chitting potatoes

[steveg1966]

I have just got several variaties of spuds from our allotment secretary and wondered is it necessary to chit them as I do not have the space and what is the best way to store them. 

[steveg1966]

[pumkinlover]

Just make sure they are not in the dark as they will send out long shoots which can break off easily when you try to plant, and cool but not freezing.
Advice now a days seems to be not need to do for main crop anyway.

[laurieuk]

The choice to chit or not is yours as is everything in gardening but if you do not put them out in trays what can you do, because if you leave them in a bag you will get long week shoots that snap off when you go to plant. I myself will always chit all potatoes so as to good  strong shoots.

[cornykev]

Earlies defo need chitting, all my spuds are in egg trays on top of the cupboards in the kitchen. 

[plotstoeat]

I agree 100% w Laurie

[woodypecks]

I have put mine on a chair in front of a window of a cool spare bedroom....couldn't find an egg box big enough . Will this be o.k ?
Also , you say its not good if the sprouts/shoots get too long .... can you tell me how long should they be before I plant them out ?
  I never seem to get this right   
                                                                        Thankyou 

[laurieuk]

The more light they get the shorter and plump they are. It is just a case of getting good firm shoots before planting when the weather is right.

[woodypecks]

Ah....thankyou so much !

[colt]

Can I grow saved spuds that have bits of scab on them? My soil is very light and sandy so most years get scab.
I've always bought fresh seed each year but wonder if to try my own saved spuds? The variety is Vivaldi and am having trouble getting hold of any at the right price for the amount I need.

[laurieuk]

Some people do grow from their own seed in fact I have done so but the seed has to be selected very carefully because of virus  problems. Some allotment groups have it in their rules that should you grow from own seed you will be evicted.

[gavinjconway]

Can I grow saved spuds that have bits of scab on them? My soil is very light and sandy so most years get scab.
I've always bought fresh seed each year but wonder if to try my own saved spuds? The variety is Vivaldi and am having trouble getting hold of any at the right price for the amount I need.

NO.... why spread the diseases for a few quid you might save on proper seed spuds..

[GREGME]

Hi I'm no expert and have never grown it but thought Vivaldi was advertised as scab resistant so in the diseased condition you've described I would put them in the bin and buy others- there's enough time.