My potatoes are chitting and have very short growths now. The bits that are growing are they the leaves or the roots - so do I plant the growing bits up or down? Also what is best to feed them with (I understand they are heavy feeders), is it best to use a specific potato fertilizer or will tomato be ok - they are being planted into potato bags in multi purpose compost? I've never done potatoes before - you might not have guessed :lol:

They are the shoots not the roots so they need planting upwards. As for a fertilizer im not sure. Dont they like a well rotted manure?

and its never a stupid question if you dont know the answer. :D

For the 1st time this year I've used a proper potato fertiliser, as it was on offer for £1 (down from about £4) in Homebase. Previous to that I've grown spuds in regular compost in tubs, and in soil in the back garden. They have always grown OK, but I've been disappointed not to get bigger crops considering the vast amount of leafy growth above ground. I'm hoping the proper fertiliser boosts the yield this year.

they should be OK with plenty of water and the odd seaweed feed (when their leaves show). They love manure. I've just planted mine with a handful of fresh grass clippings (I saw it on a gardeners world programme once and have finally managed to pursuade a friend to bring me some grass clippings).

I was thinking of getting some seaweed feed - what is the best thing to get - I have seen liquid and calcified seaweed fertilizer. Just put the grass clippings into the compost bin and they now have other things on top so I will probably give that one a miss :lol:

I've got liquid feed in a brown bottle - I got it from Middletons (I think that is their name) at the bottom of the Moor - its part pet shop / part garden shop. You just need a tiny amount when watering. Its very good, but tends to make everything smell like a wet dog :)

On Gardners' World they stuck a bit of compost and chicken manure pellets in the trench when they planted, to feed the crop. Have put my 2nd earlies in today this way, and am hoping to reap the rewards!

I have a wormery so I was going to feed my potatoes some worm tea

I had mine in a trug last year and the yeild wasnt massive, although truly scrumptious.
going to see if heeley city farm will let me have a small bag of well rotted manure too

Now I do have chicken poo so I might use some of that :)