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Seed Potatoes

Sowing
  • Purchase good quality seed potatoes in February or March and place on trays in a bright location in a frost free place.
  • This will allow the potato tubers to sprout (Chitting) and they can be planted when these sprouts are 2-3 cm long (usually around St. Patricks day).
  • The soil for planting into should have been deeply dug over and well rotted manure added to improve the condition of the soil.
  • Dig a trench about 4-6 inches deep and place the potatoes into the trench carefully cover with soil so that good peak is formed.
  • Place the potatoes about 12 inches apart with about 24 inches between each trench.
  • If there is a risk of frost forecast when the new shoots are emerging from the soil either cover them with a layer of soil or cover with frost protection fleece.
  • Potatoes can also be planted into large containers for people with only a small area or patio.
Growing
  • Feed the young plants with fertilizer or add well rotted manure around the stems.
  • Soil can be earthed up around the stems when they are 20 cm long. This will prevent developing tubers from going green
  • Water well in dry weather as this will significantly increase yields as will feeding the plants every two-three weeks.
  • Plants will need to be protected from potato blight by treating with a suitable fungicide or using an organic treatment such as Copper Sulphate.
Harvesting
  • Early potato varieties e.g. "British Queen" can be harvested when the flowers begin to fade (usually in July).
  • Main crop varieties e.g. "Rooster" can be harvested when the foliage turns brown.
  • Leave the tubers dry for a few hours and then store in boxes in a cool dark and frost free area.
  • Go through the stored potatoes every week to remove any that may have started to rot.