ICU potatoes

[Deltawhiskey]

I wish I had the space to grow potatoes. Most of the bought ones these days either have black patches inside which look like they have been badly beaten and need intensive care. Others have white patches that look like the spud has cancer and needs chemotherapy. It doesn’t seem to matter where one buys them. I’ve had the same problem with Tesco, Lidl and our local farm shop.

David

[Nicos]

Can you plant at least a few in flower tubs?

I am aware that the ‘bruising’ marks show the potatoes have been chilled too much - it often happens when they are transported in a chilled environment or its frosty when they were harvested.
That’s why keeping them in the fridge is also a no-no.

My spuds often get scab, so they’re not perfect either!

[Peteyd]

I'm trying something a little different this year with my potatoes. I've got one variety in the ground (golden wonder I think?) and 2 in a couple of black plastic dustbins with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage (Pink Fir and Charlotte).

The bins don't take up much space as they are just slung out of the way up by the shed. I only move them when I need to open both doors of the shed.

[Mr Bones]

I've grown spuds before in compost bags, stood on end with the tops rolled down. The bags are thick enough and black so stop light getting to the tubers.

[RedRuth]

I grow my first earlies (Lady Christl) in these in the greenhouse https://www.greenhousesensation.co.u...-planter.html/ I get a fantastic early crop by planting them in February. They're pricey but last for years, the ones I use for tomatoes are about 10 years old now which works out about £4 a year. Also you can grow carrots afterwards.