Pre-Chitted Seed Potato 'Desiree'

Potatoes grow in most soil types but do especially well in a well-drained loam that’s not too heavy.

Ideally, prepare the ground during late autumn or early winter so that the frosts can break down the soil and dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter, such as compost or manure, to create a reasonable depth. Avoid planting potatoes on ground that’s previously been used for this crop within the past three or four years to avoid the build-ups of pests, such as wire worm, and diseases.

Dig a V-shaped trench, or use a trowel to make individual deep holes, and place the potatoes inside. Rows running north to south will allow the sun’s rays to warm both sides of the crop.

First and second early and salad potatoes should be planted 30cm (1ft) apart to a depth of 10cm (4 inches). Rows should be 45cm (1.5ft) apart.

• Main crop seed potatoes should be spaced 40cm (16inches) apart and 10cm (4 inches) below the soil. Aim to have rows 60cm (2ft) away from each other.
• When shoots first appear through the soil, ‘earth up’ the potatoes by pulling soil over the shoots from either side to create a ridge. This will protect the plants from late frosts, stop the light from turning potatoes green and encourage more tubers to form further up the stems.
• The earthing up process can be repeated until the ridge is about 20cm (8inches) high. Feed plants with a specialist potato fertiliser each time if desired.
• Potatoes are thirsty plants need plenty of moisture while they are growing, especially around flowering time. Water them well during dry periods.

Some growers plant seed potatoes under black polythene, with slits cut for the emerging shoots, and don’t earth up.

Pre-Chitted

Chitting seed potatoes is a long honoured tradition and can lead to earlier and larger yields. The process encourages the emergence of shoots before the seed is planted in the ground. We are managing the pre-chitting process for you so you don't have to buy your seed potatoes as early as you normally would and you can receive these at the optimum time for planting.

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