If you want the best choice of the freshest potatoes you really need to grow your own. Potatoes are grown from small tubers known as "seed potatoes". As soon as you purchase your seeds place them in a dark position (cupboard) for a week or two to allow young shoots to form.

When it's time to plant, work in lots of compost and the recommended amount of potato food.

Plant seed potatoes 5cm deep and 30cm apart in rows about 75cm apart. As sprouts emerge rake soil up around the stem of the potato to prevent greening. Early crops should mature in 3-4 months and are ready when the potatoes are about the size of an egg.

GENERAL CARE:

Plants need to be kept well watered for the development of good potatoes, especially when the plant is flowering. Potatoes are most susceptible to fungal attack during wet weather. Late bright can attack in spring and autumn. If weather conditions are wet and humid then preventative spraying with a fungicide such as Yates Bravo is advisable. Rotating potato crops also helps prevent fungal diseases and nematodes. Aphids and potato moth are common insect pests of the potato, and can be controlled with a general insecticide. Early crop potatoes should be eaten very soon after harvest. If you wish to store other varieties, they need to be dried and then stored in the dark. When harvesting and drying do not leave out overnight.

In the vege garden, old tires can be stacked up to create mounds for young potatoes.

Potatoes are rich in vitamin C and B and contain more protein and iron than other vegetables.

Cooking them in their skin prevents the loss of nutrients.

FIRST EARLY VARIETIES: Cliffs Kidney, Jersey Bennes, Maris Anchor, Rocket.

SECOND EARLY: Arran banner, Ilam Hardy, Karaka, Red king.

MAINCROP VARIETIES: Desiree, Mondial, Nadine, Pentland Dell, Red Rascal, Rua