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Recommendations for seed potatoes?
Hello everyone,
Last year I grew first early potato 'Arran Pilot', on Bob H's recommendation, I believe. This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I was very happy with the Arran Pilot, Bob(if, indeed, it was you) and I got a reasonable crop. I only grow in very large tubs, which affects the yield, but because there is no slug damage, I enjoy the fulness of the yield. My father always grew 'Dunluce' (on a Sth Yorkshire clay/silt allotment) and was always delighted with them. Alas, because I only need a few, I don't really want to put in a big order with T&M who, infuriatingly will not accept a potato order with a larger seed/decoratives order. I would rather buy locally and be able to inspect the seed potatoes. Also, if anyone can recommend a good second early potato, I would be interested, thank you. If it can be left to make some early maincrop pots, that would great but not an absolute necessity. Thank you for your time. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
"Spider" wrote ...
Hello everyone, Last year I grew first early potato 'Arran Pilot', on Bob H's recommendation, I believe. This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I was very happy with the Arran Pilot, Bob(if, indeed, it was you) and I got a reasonable crop. I only grow in very large tubs, which affects the yield, but because there is no slug damage, I enjoy the fulness of the yield. My father always grew 'Dunluce' (on a Sth Yorkshire clay/silt allotment) and was always delighted with them. Alas, because I only need a few, I don't really want to put in a big order with T&M who, infuriatingly will not accept a potato order with a larger seed/decoratives order. I would rather buy locally and be able to inspect the seed potatoes. Also, if anyone can recommend a good second early potato, I would be interested, thank you. If it can be left to make some early maincrop pots, that would great but not an absolute necessity. Not sure it was me recommending Arran Pilot as we don't grow them, I don't think we ever have. Our favourite earlies at the moment are Leontine, Amadine, Noisette, Inova, and Printaline. Never been able to get them all at once only one or maybe two of those each year and then only at the Hampshire potato day. The second early we grow is the same as everyone else as we have tried others and always come back to it. Kestral and if you leave it the tubers will just get bigger but it won't keep as long as a main crop, good in the kitchen too. Maincrop we grow Victoria, have done for quite a few years and we also like Romano but have not found any seed for a couple of years, may try Rooster instead as we didn't like Setanta. That said, because of the dreadful blight last year and the way a number of gardeners on our allotment site have dealt with it (they haven't) we will only be growing three of the Sarpo varieties (Blight resistant) this year because I feel we would only lose our crop again otherwise. One of our neighbours on the site grew Sarpo last year and they came through the blight without any problems. You may find this link useful... http://www.charlton-park.co.uk/ if only to check out varieties but they do mail order too. They run the Hampshire Potato Day. -- Regards. Bob Hobden. Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 03/01/2013 12:53, Spider wrote:
This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I love Charlotte, the make a good salad postao and left in the ground get quite big for a good boiling potato. For information on lots of potatoes and types suitable for different things such as soil or resistance or cooking try Edwin Tuckers they have masses http://www.edwintucker.com/ |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 03/01/2013 16:49, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote ... Hello everyone, Last year I grew first early potato 'Arran Pilot', on Bob H's recommendation, I believe. This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I was very happy with the Arran Pilot, Bob(if, indeed, it was you) and I got a reasonable crop. I only grow in very large tubs, which affects the yield, but because there is no slug damage, I enjoy the fulness of the yield. My father always grew 'Dunluce' (on a Sth Yorkshire clay/silt allotment) and was always delighted with them. Alas, because I only need a few, I don't really want to put in a big order with T&M who, infuriatingly will not accept a potato order with a larger seed/decoratives order. I would rather buy locally and be able to inspect the seed potatoes. Also, if anyone can recommend a good second early potato, I would be interested, thank you. If it can be left to make some early maincrop pots, that would great but not an absolute necessity. Not sure it was me recommending Arran Pilot as we don't grow them, I don't think we ever have. Our favourite earlies at the moment are Leontine, Amadine, Noisette, Inova, and Printaline. Never been able to get them all at once only one or maybe two of those each year and then only at the Hampshire potato day. The second early we grow is the same as everyone else as we have tried others and always come back to it. Kestral and if you leave it the tubers will just get bigger but it won't keep as long as a main crop, good in the kitchen too. Maincrop we grow Victoria, have done for quite a few years and we also like Romano but have not found any seed for a couple of years, may try Rooster instead as we didn't like Setanta. That said, because of the dreadful blight last year and the way a number of gardeners on our allotment site have dealt with it (they haven't) we will only be growing three of the Sarpo varieties (Blight resistant) this year because I feel we would only lose our crop again otherwise. One of our neighbours on the site grew Sarpo last year and they came through the blight without any problems. You may find this link useful... http://www.charlton-park.co.uk/ if only to check out varieties but they do mail order too. They run the Hampshire Potato Day. Thanks for the link, Bob, I'll check that out more thoroughly tomorrow. Sorry I confused you with the poster who recommended Arran Pilot, but thanks for the Kestrel suggestion; I may very well try that. I'll read up on your other suggestions, too, just in case I come across them. If I find room for a maincrop, I may try Victoria, but I'm seriously limited for space. I tried King Edward last year but, surprisingly, I was very disappointed with the flavour. Perhaps it was just me - I do have a slight taste dysfunction :~((. Having grown it in the ground, I can't risk growing Victoria on the same site. I'll certainly check out Charlton Park. Thanks again. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 03/01/2013 17:24, Martin wrote:
On Thu, 3 Jan 2013 16:49:59 -0000, "Bob wrote: "Spider" wrote ... Hello everyone, Last year I grew first early potato 'Arran Pilot', on Bob H's recommendation, I believe. This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I was very happy with the Arran Pilot, Bob(if, indeed, it was you) and I got a reasonable crop. I only grow in very large tubs, which affects the yield, but because there is no slug damage, I enjoy the fulness of the yield. My father always grew 'Dunluce' (on a Sth Yorkshire clay/silt allotment) and was always delighted with them. Alas, because I only need a few, I don't really want to put in a big order with T&M who, infuriatingly will not accept a potato order with a larger seed/decoratives order. I would rather buy locally and be able to inspect the seed potatoes. Also, if anyone can recommend a good second early potato, I would be interested, thank you. If it can be left to make some early maincrop pots, that would great but not an absolute necessity. Not sure it was me recommending Arran Pilot as we don't grow them, I don't think we ever have. Our favourite earlies at the moment are Leontine, Amadine, Noisette, Inova, and Printaline. Never been able to get them all at once only one or maybe two of those each year and then only at the Hampshire potato day. The second early we grow is the same as everyone else as we have tried others and always come back to it. Kestral and if you leave it the tubers will just get bigger but it won't keep as long as a main crop, good in the kitchen too. A professional potato grower recommended Estima as an early crop. We are pleased with the result. No blight. I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 03/01/2013 17:11, Janet Tweedy wrote:
On 03/01/2013 12:53, Spider wrote: This year, I will grow them again, but would like to try another flavourful, non-floury potato that offers reasonably high yields. It would help if it were readily available so I can purchase it at a local gc. I love Charlotte, the make a good salad postao and left in the ground get quite big for a good boiling potato. For information on lots of potatoes and types suitable for different things such as soil or resistance or cooking try Edwin Tuckers they have masses http://www.edwintucker.com/ Thanks, Janet, for the link and suggestion of Charlotte. The site looks most interesting (I noted the Hill House link!) with lots of helpful information on disease resistance. It's been a while since I tried Charlotte (via the supermarket), but I seem to remember they were good and didn't collapse on boiling. It's good to know I can leave them longer, for decent sized boiling pots. Very helpful. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
"Spider" wrote
I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. -- Regards. Bob Hobden. Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
Janet wrote:
I grow Estima most years; it's so reliable and very tasty. We've grown Estima in the past but I can't remember anything about them, so I'm guessing they didn't make a huge impression. Charlotte I only grew once, wasn't impressed. We did Charlottes for the first time this year, and didn't get time to dig them up before the weather turned, so we dug them when the weather went warm again in December. They were /huge/ (for Charlottes). And very very tasty. I may have to try growing them as maincrop instead of salad potatoes again. |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 03/01/2013 22:46, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. I'm sure you're right, Bob. I'm afraid I don't associate blight with a season, but more with weather conditions and a good excuse to worry. I've never had blight on my first or second earlies, either. A little scab, maybe, but I'm sure that's due to pot culture and occasional dryness. Perhaps I can stop worrying about blight, except where I allow second earlies a longer season to develop into bigger spuds. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 04/01/2013 00:34, Janet wrote:
In , says... "Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. I grow Estima most years; it's so reliable and very tasty. Charlotte I only grew once, wasn't impressed. Janet Thanks, Janet. That's two votes for Estima, and I love the 'very tasty' bit. I hear what you say about Charlotte, but may still remind myself of them with supermarket ones. They won't be as good as home grown, but will be a decent indication. I often grow 2 or 3 first early types, or sometimes a second early to extend the 'new' potato season, so I can opt for Estima and Kestrel, then consider Charlotte for the third, if it isn't outvoted. This is all really helpful. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
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Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 04/01/2013 09:17, Martin wrote:
On Thu, 3 Jan 2013 22:46:25 -0000, "Bob wrote: "Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. We had a late crop of Sarpo Mira, also without blight. I've read about the Sarpo types in the catalogues. They get good ratings for blight resistance, but no remarks about flavour. How did you find them? -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 04/01/2013 12:01, Martin wrote:
On Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:51:43 +0000, wrote: On 04/01/2013 09:17, Martin wrote: On Thu, 3 Jan 2013 22:46:25 -0000, "Bob wrote: "Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. We had a late crop of Sarpo Mira, also without blight. I've read about the Sarpo types in the catalogues. They get good ratings for blight resistance, but no remarks about flavour. How did you find them? OK+ they grew huge too. Thanks, Martin. Worthy of consideration, then. If I can find room, I could try them in the ground. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 04/01/2013 12:09, Martin wrote:
On Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:45:16 +0000, wrote: On 04/01/2013 00:34, Janet wrote: In , says... "Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. I grow Estima most years; it's so reliable and very tasty. Charlotte I only grew once, wasn't impressed. Janet Thanks, Janet. That's two votes for Estima, in fact three votes. Number one vote was from the farmer near York, who recommended them to us . He had tried all sorts of potatoes before settling on Estima. We've tried a lot of different sorts of potato too. Initially, when we didn't know what to grow we got good advice from Roger's in Pickering. By chance in the year that we started growing potatoes he had written an article on growing potatoes for Amateur Gardener and there were some copies available. That's worth knowing. It suggests that they're good on different soils, as well as surviving subjective taste tests by various people. Thanks again, Martin. and I love the 'very tasty' bit. I hear what you say about Charlotte, but may still remind myself of them with supermarket ones. They won't be as good as home grown, but will be a decent indication. I often grow 2 or 3 first early types, or sometimes a second early to extend the 'new' potato season, so I can opt for Estima and Kestrel, then consider Charlotte for the third, if it isn't outvoted. This is all really helpful. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
Recommendations for seed potatoes?
On 04/01/2013 12:58, Martin wrote:
On Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:43:57 +0000, wrote: On 04/01/2013 12:09, Martin wrote: On Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:45:16 +0000, wrote: On 04/01/2013 00:34, Janet wrote: In , says... "Spider" wrote I've never tried Estima, but certainly heard of it, so I may give it a go, especially if it copes with blight. Thanks, Martin. Never had blight on the earlies, they are up and eaten before it comes. I grow Estima most years; it's so reliable and very tasty. Charlotte I only grew once, wasn't impressed. Janet Thanks, Janet. That's two votes for Estima, in fact three votes. Number one vote was from the farmer near York, who recommended them to us . He had tried all sorts of potatoes before settling on Estima. We've tried a lot of different sorts of potato too. Initially, when we didn't know what to grow we got good advice from Roger's in Pickering. By chance in the year that we started growing potatoes he had written an article on growing potatoes for Amateur Gardener and there were some copies available. That's worth knowing. It suggests that they're good on different soils, as well as surviving subjective taste tests by various people. We grow them in a former bulb field in sand a mile from the sea on the Dutch coast. Well, if I grow them, they'll be in heavy London clay miles from the sea, so they'll have to cope with that;~). Looking on the bright side, your other helpful info said they were resistant to slugs, which is a good thing here. We're overrun with slugs and snails:~(. Looks like I'm going to be digging over what left of our small veg patch. Almost half of it is taken up with compost bins and rhubarb. -- Spider from high ground in SE London gardening on clay |
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