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Seed potato storage

josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
in Fruit & veg
I've already received my seed potatoes, three months before planting time.  What's the best way to store them?  They were supplied in net bags, and I've hung them on hooks in the garage, which is cold and darkish - there's one small window with a bush in front of it so not much light gets in.  Will they be OK?

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Optimum storage temp is 7 or 8C. Don’t let them get too cold or much warmer than that. Don’t let them dry out either. 🤞 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Dovefromabove said:
    Optimum storage temp is 7 or 8C. Don’t let them get too cold or much warmer than that. Don’t let them dry out either. 🤞 
    How do I stop them drying out? Plastic bag or box?  I'd be afraid they'd rot.  I can't think where would have a consistent temperature of 7-8C - a domestic fridge is supposed to be 1-4C.  I ordered them in the autumn from the supplier I've used for 6 years, they've never been sent so early before, so storage hasn't been an issue.  I think where they are now is probably the best I can do.  I can always order more if they perish, they don't cost an arm and a leg.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I’d probably put them in the shed in a cardboard box with straw above and below ... but that’s assuming you have access to straw of course ... ad you say all you can do us give it your best shot. 🤞 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    Make sure whatever container you use is mouse proof. I forget this every year until I notice that the seed potatoes are going missing. I then move them into a plastic hamster tank to keep them away from the mice!
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Singing Gardener said:
    Make sure whatever container you use is mouse proof. I forget this every year until I notice that the seed potatoes are going missing. I then move them into a plastic hamster tank to keep them away from the mice!
    Good point.  I've never seen mice or evidence of them in the garage, but I'll be extra vigilant.  Though I think the birds' suet pellets would be more enticing than raw potatoes.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Dovefromabove said:
    I’d probably put them in the shed in a cardboard box with straw above and below ... but that’s assuming you have access to straw of course ... ad you say all you can do us give it your best shot. 🤞 😊 
    If you don't have straw, crumpled up newspaper (or the brown paper that comes in Amaz*** packaging when they use oversized boxes) would probably work.


    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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