January 2023
Seed potatoes have arrived
Yes, it’s that time of year again when seasoned potato growers select their favourite varieties and maybe trial a couple of new ones.
We stock all the main types - first earlies, second earlies and maincrop - named according to when you plant and harvest them.
First and second earlies (aka ‘new’ potatoes) are usually the most popular as they taste great when harvested and eaten asap, tend to be the more expensive type to buy in supermarkets, and occupy the ground for less time than maincrop varieties.
If you’ve never grown potatoes before then there’s never been a better time to give it a try, especially if you’re new to gardening and given the rising food costs. If you don’t have much space then potatoes are highly successful grown in pots and containers (just be careful not to overcrowd them).
Growing potatoes is great for virgin ground as the tubers help break up the soil. Don’t be tempted to use those shop bought potatoes that may have sprouted in your kitchen cupboard - specially treated seed potatoes are virus free.
Chit (sprout) your chosen variety of seed potato (first earlies can be chitted as they arrive this month) and place in a cool, frost free place with light (e.g. a windowsill is perfect). First earlies should be planted at the end of March. For every seed potato you plant, you’ll be harvesting plenty more just a few months later!
Sort your seeds
The perfect indoor job for those icy, wet or windy days.…sort through your seed stocks and get rid of any out of date packets or things looking past their best.
Now is also the time for some early seed sowing. Many flowers, fruit and vegetables will benefit from a head start sown indoors this month.
For best results sow thinly and try to keep light levels as high as possible.
Antirrhinum (snapdragons) require a generous growth period before flowering so are best sown now. Hardy annuals such as cornflowers, ammi and sweet peas are also great to get started with.
Winter salads and herbs will provide your kitchen with fresh, fragrant greens for the first part of the year. Chillies, aubergines & basil will appreciate an early start (these will need some warmth from a heated propagator).
If the ground is not frozen then fruit trees and bushes can also be planted now, as can raspberry canes and blueberries.