...well, it is at the moment, but it won't be too long before it's warm enough to start planting out the first of the seed potatoes. They fall into three main groups - first earlies, second earlies and maincrop - depending on when they are ready to be harvested.

Earlies are grown as new potatoes, to be eaten when they are harvested, so too are the maincrop potatoes lifted in August. Those harvested in Sep/Oct will be larger and can be stored in a cool, dry, dark spot for use throughout the winter.

Earlies should be chitted (sprouted) before planting to give them a good start (and it's a good idea for maincrops too). From late Jan/early Feb place the seed potatoes rose end up (the end with most eyes) in an egg box or tray of dry peat, in a light (but not sunny) frost-free room. When the shoots are ½"-1" long they are ready to be planted out, but be sure to protect any new shoots if a frost is forecast.

For more information on growing potatoes have a look at the RHS website, and for recipes, which varieties to choose, nutritional information and other interesting facts see the Potato Council website.

We currently have many varieties of seed potatoes in stock at £3.99 for a 2.5Kg bag, or 3 bags for £10, plus potato tubs, organic potato fertilizer and all you need to grow your own this year.