I will be looking to plant ours at the end of March/early April. Don't think that you have bought them too soon, Strom. You should now be "chitting" them, ie allowing them to start growing shoots so that they have a better start when planted. Chitting involves putting the potatoes in individual compartments - egg boxes are a classic example though we use modular seed trays - and keeping these in a frost free but cool place in good light. We are lucky enough to have a spare bedroom that just gets a quick blast of the radiator in the morning and evening, otherwise it is unheated.

thankyou very much Bulbaholic i will do that.

Have started mine already, under the stairs in egg boxes and they are sprouting well. I always line my trenches with grass cuttings, this has always worked for me and will start planting after Easter time.