Is it too early to plant potatoes?

[BoBoo]

I've been inspired by some other threads to try growing potatoes this year. Is it too early? I read somewhere about waiting until the frosts have passed and Good Friday being unofficial plant day. Very impatient and keen to get started!

[GlynisIsFixed]

we're going to wait until at least mid march this year, but that's more about hoping the ground will dry out a bit more before then, should make the planting a little less heavy going


where are you planting? ground or tubs?

[jaffacake79]

Depends where you're planting and whereabouts you are (eg south coast or wilds of Scotland etc) and if you're likely to get more frost.

[BoBoo]

South East London and planning to plant in some kind of tubs or pots. If I do need to wait until there's no risk of frost then it really is going to be a while isn't it? Oh well.

[GlynisIsFixed]

most definately i would wait, we planted early one year...ended up with nothing


you can start them off tho by chitting, about 2/3 weeks before you plan to plant them

[TheSpook]

Yes. Much too early.

[mrspercival]

I'm in central Scotland. Planted mine in early May last year, had a fantastic abundant crop and am still eating them from storage. I always feel 'under pressure' to get stuff in the ground and its so tempting as the weather warms up but remember its about the soil temperature and not the air temperature. The time to plant is when you can put your bare skin on the soil without wincing!! I always feel like I'm starting too late with everything and the south certainly gets crops earlier but we get long long daylight whihc means we catch up.