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Chitting

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
in Fruit & veg

Dear all,

I have put my first early spuds to chit in egg boxes in the conservatory and they seem to be coming along now after being left for a few weeks. 

Because I am a newbie gardener I bought a starter box of mixed potatoes, first, second, maincrop etc. I have second earlies and maincrop now left in a box as from what I have read is too early to chit them because I wont be planting them anytime soon. I am really worried I have bought these too soon now because they seem to be already chitting in the box - which is not good according to Mondy Dons video. I am worried these potatoes will now be no good.

So my question is (finally!) will I have to bin the second earlies and maincrop? Will they just spoil in the box and if not how can I stop them growing shoots? What shall I do with them? I know this has probably been discussed before on here many times but I have checked old posts and cant find the answer so any advice will be much appreciated!

Posts

  • No expertNo expert Posts: 415

    The simple answer to your question is that you have bought these seeds too early and they will all go sprout an take over the world!

    The more complicated answer is keep them in as cool and dark but frost free a space as possible, for as long as possible and set them to chit a month to six weeks before you intend to plant. If they have started to sprout rub them off and store as above. We all tend to buy our potato seed a bit early as they tend to get scarce at planting time. Keep a eye on them from time to time

    Hope this helps

  • Gardengirl..Gardengirl.. Posts: 4,172

    I got mine last weekend and have them all chitting 1st, 2nd and main in a cool north facing room on a window sill and normally do this each year, they tend to be fine think the main crop ones take longer to grow the chits and by the time I plant them out the shoots are about 2.5cm tall same size as earlies are when planted

    Hampshire Gardener
  • No expertNo expert Posts: 415

    The reason I chit main crop is because it is so hard to stop them sprouting in the bags in April. Chitting is used as a way to control what is going to happen anyway.

  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    I started mine off in the back bedroom in January and do most years. The radiators turned off so it's cool until the weather improves and the spuds are out of direct sunlight.

    You can chit them all at the same time and stagger planting out.

     

  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    They are for sale in the shops, so go ahead and chit them. Keep them in the light, not dark, and keep them cool but frost-free. Do not rub off all the shoots, but be careful with them so they don't get knocked off..



    They are called maincrop, because that is what they are. They will stay in the ground much longer and they will take you through many months if you have enough. Earlies are for eating as soon as they are big enough; with loads of butter!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0

    Thanks guys!

    Right I better get my egg boxes out then! Glad I have been saving them up since Christmas, I am going to need them! image Also glad ive not wasted my money by trying to be organised. I will learn for next year..

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