Potatoes for christmas

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that you can grow pots for Christmas. Do I plant some of my new potatoes, how do I get them to sprout. I also have some Jerseys here which we did not eat - will they sprout?

Has anyome done this.

Ta so much

B

 

can no one help on this please.

Surely soneone has some ideas. You have all been fantastic on other stuff I posted.

b

 

I've never done it but I know you can. So failing anyone with direct experience here's a site that tells you how to:
http://www.garden-centre.org/Potatoes.htm
Scroll down and you will find "Christmas potatoes".
If you havent any of your own I should thnik shop bought ones would do! If you haven't got any large cloches, try growing them in a bin bag or plastic dustbin that you can put in the greenhouse, conservatory or failing that a shed with windows! The idea is to protect the top growth from frost so that potatos have more time to grow.


[ 07. August 2006, 06:15 PM: Message edited by: Liz ]

 

Hi Barbaraanne

Yes - I have seen and read about this!!! (was it mentioned on Gardeners World???? ) You just put them in large buckets in the greenhouse!!!! I was thinking about doing this in the autumn too.....

 

Best to use seed potatoes which you can still get from places like Thompson & Morgan if you ask. Shop bought spuds don't reproduce all that well. I've grown pots in pots of every type and shape, buckets, very large plants pots, bags fo compost, carrier bags, strong cardboard boxes, anything!

I believe the trick is to use plenty of compost to cover the potato so it's well protected from frost and place it somewhere that is also going to protect it. But not in a corner where you're going to forget to water it!!!!

Good luck!

 

MD, I don't grow a lot of potatoes, but I always have a few pink fir apple. I haven't bought a seed potato for years, just save a few. Have I just been lucky?

 

Thanks so much everyone. I will give them a go in some big boxes I have used to grow carrots. I can cover them and move them if necessary. Will let you know how successful they were.

I knew you wouldn't let me down.

b