• The Maris Bard potatoes in the eggtray on the window sill have opened their eyes and started to grow.

 

• The small stems are called chits.
• They are kept cool so they grow slowly
• This makes them plump and strong
• The light makes them green

• short, plump, strong chits will help the potato get off to a quick start when they are planted in the ground.

• This will mean new potatoes will be dug a few weeks early!

Check weather forecasts daily by:

• radio
• TV
• online -Â the BBC site at your postcode

Â

Look out for:

• rain - if you need dry seedbeds
• if you are waiting to plant onions or potatoes & rain is forecast cover the plot over