Seed Potatoes or not?

Hello. I distinctly remember my Mum once accidentally growing potatoes from their peelings which she had lazily chucked on the ash pile in our garden in the late 1980s.
Also....I get potatoes from the shops which after a time end up sprouting. Sometimes even in the fridge...which amuses me greatly. People used to tell me they shouldn't be eaten...well, I've not been sick yet.
People also tell me, and as I am no expert I have asked a few-that you should buy only seed Potatoes to grow your own. Is it strictly necessary or is it as "purist" opinion? I mean, will decent potatoes grow from supermarket sprouted ones?

down in sunny Dorset/Somerset border

 

Hi Stinkfoot, seed potatoes are best, I believe it's all to do with spreading disease??? (I hope someone corrects me on that if I'm wrong!) seed potatoes will also give you a much better crop.
I buy mine from our local farm shop they are much cheaper than what you can buy them for at the garden centre!
I don't want to teach you to suck eggs but give the ground plenty of manure & give it a good dig/rotivat. once you have planted your seed potatoes keep your potatoes well watered. I always wait until the potato plants have finished flowering before I start digging them up.

 

Definitely get seed potatoes, if you buy too many and have some left over...eat them!