Chitting And Planting Potatoes.

Chitting potatoes before planting is strongly recommended. Chitting simply means encouraging seed potatoes to sprout before they are planted, giving them a valuable head start and helping them establish more quickly once in the ground.

In warmer parts of the country, chitting can begin from late January, while in cooler areas it is best started in February. Aim to start chitting around six weeks before you plan to plant your potatoes outdoors. If you miss this ideal window, it is still worthwhile to chit your potatoes before planting, as even a short chitting period can help them grow away faster.

To chit seed potatoes, place them with the blunt end facing upwards. This end contains the “eyes” from which the shoots will grow. Old egg boxes or shallow trays work well for this. Position them in a light, frost-free place that is cool rather than warm—such as a bright windowsill in an unheated or lightly heated room.

The seed potatoes are ready for planting when the shoots are short, sturdy, and about 1.5–2.5 cm (½–1 inch) long. Avoid letting shoots grow too long, as they can easily break during planting.

When planting, ensure each potato is positioned with the blunt, rounded end facing upwards. If it’s difficult to tell which end is which, simply plant the tuber on its side—the shoots will naturally find their way upwards.

Taking the time to chit your potatoes properly can lead to earlier growth, stronger plants, and ultimately a better harvest.