Chitting/Sprouting New and Old Potatoes

[prink13]

Could someone please explain the basic process for chitting/sprouting, ie. light, temp etc.
Also whether there is a difference between old/new potatoes other than when they are harvested?

I'm really struggling to hit/Sprout mine as per instructions on bag, and wonder if I'm doing it wrong!

HELP!  ???

[prink13]

[isbister]

Can't tell you if your doing it wrong because you havn't said what you're doing - but if you've got them the right way up in a cool light room it's just a matter of time - they'll sprout/chit (same thing) eventually. Earlies sprout a lot quicker than maincrop btw

[Tee Gee]

Could someone please explain the basic process for chitting/sprouting, ie. light, temp etc.

There has been a lot written about this subject in the past month so may I suggest you look in past postings and you will find a few opinions on this subject, if you can't find what you want there try here ; http://tinyurl.com/3d4hwb

Also whether there is a difference between old/new potatoes other than when they are harvested?

I think you you are thinking about peeling or not peeling.

As a general rule I would say first earlies are 'new' potatoes because (in most cases) you are not required to peel them plus they are the first of the season.

Some 2nd earlies are like this when first lifted but then the skins toughen a little as they dry.

Maincrop potatoes are mainly the peeling type.

Hopefully that answers your question.

[prink13]

Tee Gee - thanks for the info, exactly what I was after  :-*

isbister  - I have mine, eyes up in egg boxes in front of patio doors, get a lot of light, but not direct sunlight, and would be warmish if the weather brightened up.  :(

[philcooper]

I think you you are thinking about peeling or not peeling.....

Why peel any of them - most of the vitamins are just under the skin - peeling removes them.

If you grow the spuds yourself you don't put the natsies that commercial growers use on the tubers so you don't need to peel

Phil

[prink13]

Phil, I don't peel any potatoes, but I knew what Tee Gee meant!

My OH always peels potatoes, is it any wonder that I don't let him cook!  :)

[tim]

Do use his peelings in soup!!

[Tee Gee]

Baked/Roasted skins (peelings) are lovely.

I remember thinking the first time I tasted some; to think? I always threw these away

Parsnip skins are also nice!!

[prink13]

Must admit that I peel potatoes for Mash - and do make "Chips" from the peelings - but as not a fan of mash, we don't have it that often  :)

[tim]

Normal - but no need with clean home grown.