Can I use bags of ericaceous compost for my potatoes?
Bob Reeves, Dereham
Stefan says: As you’ll be aware, ericaceous compost is intended specifically for lime-hating plants and has a much lower pH, no lime and extra iron compared with most of the other composts you might use in your containers. There will be no harm in using it. Bear in mind that some wonderful potato crops are grown on acidic peatland soils. In fact, one of the common potato diseases, common scab, which causes those unsightly lesions that have to be peeled off, is actually encouraged by lime.
I’m a great fan of growing potatoes in containers and, when I had a small garden, did it regularly. By choosing a first early variety and sitting the container somewhere sheltered – ideally in a greenhouse – it’s even possible to have potatoes by Easter! You’ll need to attend carefully to watering, however, to ensure the compost doesn’t dry out.