Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. There's the nurturing process of chitting, planting and earthing-up, the anticipation of a good harvest as you dig through the soil and, of course, the unbeatable taste of fresh, home-grown, potatoes.
Potatoes can be divided into five categories, planted from March to July
1. First Earlies – Ready June to July (earlier in some sheltered areas)
2. Second Earlies – Ready July to August
3. Early Maincrops – Ready August
4. Late Maincrop – Ready September onwards
5. Second Cropping / Late Cropping – Ready September to December
Chitting - The chitting process allows strong green shoots (chits) to develop on the tuber before planting. Although not essential it is particularly beneficial for the earlier cropping potatoes, because it gives the potato a quick start thus cropping earlier. Later cropping potatoes are less likely to need chitting as warmer soil temperatures can make a greater difference. Start chitting by setting the seed potatoes out, side by side, blunt end uppermost, in single layers in seed trays or a wooden box. Place in a light, cool, well-ventilated spot to encourage the development of shoots 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) long, prior to planting.
Potatoes are delivered in 1.5kg bags (unless otherwise stated), each pack containing approx. 15-20 tubers.
Despatch from late January (unless otherwise stated)
