Hi,
I'm new to this list and, as it is the time that seed catalogues appear on the doormat, I would like to tell those of you who haven't heard about them about Potato Days.
The idea was dreamt up around 13 years ago by the HDRA (the organic gardening organisation) when the number of varieties of potato (and other) seeds were reducing.
There are now over 10 one or two day events around the country where you can choose an individual tuber of anything up to 150 varieties. The idea being that, if you don't know what you like you can pick just a few to try to see if they suit you and your allotment. If you do know what you like but haven't been able to find it elsewhere you should find it (and buy a couple of varieties new to you to see what they are like). Not only do they have large quanties of seed potato they also have talks on potato growing, expert advice and many have (potato) cookery demonstrations - most have something to keep the kids entertained too. They do charge an entry fee but if you compare this with the cost of postage from the large seed catalogues and add in the things I've just mentioned, I think they are good value.
For some years I have been running the Hampshire event and have been publicising it and others on the web. The information I have to date about events in 2007 is at
UK Potato Days, the best, of course, is the
Hampshire Potato Day where you can find the largest choice of tubers.
There are now some Garden Centres which are offering large quantites of varieties and the option to pick individual tubers, some of those are in the list. If you know of any others please let me know.