Xmas spuds - when and where

[Vegmonkey]

I'd like to know when to sow potatoes for Christmas Day (as i've seen a lot of coflicting opinions) and where to buy them from (as i know they can be expensive!)

[OverWyreGrower]

I've just got some seed spuds from either T&M or Marshalls (can't remember which), they're Carlingford, and can be planted from now until the first week in August.

[Flummery]

Be aware that we are in a particularly blighty year. I've grown these and had a fantastic crop in a drier summer but in a wet, warm and blight-ridden year I got the lot smitten when very young. I'd have a go if you can grow them in tubs in your greenhouse so you don't get splashing from the soil and rain. I'm going to save the last few of my arran pilot and bang 'em straight into pots for Christmas. Not sure if this will work but I'm not inclined to spend big money and have the lot go down with the 'b' word!

[Cutecumber]

I would only consider planting late if you have good protection - as Alice says it is a particularly bad year for disease, but even in a dry summer and autumn it is a gamble. I have two left over tubers which I will put in a pot in August in the greenhouse - where they will stay. Might even fleece them up as there are some serious leaks!

[lozza_9]

I have received my spuds for xmas but was thinking of putting the buckets i bought on my allotment - reading this post should I put them in my Plastic greenhouse in my back garden or will they be ok in the buckets on my allotment, should I cover them?

Cheers
Loz

[Snadger]

I have received my spuds for xmas but was thinking of putting the buckets i bought on my allotment - reading this post should I put them in my Plastic greenhouse in my back garden or will they be ok in the buckets on my allotment, should I cover them?

Cheers
Loz

I would put them in the buckets and leave them outside, but before frost beckons bring them inside the greenhouse. As an added precaution you may need to cover with fleece as well!

[lozza_9]

Cheers Snadger - thanks for the advice

Loz

[Vegmonkey]

Brill...thanks, i have decided not to bother as i don't really have any space if there is that much of a risk. They were gonna go in the cold frame, but that is now full of wood in storage for the wood burner.

I think i'll just plant some more carrots.