[snails2go]

I've tried reading through a heap of forum posts and some Potato council info, but as I'm off to a potato show over the weekend, I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for varieties to keep a look out for?

I have Pentland Javelin and Charlotte already, but would like to grow a couple of other more unusual varieties.

To narrow it down (a bit  ) I'll be growing them in bags dotted round the garden, and want tasty new or roastable ones...

[arugula]

I'll be growing them in bags dotted round the garden, and want tasty new or roastable ones...

Lady Christl, of course! Versatile potato.

[DD.]

And there's Lady Christl.

[arugula]

That's true DD!

[TheSpartacat]

Keep an eye out for Ulster Classic. (first early)
I got them from JBA potatoes last year and i was extremely impressed with them. Can cook them any which way and the taste is superb. They were easily my fave out of the varieties i grew (about 9 varieties... yes, i'm a spud addict...) They even LOOK gorgeous!!
They also have good blight and scab resistance.
(JBA appear to be sold out apart from the 25kg sack... i ordered mine back in Oct...)

Failing that, my other tips would be Red Duke of York, which can be harvested as a first early or left in the ground to bulk up and turn slightly more floury imo... I grew Gladstone (first early) the year before last and liked them too... 

[DD.]

I've never grown them, but I picked up some of these from a local nursery:

http://www.simplyseed.co.uk/first-early-seed-potatoes/casablanca.html

They sound like everything you need, suitable for cooking, the show bench, small gardens & planters & fast to mature.

If it's everything they claim, you won't find a better one. However, you'll have to wait a few months for an unbiased report!

[TheSpartacat]

Not roastable though, sadly... though they look nice (ahhh look at the skins just flaking off... *mouth water*)

Are you only looking for first earlies snails2go? DD's recommendation had half the forum growing Ambo last year (early maincrop) and very nice they were too

[DD.]

Ironically, this Jersey supplier says you can roast them:

http://www.jerseyplantsdirect.com/potatoes-casablanca-2-kg

I've only got enough for half a row as a try out, but I'm sorely tempted to get a few more.

[clairebeau]

I'm off to a potato day tomorrow as well and I wanted some trusty names to look for...I haven't a clue what to buy. So I'm taking some notes of what you all say here 

Can't you all just come with us? 

[DD.]

If you're paying, not a problem.

[snails2go]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.  Knew there'd be some wrong opinions on here :-)

Already had Ambo on my list after trawling through the earlier posts....though now slightly gutted to see on the the list of potatoes available this weekend that Lady Cristl isn't available for 2012

Are you only looking for first earlies snails2go? DD's recommendation had half the forum growing Ambo last year (early maincrop) and very nice they were too

Not sure what sort I want really, just that I'd like a succession of potatoes so definitely going for the early earlies onwards...until I run out of bags and/or space!!

I'm hoping that by growing lots of different varieties I'll stumble upon the fantastic tasting, slightly waxy new potato I remember eating as a kid....and discover a whole new batch of potatoes in the process 

I planted 3 tubers per bag last year, so planning on doing the same this year - 1 variety to each bag.  Does that sound ok?

[sunshineband]

Depends on the size of the bag 

If they are the bags sold as potato bags I usually only put two in, but if they are wider ones, three would be fine (as in about 2ft across)

[snails2go]

They're "just" potato bags so maybe just 2 of each...the £savings can go towards the extra bags I'll need when I get a bit carried away :-)

[shokkyy]

Empty compost bags work well too, as do the orange reusable Sainsbury carrier bags (and they're plenty big enough for 3 spuds, plus they have handles). If I run out of those I start throwing them in buckets

[sunshineband]

They're "just" potato bags so maybe just 2 of each...the £savings can go towards the extra bags I'll need when I get a bit carried away :-)

Asda sell perfectly good carrier bags that are about 60cm long and 40 cm tall for 38p each -- and they also handles. Picture of countryside against a blue background 

Make good potato containers - one plot holder brought some runners down in one last year too.

Don't forget a couple of drainage holes though