christmas new potatoes

Yes, it is possible to grow potatoes for Christmas by planting a late crop in late July. The seed potatoes are kept form spring in a cool fridge, even if they sprout and are planted out.

The seed companies send out specially stored seed potatoes, though not to Ireland, it seems. Some varieties, such as ‘Charlotte’, Nicola and ‘Maris Peer’ are more suited. Cold weather stops them growing outdoors in October, later indoors, and the ‘new’ potatoes are lifted wehn wanted. Slugs can be fond of them too.