Gardeners 'need to get busy' if they want essential Christmas veg

A gardening expert has revealed that people need to plant potatoes now to enjoy a homegrown spud with their Christmas dinner. While the high temperatures might make it feel as though the festive season is way off, those wanting to add a personal touch to their December celebrations will need to get busy in the garden.

That's because specially selected potato varieties do best when planted in July or early August and are then ready to enjoy in mid to late December.

Hayden Salt, garden centre manager at Jacksons Nurseries, said: "Potatoes that are ready to plant in the summer are referred to as second-cropping potatoes.

"They are the same as normal potatoes sold for planting in the spring, however they have been held back in cold conditions so they can be planted later in the season.

"They are a great way to prolong the harvest from your garden - and are sure to impress guests over your Christmas dinner."

Whether you're planning to roast, mash or boil your spuds, the process for growing them is nice and simple.

Hayden explained: "I find the easiest way to plant potatoes is to pot them up in very large containers.

"Fill the container with compost, plant the seeds about 10cm to 15cm deep and cover with another layer of compost.

"When you start to see shoots, cover with more compost. This is a process known as 'earthing up' and protects the starchy vegetables as they develop.

"Put the containers in a sunny position and water them regularly to keep the compost moist."

Important move when seasons change

As the seasons shift, consider repositioning your plant containers to a spot shielded from harsh weather.

Hayden advised: "When the cold weather draws in, move the containers to a greenhouse or cover them with fleece or cloches to protect them from frosts. After around 10-12 weeks, once the foliage has started to turn yellow and die back, the potatoes will be ready to lift.

"You can cook and eat them straight away, or store them in a cool, dark, frost-free place until you're ready to enjoy crispy roast potatoes with your Christmas dinner."

Jacksons Nurseries, an award-winning family-run plant nursery, is based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.