[JayG]

I planted on St Patricks day last year (Mar 17th) because I had heard it was the traditional day for planting but I still managed to lose half a row to frost. I think I will leave it until April 1st and hope I am not made to look like a fool this year

So did I, although they were "nipped" rather than lost! Main problem was I ran out of soil to earth them up, and fleece didn't really do the job.

Think I'll split the difference this year timing-wise but also plant in a deeper trench which will give more soil for earthing up (somebody's idea on this forum, can't remember who but it sounds like a good idea!) 

[mumofstig]

the advise for planting dates I gave were for 'doun souf'  I would expect the planting dates for the rest of the country to be a couple of weeks behind, at least.

trench planting?..........was it this by any chance ?

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=53581.msg637316#msg637316

[JayG]

trench planting?..........was it this by any chance ?

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=53581.msg637316#msg637316

Might have been!     

[Kristen]

Last year I planted two batches of First Early, a fortnight apart, as we like "new potatoes" (and aren't concerned to get them to bulk up for decent yield). That worked well. We started harvesting the second batch at the prescribed time, even though there were some left in the first batch as we think they tasted better.

I had to "earth up" with grass clippings last year, after I couldn't scrape up any more soil. Even with a double layer of fleece on top we had a frost that pinched the tips.

We aren't big potato eaters (so this may be no help to others!) but I'm concentrating more on bags for early spuds this year.  A bag of 3 seed tubers gives us enough spuds for a week, and I have 3 bags and 4 (even larger) pots that take 4 tubers. I reckon we might have 6 weeks from first-bag to first-outdoor crop, and thus I should not need to rush to plant the outdoor ones.

I wonder about Iain's polybags for an early crop too - not sure how long it is possible to delay planting out though?

[Fisherman]

For years and years I have planted first earlies on the 1st April with only the odd year with minor frost damage. I now do 3 separate sowings: -

Mid to late February in bags in the greenhouse. These are ready to pick in early to mid May depending on the variety.

Early March in a raised bed under a cloche. These are ready late May / early June.

1st April with no protection. These are ready mid June onwards.

This year I will first sow Swift followed by Lady Christl then Accent. If I have any spare seeds I sow them in any large pots that I can find.

[Aidy]

In with Paddy and out with Billy. simples eeek

[Chrysalis]

For years and years I have planted first earlies on the 1st April with only the odd year with minor frost damage. I now do 3 separate sowings: -

Mid to late February in bags in the greenhouse. These are ready to pick in early to mid May depending on the variety.

Early March in a raised bed under a cloche. These are ready late May / early June.

1st April with no protection. These are ready mid June onwards.

This year I will first sow Swift followed by Lady Christl then Accent. If I have any spare seeds I sow them in any large pots that I can find.

This gives me hope.  Thanks a lot.  You're even further North than I .  Chrysalis

[Iain@JBA]

Mid March is normally early enough for potatoes. Frost can still nip them and set them back even in mid to late April as I found out last year.

We normally wait until end of April and if the soil is warm the potatoes will grow faster than ones planted in cold soil in March.

Kirsten you could start your potatoes off in polypots indoors on a black plastic sheet. The roots will come out of the bottom of the bag and you can place the bags outdoors later.

Just watch they don't get too leggy if you have them inside too long.

[Kristen]

Thanks Iain. I will give it a go

[TheSpartacat]

Mine have also arrived and are chitting on every available window ledge and on top of the kitchen cupboards

I grew up sowing seed potatoes on St. Patricks day so thats what I'll be doing with most of my first earlies- but will cover with fleece to be on the safe side!!

Also intend to start some early in growbags in the polytunnel in Feb.

My maincrops go in at the beginning of April, if i get that patch cleared in time

Think I'll split the difference this year timing-wise but also plant in a deeper trench which will give more soil for earthing up (somebody's idea on this forum, can't remember who but it sounds like a good idea!) 

Might have been this thread either... this is the way i do it anyway, works for me in frosty years anyway...
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=68372.0

[greenhead]

Dundry Nurseries had sold out of Lady Balfour last Sunday but now have found some together with Harmony which I am collecting this weekend.  6 weeks to chit so not putting any out till February and hopefully plant mid March.  My patch is subject to late frosts up to early June.