How to Grow Potatoes in February: Chitting and Planting Tips

Introduction

February is the perfect time to start growing potatoes, one of the most rewarding and versatile crops for any garden or allotment. Early preparation, including chitting and planting, ensures a healthy and productive harvest later in the year. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding how to grow potatoes in February sets the stage for success.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for chitting and planting potatoes, along with tips for nurturing them throughout the growing season.

Why Grow Potatoes in February?

• Early Start: Starting potatoes in February gives you an earlier harvest, especially for first earlies.
• Prolonged Harvest Season: Planting at this time allows you to stagger crops for continuous yields.
• Cool Weather Crop: Potatoes thrive in cool temperatures, making February ideal for preparation.

Understanding Potato Types

Before planting, it’s important to choose the right type of potato for your needs:

• First Earlies: Fast-growing, harvested in late spring to early summer (e.g., ‘Rocket,’ ‘Swift’).
• Second Earlies: Slightly slower, harvested mid-summer (e.g., ‘Charlotte,’ ‘Kestrel’).
• Maincrop: Takes longer to mature but produces larger yields for storage (e.g., ‘Maris Piper,’ ‘King Edward’).

Step 1: Chitting Potatoes

Chitting is the process of encouraging seed potatoes to sprout before planting. It gives them a head start, leading to quicker growth once in the soil.

How to Chit Potatoes

1. Choose Healthy Seed Potatoes: Select certified seed potatoes to avoid disease.
2. Position the Potatoes: Place them in a cool, light location with the “rose end” (where most eyes are located) facing upward.
3. Use Egg Cartons or Trays: Arrange the potatoes in egg cartons or shallow trays to keep them upright.
4. Monitor Progress: Keep them at a temperature of 10–15°C (50–59°F). After 2–3 weeks, sprouts will begin to form.

Tips for Successful Chitting

• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the sprouts from drying out.
• Discard any potatoes that show signs of rot or disease.
• Allow sprouts to grow 1–2 cm before planting.

Step 2: Preparing the Planting Site

Potatoes prefer loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

Soil Preparation

1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds, stones, and debris from the planting site.
2. Enrich the Soil: Dig in well-rotted manure or compost to improve fertility.
3. Check the pH: Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Avoid lime, as it can encourage scab.

Spacing and Layout

• Space rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart for easy maintenance.
• Plant seed potatoes 30 cm (12 inches) apart within rows.

Step 3: Planting Potatoes

Planting in the Ground

1. Dig Trenches: Create trenches 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep.
2. Place Seed Potatoes: Position potatoes with sprouts facing upward.
3. Cover with Soil: Gently cover potatoes with soil, leaving a mound for hilling as they grow.

Planting in Containers

1. Choose a Large Pot: Use a container at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep with drainage holes.
2. Add Soil: Fill the bottom with 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of soil.
3. Place Potatoes: Add seed potatoes, then cover with soil.
4. Top Up Soil: As shoots grow, add more soil until the container is full.

Step 4: Caring for Potatoes

Hilling

• What It Is: Mound soil around the base of plants as they grow to protect tubers from sunlight and frost.
• When to Do It: Hill when shoots are 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) tall, repeating every few weeks.

Watering

• Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again as the plants grow.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: Watch for slugs and aphids.
• Diseases: Prevent blight by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering.

Step 5: Harvesting and Storing

Harvesting

• First Earlies: Ready 10–12 weeks after planting when flowers bloom.
• Maincrop: Harvest when foliage begins to yellow and die back.
• Use a fork to lift potatoes carefully to avoid bruising.

Storing

• Cure potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry location for 1–2 weeks.
• Store in breathable sacks or boxes in a dark, cool place to prevent sprouting.

Benefits of Growing Potatoes in February

• Early Harvest: Enjoy fresh potatoes earlier in the season.
• Higher Yields: Starting early gives plants more time to develop tubers.
• Controlled Growth: Chitting and planting in February help prevent delays caused by late frosts.
• Versatility: Grow potatoes in the ground, raised beds, or containers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planting Too Early

If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, wait for improved conditions.

2. Overcrowding

Give each potato enough space to grow and reduce competition.

3. Neglecting to Hill

Uncovered tubers turn green and become inedible due to solanine.

4. Skipping Chitting

Unchitted potatoes take longer to grow and produce smaller yields.

5. Poor Drainage

Waterlogged soil can lead to rot and disease. Ensure proper drainage.

Top 10 Questions About Growing Potatoes in February

1. Why chit potatoes before planting?
Chitting gives potatoes a head start by encouraging early sprouting, leading to faster growth.

2. How long does chitting take?
Chitting typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on temperature and light conditions.

3. Can I plant potatoes in February?
Yes, you can plant first earlies in February in well-prepared, frost-free soil.

4. What’s the best soil for potatoes?
Loose, fertile, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) is ideal.

5. How deep should I plant seed potatoes?
Plant seed potatoes 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep.

6. Do I need to water potatoes often?
Water consistently, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.

7. How do I protect potatoes from frost?
Use fleece, cloches, or soil mounds to shield plants during cold snaps.

8. What pests affect potatoes?
Slugs, aphids, and Colorado potato beetles are common pests.

9. When are potatoes ready to harvest?
Harvest first earlies 10–12 weeks after planting, when flowers appear.

10. Can I grow potatoes in containers?
Yes, containers are a great option for small spaces. Ensure good drainage and deep soil.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes in February is a rewarding endeavor that ensures an early and abundant harvest. By chitting seed potatoes, preparing the soil, and following proper planting and care techniques, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown spuds in no time. Whether you’re planting in the ground or containers, starting early sets you up for a successful growing season.

Start chitting your potatoes today and look forward to delicious results this year!