CROP OF THE MONTH Potatoes

SOLANUM TUBEROSUM ‘MARIS PEER’

CHRISTMAS CROP HARVEST

Maris Peer potatoes grow well in pots in autumn. This all-round salad-type variety has a firm creamy yellow flesh and superb flavour and is good for boiling, roasting and mashing. Plant up to early September for a crop in late October, or leave them in the pot if you want to enjoy them at Christmas. For best results, plant in full sun.

SECRETS OF SUCCESS

 Use a pot at least 40cm deep and wide, with drainage holes in the base.

 Add a layer of potting compost or a garden soil/compost mix. A layer 10cm thick is enough for 40cm pots.

 Plant one to three tubers per pot, each with about 10cm of space.

 As the foliage develops, add further compost or soil until the container is full to within 5cm of the top.

 Keep well watered and feed with a general-purpose liquid fertiliser.

 Bring them indoors on cold nights and return outdoors during the day.