[Steveharford]

I'm disappointed with my newies this year as when boiled, the skins come off and they break up. Same with all three varieties. So I am not getting that firm waxy texture I look for particularly with the Charlottes. I left them on top of the ground for a few hrs yesterday but that made no difference. Is this a result of the dry weather?

[tosca100]

Mine did that initially but sorted themselves out. Lovely now, Louisana and Arran Pilot

[surbie100]

Is this a result of the dry weather?

Apparently yes. There was a thread like this a year or so ago, but I can't find it so here's an article from Alys Fowler 
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2013/sep/07/ask-alys-potatoes

[Steveharford]

That clears that up then. Very helpful Surbie, many thanks. I will also steam them this evening.

[RJR_38]

They make The best mash like that though I find - hardly any butter or milk needed to get a lovely creamy texture that is lighter than mash using lots of butter

[grinling]

Farmers are constantly watering the potato fields up here. On the plus side my onions are huge.

[ARPoet]

I never boil potatoes, but steam them in the pressure cooker.
I have even been baking some already and have done roasties a few times with my second earlies, (Wilja).

[snowdrops]

I dug my last root of Lady Chrystal up on Sunday, they have been great,first time I've grown them,thanks to DD😀

[DD.]

You're welcome - still working through mine!

I leave my spuds a couple of days before cooking (steaming), they're still prone skin split, but not as badly. As previously posted, they do sort themselves out as the season progresses.