Now is about the time to starting "chitting" seed potatoes for planting out in spring. "Chitting" is a process whereby seed potatoes are put into a box or tray and covered to protect them from light so they can start to sprout (I use newspaper). The idea is to get them started before planting out once the risk of frost is past.
Right now I've got "Kowiniwini" Maori potatoes and "Purple Heart" chitting in the garage here at Struan Farm. I've just ordered a few more varieties, "Rocket," an early variety we grew last year, "Ilam Hardy," early-mid season, and "Agria," which is what they call a main crop. The latter are left in the ground and pulled up for winter storage, I've grown them many times.
After watching the uptake of potatoes from the Piopio Community Fruit & Veg Stand last year, I've decided we should probably plant more. According to "Blue Zones," the group that researches communities that live the longest around the world, we all should be eating more potatoes and beans, as well as drinking coffee and tea!
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