Autumn planting potatoes - why not?

I suppose it depends on the severity and longevity of the frosts in the writers area compared to the often brutal prolonged periods we get here in the UK. I've hears of people growing their pots in bags over winter and dragging them into a heated greenhouse or shed during the colder periods but those were usually harvested in December for Christmas dinner.

I planted a load of 2nd crop Carlingford in the ground in August as an experiment to see how they battle the frosts, only half grew but are showing good foliage growth. Only time will tell if they survive the year.

To then expect them to get through Jan and Feb would seem a bit optimistic, but if you have the space and are prepared to be disappointed, what's to lose?

So my first question would be.... Where are you going to get seed spuds from at this time of the year?

I would never re-sow my own or supermarket spuds.

For us here (in Blackpool) it is probably a no no as we are quite low lying and quite often in winter the plots would be underwater or the water just below the surface, yes I agree that spuds are pretty tough and they generally survive but I just wouldn't want to put an entire bed in the hope that they survive the winter thats if I could get the seed spuds to start with.

Thanks for the replies, I was canvassing opinion from you guys as you are so knowledgeable. I think we sometimes have to think a bit differently with the way climate change is developing, although we may get more cold Springs, who knows? If I can get some seed spuds I may try it next year, I won't have lost much if it fails, I have the space.

Just had to take out all my Christmas spuds today due to, yes you guessed it, blight. So there you go, they might catch late blight!