[Robert_S]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but as first earlies are pretty quick off the mark, is there any reason they can't be sown throughout the spring / early summer, assuming its possible to stop the seeds chitting (keeping them in the fridge?)

I ask this question as the view seems to be that first earlies aren't great for storing, though I have read a post on here saying they stored theirs until December with no probs...

The ones I am planning to grow are Pentland Javelin.

[DD.]

They will store, right though to spring.

However, that's as a mature potato. If you want "new" or baby ones, you'll need to successionally plant.

[Robert_S]

Ah I see, many thanks DD 

I will give it a go

[fletcherbaker]

Is it possible to plant more first earlies after the first lot come out the ground

[gobs]

Is it possible to plant more first earlies after the first lot come out the ground

That's what seems to be discussed, the how to.

Robert, instead of playing with the chits, why don't you just replant some on harvesting?

[TerryB]

Hi Robert S
There is no reason why you can't do as you say and I wouldn't be too worried about stopping the seed potatoes from chitting, just keep them in a cool light place and they should be OK. I've kept some until end of Aug for Christmas potatoes.
If you plant your first lot early you can fit a second crop in the same ground as fletcherbaker says.

[Robert_S]

Excellente, thanks all, I can't wait!

[mumofstig]

After you have lifted potatoes it takes them 60 days before they will grow chits, so not a good idea to plant your own harvest for the next batch.
If you are sure you can supply enough nutrients you can plant another batch of already chitted seed spuds in the same place.

[Robert_S]

Thanks Mum...I think I will nip down to Wilkies tomorrow as they have some PJs on sale there, plus desiree and maris piper, the three main chief ones I was planning to grow.

[Salmo]

Plant breeders have spent years developing the humble spud.

To get a sucession why not use the accepted method of planting different varieties that mature at different times i.e. earlies, second earlies and maincrop.

Plant them all the same day and they bulk up at different times. What could be more simple.

Works for most people.

[mumofstig]

Works for most people

yes it does, but 2nds and mains don't taste like new potatoes - which was the whole point of the thread

[DD.]

I assumed that's what Robert was after as well, mum.

[gobs]

Not such a grand idea then, me trying to save the chitting. For what he starts chitting now, shall be quite in a state say by May-June, as he is harvesting.

So Robert, off to work. You can keep them under sand in a buiscuit tin, somewhere dark to delay chitting till when you want them for, though I have only did this with my home grown ones. Seeds you are buying now, might behave different.

[Salmo]

Works for most people

yes it does, but 2nds and mains don't taste like new potatoes - which was the whole point of the thread

They would if they were lifted when tiny.

[gobs]

Works for most people

yes it does, but 2nds and mains don't taste like new potatoes - which was the whole point of the thread

They would if they were lifted when tiny.

That's a serious point though. People only used to grow one potato in the past. And just lifted some of it early for new pot use.