Pulled my red potato sets out of the bottom drawer of the fridge, and will now take them down to the basement to chit. I spread them out on a tote top. and then put a clear plastic drawer or tote over them. (one year a rat gnawed a few of the potatoes so now i cover them. Got rid of the rats back then- this is just a precaution).
The potatoes are put where they will get some light from a small window. Chitting means that the sets will grow in a very slow and controlled way, and be ready to grow faster when they are planted. Cool temps are best.
Potatoes left in the dark will send out long weak stems which waste the strength of the set. However, if planted those sets will grow a few potatoes, so if you have lots of room they can still be planted. Sometimes those few potatoes they make will be bigger than normally grown ones.
If you are buying sets don't leave them in the mesh bag they come in, as the buds will grow through the mesh and when you empty the bag, many of the buds will tear off. Instead, lay the sets out flat as above, so you will get the maximum number of intact buds.
The potatoes are put where they will get some light from a small window. Chitting means that the sets will grow in a very slow and controlled way, and be ready to grow faster when they are planted. Cool temps are best.
Potatoes left in the dark will send out long weak stems which waste the strength of the set. However, if planted those sets will grow a few potatoes, so if you have lots of room they can still be planted. Sometimes those few potatoes they make will be bigger than normally grown ones.
If you are buying sets don't leave them in the mesh bag they come in, as the buds will grow through the mesh and when you empty the bag, many of the buds will tear off. Instead, lay the sets out flat as above, so you will get the maximum number of intact buds.