Chitting potatoes is a simple but important process that can give your crop a head start and lead to a bigger, healthier harvest. By encouraging the seed potatoes to sprout before planting, you’ll give them the best chance to grow quickly and produce a bountiful crop. If you don’t have the time or are late in the season, Marshalls Garden offers pre-chitted potatoes, ready to plant directly into the ground or containers. Let’s take a closer look at how to chit potatoes and why it’s beneficial.
What Does "Chitting" Potatoes Mean?
Chitting refers to the process of encouraging seed potatoes to sprout before planting them in the soil. By doing so, you allow the potato to produce strong shoots, giving it a head start in the growing season. This can lead to earlier growth and potentially higher yields, especially for early potato varieties.
When to Start Chitting Potatoes
Chitting should begin about 6-8 weeks before your planned planting date. In the UK, this typically means starting in January or February for planting in March or April. Early potatoes, which are harvested in late spring or early summer, benefit most from chitting.
How to Chit Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Seed Potatoes
Start by choosing healthy, certified seed potatoes from a reliable supplier like Marshalls Garden. Look for firm potatoes with no signs of disease or rot. Avoid using potatoes from your grocery store, as these may not be disease-free or suitable for planting.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Container
To chit potatoes, you’ll need a shallow container such as an egg carton, seed tray, or an open cardboard box. The aim is to keep the potatoes upright and stable as they sprout.
Step 3: Position the Potatoes Correctly
Place each potato in the container with the 'rose end' (the end with the most "eyes") facing upwards. These eyes are the small dimples or buds from which the shoots will grow. Each potato should be spaced apart so the shoots can develop freely without touching.
Step 4: Choose the Right Location
Put the container in a cool, light, and frost-free spot, such as a windowsill, porch, or unheated greenhouse. Aim for a temperature between 10-15°C. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive warmth, which can cause the potatoes to grow long, weak shoots instead of short, strong ones.
Step 5: Monitor the Growth
Over the next few weeks, your potatoes will start to produce small, sturdy shoots (chits) from the eyes. Ideally, the shoots should grow to about 2-3cm (1 inch) long and be dark green or purple in colour. Thin, pale shoots indicate a lack of light, so adjust their position if necessary.
Step 6: Preparing for Planting
Once your potatoes have developed strong shoots, they are ready for planting. Early potatoes can be planted from mid-March onwards, while maincrop varieties should be planted in April. Make sure the soil has warmed up and is free from frost before planting your chitted potatoes.
Benefits of Chitting Potatoes
Chitting potatoes gives them a head start, especially in cooler climates like the UK. Here are some key benefits:
- Faster growth: The pre-sprouted shoots will help the potatoes establish more quickly in the soil.
- Earlier harvest: Chitted potatoes, particularly early varieties, are likely to produce a harvest several weeks earlier than un-chitted ones.
- Healthier crops: Chitting ensures that only the strongest shoots develop, resulting in a more vigorous plant and potentially larger tubers.
What If You Don’t Have Time to Chit?
If you’ve missed the ideal chitting window or simply don’t have time to go through the process, don’t worry! At Marshalls Garden, we offer pre-chitted potatoes, which are already sprouted and ready for planting. These pre-chitted seed potatoes are a convenient option if you’re planting later in the season or want to skip the chitting process altogether. Simply plant them as soon as they arrive and enjoy the benefits of early growth without the extra steps.
How to Plant Pre-Chitted Potatoes
Planting pre-chitted potatoes is straightforward:
- Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 20cm and remove any weeds or stones.
- Dig a trench: Create a trench about 10-15cm deep for early potatoes, or 15-20cm deep for maincrop varieties.
- Place the potatoes: Carefully plant your pre-chitted potatoes, with the shoots facing upwards, and cover them with soil.
- Water: Water well after planting, especially during dry spells, to encourage healthy growth.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leggy Shoots
If your chitted potatoes develop long, pale shoots, they haven’t received enough light. Move them to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Rotting Potatoes
If your seed potatoes begin to rot, it could be due to excess moisture or poor air circulation. Always choose a dry, cool environment for chitting and ensure that your seed potatoes are in good condition when you start.
Final Thoughts
Chitting potatoes is an easy and effective way to boost your potato crop, especially if you're looking to harvest earlier. With the right care, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, homegrown harvest. And remember, if you're short on time, you can always purchase pre-chitted potatoes from Marshalls Garden, making the process even simpler.
Explore our range of seed potatoes and pre-chitted varieties, and get ready for a fantastic growing season!