Chit this There’s controversy in spud circles about whether chitting seed potatoes before planting is a waste of time. No matter: when you are keen to get cracking on the growing year but it’s too cold outside to plant, this is a great displacement activity. Place your seed potatoes in egg boxes or seed trays, the “rose” end (whichever pointy bit has a cluster of eyes) pointing up, and keep in a frost-free, light spot until short, stout shoots appear.
Visit this If you haven’t bought any seed potatoes yet, don’t despair: the RHS’s plant and potato fair is on 20 and 21 February at the RHS Horticultural Halls in London. Free for RHS members; non-members pay £5. Details at rhs.org.uk/londonshows.
Plant this They may look exotic but Peruvian lilies are hardy and long-flowering (June to October). Alstroemeria ‘Planet Collection’ contains five varieties in tropical shades. Height and spread 70cmx60cm. Buy five bareroot plants for £14.95, or 10 for £17.99. Dispatch in March; all orders include free p&p. To order, call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU293. Or shop online at theguardian.com/offers/plants.
