean-to greenhouse, but brought them inside every night in case of frost damage. By the time I planted them, early in May, it seemed a long time waiting.

Surely it's a bit too early to be buying seed potatoes now ?

Is there any way to keep them 'dormant' then say towards the end of February get them out and start the chitting process then.

[JayG]

It is a bit early, but in the right conditions (cool, frost-free but light) they will chit slowly for months if necessary (I left some 'spares' on a north-facing windowsill a few years ago and they were still OK in July, albeit more than a bit wizened!)

[Gardener and Rabbit]

They've started to arrive in Dobbies too.

[BabbyAnn]

As far back as I can remember, Wilkos have always put the seed potatoes out in the first week January, so not unusual at all.  Whether it is too early to buy is up to you - I've had seed potatoes delivered on the 21st December (from another stockist - yes, even I was surprised when they arrived) and they chitted fine on the windowsill until it was time to plant out at the end of March/early April    The advantage of getting potatoes in early is that you may be able to pick up varieties that may be in short supply by the time most (not organised) people start thinking about gardening in March/April at the first sign of spring.  Also, the seed potatoes out now will not have been sitting in the shop to start sprouting but having saying that, there seems to have been a good turnover of stock and availability in the past.

[m1ckz]

mine should arrive arount the 12th jan   weather permitting from scotland     but ill pay a visit to our wilkies soon lol

[miggs]

Well, if they are in Wilko's, I might as well go and have a look.

[mumofstig]

As JBA don't sell the small packs, anymore - I'll have to pop into Wilko's to get some of theirs for my tubs.

[AnneB]

I am disappointed that JBA don't do the smaller packs any more too.  However I am so so happy that West Yorkshire Organics is going to stock Ambo for its potato day this year.   One happy member.

[Beetroot Queen]

How exciting, cant wait to get going, seed spuds just hold so much hope for a great year to come.

[caroline800]

Poundland also got seed potatoes and gardening stuff in now 

[Salmo]

I chitted them in an unheated lean-to greenhouse, but brought them inside every night in case of frost damage. By the time I planted them, early in May, it seemed a long time waiting.

If you are not planting them until May there is little point in chitting as they will grow away quickly in the warm soil.

Earlies are worth chitting. By all means buy them now and keep in a cool frost free but light place. They should be dormant with no eyes showing. Often they are in a warm sales area and dormancy is already broken when you get them.

So, keep them cool, frost free until about 6 weeks before your planned planting date. Then bring them into the warm for a few days to break their dormancy. As soon as you see and chits return them to cool, frost free and light until you want to plant them. The light is important to keep the chits compact so that they do not get damaged.

[Madame Cholet]

Our local self suff group have their potato day in 3 weeks

[Salmo]

Our local self suff group have their potato day in 3 weeks

Where and when please?

[Madame Cholet]

17TH Jan 11am -3pm

Commemoration Hall Huntingdon

Cams self suff group

50 varieties all £1.00 kg

onions and shallots too

[BumbleJo]

Oh thanks for asking that WB, had just been thinking the same thing as last year was my first year and I rushed out and bought seed potatoes from Wilko's some of which had already sprouted then couldn't figure out the whole timing thing.  Going to make sure I get un-sprouting ones this year.  Would be very interested to know members favourite new spuds, would like another variety to plant with Charlotte, a nice waxy one that boils well.  I have fairly light limey soil.  Been looking at what's on offer and feel dizzy! Thanks!