The Potting Shed

Libby · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:53 am Post subject: To Chit or Not?

Do you chit your seed potatoes? I've heard both.

Whenever I try to chit mine they go all wrinkly and horrid so I tend to shove them straight in! Don't know if thats right or not!

I'm growing mine in bags this year, as I don't have enough space in the beds!
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Kathy · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject:

I just stuck mine straight in Libby, what's chitting?

lloyd · 5 Star Club Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 2586

It's when you lay them out on a tray in a cool light place for a few weeks about this time so they sprout long white roots from the eyes before planting. It increases productivity and gives them a head start. You can divide large spuds in half of even quarters before chitting, thus increasing the number of plants. If they are wrinkly, it doesn't matter. Probably just dehydrated from too warm an area. The main thing is that the eyes develop those long tendrils.

Libby · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:38 am Post subject:

I get fed up waiting Kathy and normally stick them straight in to but if it improves productivity then I think its worth a go!!!

So have you done both then Lloyd?

Does it really make a difference?
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Kathy · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject:

Oh, right, well I've just bought some seeds, still in the plastic bag. Better get them out and chitting then, thanks for the info Lloyd. Very Happy