[rusty100]

Opinions would be welcome!

I planted some early new pots in the poly tunnel around mid Feb and only have one small shoot. However, the pots (early and maincrop) I planted outside mid April are rocketing along! Anyone any thoughts as to why?

Thanks

[mumofstig]

have you watered them regularly?
Did you start them just in a few inches of compost and slowly earthed them up as they grew? or did you fill the pot right to the top straight away?

lots of questions eh

[rusty100]

Watered reg yes. Planted 6 inch deep into a raised bed (onto existing soil - filled with compost, muck, topsoil etc...)

[mumofstig]

I'd dig around a bit and see what's going on, if they've rotted off or are just playing silly beggars 
At least then you would know and could plant something else if they are spoiled.
Good luck...let us know what happens though

[sclarke624]

Were the seed potatoes from different places/shops.
I don't know the answer just wondering.

[rusty100]

They were all from the same supplier!

[rusty100]

I'd dig around a bit and see what's going on, if they've rotted off or are just playing silly beggars 
At least then you would know and could plant something else if they are spoiled.
Good luck...let us know what happens though

Thanks!

[Ivah]

How cold did the polytunnel go in March?

[Jabberwock]

Hi Rusty,

I've got the same problem but with only 1 of my varieties of tatties they were Osprey 2nd earlies and out of 10 planted only 1 has shown had a furtle the other day there and couldn't find any evidence of shoots so my nose got the better of me and I got the fork out and dug up each end of my row but I couldn't find anything not even the rotten seed tattie ...............to be honest I'm now questioning my own sanity ...............I'm sure I planted 10!!

[rusty100]

How cold did the polytunnel go in March?

I didnt record the temp but it did get pretty cold - no heating etc... in there. It was frosty some mornings.

[rusty100]

Had a dig about looking for the pots - but nothing was there! I assume they must have just rotted away in the ground!

[solway cropper]

I would say Feb. was way too early as far north as you are. We had some hellish frosts last winter. I really don't think northern gardeners should consider planting tatties before March even in a good year and with some protection. There's a commercial grower down the road from here who put his in mid April and they're storming away.