[Cabbage Patch]

Hi
I am in the process of chitting my Carlingford Potatoes for Christmas.
I want to use the tyre method.  Before I start could I ask if this is a good method and are there any problems with chemicals in the tyres.
I wanted to check because I will be growing quite a large amount and want a good result.
Also can you store Christmas spuds?
Sorry for my ignorance but I am a beginner.
Your comments would be most welcome.
Thank you in advance.
Cabbage Patch x

[solway cropper]

If you are growing them outside in stacked up tyres you'll have a problem with frost. Most people who attempt Christmas spuds do them in bags/containers that they can bring into the greenhouse when the cold weather comes. Most people are also extremely disappointed with the yields they get...if they get anything at all.

As for storing them, why? the point is to get fresh new pots for the Christmas dinner and that's it.

Christmas potatoes are a great idea for the seed companies who just love to part us from our hard-earned cash

[Babstreefern]

I saw this method a few years ago on, if I remember, Gardners World, or something similar.  You start off with one tyre fill it up with compost and plant your spuds.  When the greenery pops through, you put another tyre on top and again, fill it with compost, and so on and so forth.  I think they used about 4 tyres, and they got quite a few spuds out of it.  Bearing in mind, you need to water and feed it.

[mumofstig]

Bob Flowerdew showed growing potatoes in tyres on telly, a good while ago though, but it seemed to work well

Christmas spuds will be 'new' spuds and as such will not store well once lifted.

[Cabbage Patch]

Thanks for that guys, you have been really helpful.

One last question though, could I grow them in my polytunnel from the begining?
I will probably still grow lots because I have a rather large family who's eyes pop out at the mention of home grown veg 

Thanks again
Cabbage Patch x

[SUTTY1]

probally ok in tunnel, but keep plenty off fleece handy for when the frost comes