PENTLAND PLANTS BLOG
The latest news, events and tips from our team
Growing potatoes in containers is really easy and the perfect solution if you want to grow your own but have limited space. There is also much less chance of soil borne pests and diseases.
Now is the perfect time to get started and we're fully stocked with everything you'll need.
Why not have a go?! Our easy to follow, step by step guide will tell you how...
What you need:
Potato bag or container
Multipurpose or vegetable compost
Seed potatoes 3/5 depending on size of container
Potato fertiliser
How to do it
Fill the container up with the compost.
Plant the potatoes 12-15cm into the compost and cover.
Incorporate fertiliser into the top 10cm of compost.
Water in well.
Place in a bright, frost free place and water when the compost begins to dry out.
Chitting
First and second early varieties particularly benefit from chitting which is the process of producing shoots before planting. This will produce faster growth and heavier crops.
Sit the potatoes in egg boxes with the most “eyes” facing upwards and place in a bright frost free room.
Plant out when the shoots are about 2.5cm tall between early March and end of May.
Harvesting
First and second early varieties can be harvested when the plants begin to flower. Have a dig under the compost to make sure they are big enough. With main crops wait until 2 weeks after the leaves have withered.
Storing
Lay out to dry, then store in hessian or paper bags in a dark, cool place.
Handy info
Smaller early new potatoes take 10 weeks from planting to cropping, second early 13 weeks and large main crop varieties for baking take 15 -20 weeks. Main crop are better suited to growing in the ground but can also be planted in containers!
This week our Vegan vegetable tagine will be on the menu in Cafe Panola on Friday and Saturday. Why not come in for lunch? Or have a go at making it at home with our easy to follow recipe:
Vegan vegetable tagine
serves 4
1 Parsnip diced
2 Peppers diced
1 Red onion
2 Carrots
1 Sweet potato
8 Mushrooms
2 Sticks of celery
1 Courgette
2 Table spoons of oil
2 Tins of chopped tomatoes
1 Tin of chick pea's
2 Table spoons of tomato puree
1/2 a cup of chopped apricots
1 vegetable stock cub
1 teaspoons of coriander
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Salt and pepper
Method:
Gently fry the diced parsnip, sweet potato, celery and carrots in the oil for about 10 minutes.
Add the rest off the veg. Add the spices and gently fry for another few minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients and season. Simmer over a low heat until the veg is cooked and the sauce has thickened. (approximately 1 hour). Serve with freshly made cous cous or rice.
Sunday roast lunches
Our hearty Sunday roasts are back. Available every Sunday 12 - 3.30pm in Cafe Panola. There's a choice of two roast meats served with fluffy roast potatoes or mash, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puds and gravy - Come in, cosy up and enjoy proper homemade food in Cafe Panola this January.
Only £8.95 (small portion £5.95)
Seasonal nursery staff required. Temporary Position.
Vacancies are available at our nursery for people to help grow young plants.
We have various jobs, from sticking cuttings, to running transplanting machines, moving plants, watering, picking and packing.
We are looking for quick manual workers with nimble fingers.
You will be fully trained on the jobs we are offering.
We need successful candidates to work 5 days out of 7. This will include some weekend work.
Part-time workers are also required, however we are looking for people to work regular part time hours and days agreed in advance.
Immediate start. Hourly rate £7.83
We are located on an easy bus route from Edinburgh - 37/47
Apply by sending your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please specify in your CV if you are applying for full time or part time
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Join us on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th January at 2pm for Pentland Plants 'Big Garden Birdwatch'!
Alie will be giving you some great ideas on how to get the birds flocking to your bird feeders, whatever your outdoor space.
Find out how to create the perfect haven for birds and why we should be encouraging wildlife to our gardens.
RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch 2019 - Join the fun
The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch takes place this January. Sign-up today to request a FREE postal pack, or take part online and get access to Big Garden Extra. Here you can access exclusive articles, downloads and celebrity interviews. Once you've signed up, you'll also benefit from 20% off in our shop and FREE delivery*.
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