Allotments 4 All

Yes, I know it's a bit early to be thinking of Christmas, but I read a thread on here last year about planting first early potatoes and getting some for Christmas dinner.

What I'm wanting to know is, do you keep some of the seed potatoes and plant these later in the year, or do you save some of the potatoes that you dig up and plant those? Also, when should they be planted to ensure they are ready at Christmas?

Thanks,
Jo.

I have done it both ways. I use Charlottes that were saved from Spring planting just  keep a few back in the fridge, don't let them see the light  bring them out to chit before planting time.  Personally I got better yields this way than replanting the earlies,  I plant in a very large tub and move it into the greenhouse when it gets very cold

XX Jeannine.

Thanks Jeannine.

The only problem I have is that I have chitted them all now. Will I have to sow them all now and then replant?

I suppose I could see if I can get a few more somewhere and keep them in the fridge.

Jo.

When would you put them in ?

I plant them in late July, which is why you can use a few of your first earlies. Cahrlotte is a second but we like that one.

I don't know what would happen if you put the chitted ones in the fridge, they may just stop and wait but I am guessing.

There will be loads of seed poattoes on the shops at give away prices soon when it is too late to plant them in the usual way, if you look for apacket that hsan't started to sprout.

You can buy them ready to plant from the seesamn for just this purpose but they have just kept them cool so you might as weel do it yourself and save some money

XX Jeannine

You can buy second crop potatoes from a few of the suppliers. They are specifically kept at 4^OC and shipped in August. I've tried this for the last two years but have had both crops taken out by blight.

Thanks.

I will try to find some that are still in the shops and then keep them in the fridge.

Failing this I will keep some that I dig up specifically for this purpose.

I really fancy eating my own spuds for Chrismas dinner. Mmmmm all covered in butter and mint.

Jo.

Just to mention that the RHS recommend second earlies for this sort of planting.