Friday had some sunny periods and it was mild again with the rain holding off until teatime.
Our seed potatoes arrived on Tuesday from JBA Seed Potatoes. The potatoes were ordered last December and I requested that delivery should be in the last week of February. The seed potatoes arrived in excellent condition and I'm setting them out to chit in the greenhouse protected with some fleece just in case of any overnight frosts.
There much debate on social media web sites about the need to chit potatoes. I've always chitted mine as, left in the bags they’re supplied in .the tubers will sprout long, weak, spindly shoots which aren’t any good.
I use seed trays to chit them setting the part of the potato with the most “eyes” pointing upwards. These are Winston a first early variety. The other varieties we are growing this year are Casablanca, Charlotte, Harmony, Marfona, Nadine, Nicola and Rocket. The potatoes will be left covered with fleece until planting time in April. I might start a few first early roots of Rocket and Winston in potato bags to grow initially in the greenhouse before been moved outside to produce a tasty early crop.
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Mine are chitting happily on the windowsill at the moment. The variety I'm growing most of this year is Nadine, because a plot neighbour recommended them. He also recommended another one with a girl's name, but I can't remember which one. Cara? I don't know. I'll grill him again next time I see him. Your bags look good, I haven't come across that company before.
ReplyDeleteNadine usually performs well for us. I think JBA only sell potatoes on the Internet. I easily get the girls mixed up - Nadine, Nicola and Charlotte. All good potatoes though.
DeleteNo Emerald Vale this year, I notice. Due to my adoption of a 5 year rotation I am getting less room for potatoes. Once I've got Epicure, Rooster and Pink Fir Apple the house is full!
ReplyDeleteDidn't see them on JBA's list. Might still see some at a nursery. Impressed with a five year rotation - we almost manage a 4 year one.
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