What are seed potatoes

A.� Seed potatoes are specially grown tubers saved from last season's crop. Like seeds they are sown to produce this year's crop.

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A.� It can be done, but certified seed potatoes have been grown in areas where aphids that spread potato diseases are less of a problem and are much, much more reliable.

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Seed potatoes are, or should be, smaller than your average potato because larger potatoes produce too many shoots to produce a good crop. They're not that expensive either.

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A.� It just refers to when they mature. First and Second Early varieties are usually ready to dig up and eat between June and July whereas Mains mature later and are generally ready between September and October.

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A.� It is, but you don't just whack seed potatoes straight into the ground. First you need to 'chit' them. Planting takes place between March and April, depending on where you are and the variety.

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A.� Chitting is a process whereby you get the seed potatoes off to a start before you actually plant them. This is particularly important for early varieties as they have a relatively short growing period but you can it is also done with Main variety tubers in areas of the country where they need to be planted as late as possible to avoid frost.

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A month before planting, place the tubers 'rose' end - that is broad end - up in a light airy room. You can stand them in a box, seed tray or even egg boxes.

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The buds on the tuber will sprout and are ready to put in the ground when they are about an inch long. If you have lots of sprouts, nip off the weaker ones to leave four of five of the strongest.

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A.� One of the reasons they are so widely grown is their ability to grow in pretty much any soil and that they will grow in 'dirty land', where other things won't, given enough manuring.

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The ideal is a free-draining, deep soil with lots of organic matter mixed in, but don't worry too much if your soil doesn't quite fit the description. Don't add lime as they prefer a nominally acid soil.

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