Mince & onions in gravy with peas and mash 

Sorry if this has been touched on, but an article I read recently commented on Highgrove`s gardener suggesting similar to the `beer` method, alternatively using a mixture of small amounts of sugar and dried yeast with water in pots with the rim at ground level.
 Anyone tried this?

Just made so up today so I will keep you posted.

And so after me swearing never to have a painted finish kitchen again, I am now re-considering that stance

Only looking at flat fronted door ones though     

Are non-painted kitchens in the same price bracket as a painted one decent doors then. I am assuming hoping it is the cheapest ranges that are dodgy 

I don't discriminate - everything  makes me grumpy.

Look on the bright side. At least no-one can accuse you of being inconsistent.

Need to give the `plank - board` method a name
I think it works better Jan. to March as currently  slugs stay near there `food bank`....in lettuce, among strawberies etc.

That's a great point re storage Aidy, this year however, mrs R and myself arent storing any as we're not eating potatoes (keto lifestyle).
I'm just growing them for family to use as and when they're ready, I just don't understand why half grew and half didn't, could they have been treated with something to prevent them growing as normal?

I agree with hasbeans that your supermarket potatoes have probably been treated with a growth inhibitor. I also agree with Yorkie that it's best to get certified seed potatoes, especially if you are growing on an allotment where disease can spread to other plots.