Green Fingers: Planning to plant some potatoes
The English like wet or waxy potatoes, while the Irish like dry and floury. I have no idea why!
The heading for this week could either be a question or statement, but it is one topical subject that regularly comes up at this time of year, and, fortunately, they are the one crop that is easy to grow, even by total novices.
It must still be very strong in our DNA as, each year, large numbers of people have a desire to grow some of their own potatoes but many drop by the wayside due to conceived difficulties in growing them or through a perceived lack of space.
That is a pity, as growing even a few potatoes gives back so much pleasure and to get going it is just a case of asking some questions from someone who has already grown the crop.
It is difficult to accurately describe the taste of eating your own home-grown potatoes but, to me, it is nothing short of one of the most enjoyable eating experiences.
Existing potato growers know what I mean so I am aiming to tempt some of those who are still on the edge of the fence and thinking of taking that first step.
I like to grow a selection of a wider range of varieties and to do this I grow them in containers 60-90cm (2-3’) into which I plant 3-5 tubers 15cm (6”) from the bottom and cover with some compost. The containers can be of any type you might have around the place or special potato bags can be bought but this system is also very suitable for first timers and those with limited space.
There is no need to buy large packs of seed potatoes as small numbers and just enough to fill your containers can be bought at most garden centres.
There is a distinction here about what type of potatoes people eat. The English like wet or waxy potatoes, while the Irish like dry and floury. I have no idea why that is and do not know what way the Welsh or Scottish like their potatoes but, perhaps, someone out there knows the answer. Therefore, most of our seed potatoes are dry and floury but we have a few wet and waxy varieties available for those who have developed a taste, and they include ‘Charlotte’, ‘Pink Fir Apple’ and ‘Rocket’.
We do not spray in our garden and to avoid blight on potatoes we limit ourselves to growing only early maturing varieties that are ready for harvesting just before blight conditions occur.
There are many types to choose from but a selection from the following would give a good range in tasty varieties - Colleen, Duke of York, Red Duke of York, Epicure and Homeguard are the earliest followed by British Queen and Nicola as second early varieties.
It is far too early to start growing potatoes but the time for gathering the seed tubers is from now on, the reason being that supplies have been running out earlier each year with the selection in March being poor and, secondly, to get a head start in growth it is good to have the tubers ‘chitted’, a process that encourages the tubers to sprout before planting out around March. This is achieved by placing the tubers in a frost-free and dry room.
Spring flowering bulbs are beginning to flower, having been planted out last autumn. If you have snowdrops or know a source of them, you can divide large clumps around 20cm (8”) into four to six smaller clumps before replanting them immediately.
If you have any queries or comments you are welcome to share them with me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include them in a future article.
