[wbmkk]

As a new allotment holder, I am looking forward to my first growing season in 2014.

I have still to order my seeds, but I suppose there's no real rush. With so many seed catalogues available now in my living room, plus online suppliers and even the nearby allotment association shop (Kings seeds 50% discount) the seeds will not be a problem.

However, seed potatoes cost quite a bit, so if I want to put in a fair few (first and second earlies) they could cost a fair bit.

I know it's several months away (isn't Good Friday the potato planting day)  ... but which are the good suppliers please. Is it the same suppliers as the seeds, or are there other 'potato only companies out there ?

thank you

[BabbyAnn]

Seed potatoes are not cheap really wherever you go - but generally most big seed suppliers are all much a sameness as they probably get their seed potatoes from the same big potato merchants as the rest.  JBA seed merchants have a good web site, T&M customer service has been questionable (and some others - when you order one variety and they switch for something else has been common)  I do know that it's often worth putting your order in much earlier (like just before or after the new year) rather than nearer planting time when available seed potato stocks could be low.

Some people go to their local garden centres or Wilkos in the new year and can usually buy them cheaper.  Wilkos tend to be limited to just the popular varieties but they are perfectly fine and quite good for first time growers.   With online suppliers, you get the added p&p on top which can make it eye watering expensive ... I sometimes try and look out for free p&p offers later in the year, although I did want to order a particular potato variety which only The Organic Gardening Catalogue had, and the p&p was only £1.50p I think.

[RichardA]

JBA are very good, never let me down. Their webpage is very informative and they deliver when they say they will but they are wise enough and care enough not to give seed potato to couriers in very frosty weather which many internet suppliers still do resulting in damaged seed at your end.
I know cost is important but saving pence and then getting ra educed, or nil or diseased harvest is losing more than pennies. Just my opinion.
I hope you have a good 2014 for potatoes. Have fun choosing.
R

[Kristen]

I've bought from JBA for several years now and been very pleased with the service and the result.

[Aunt Sally]

Some of these nurseries/garden centres may have loose seed potatoes:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=35584.0

[azubah]

Wilkinsons sell a few varieties in spring at a reasonable price. Postage can be high.

[Nikkithefoot]

Some areas have potato days or potato fairs (do a google search for your nearest). One fairly close to me often has in excess of 120 varieties. (Think kid in sweet shop here) There you can try less well known varieties if you want as well as buying individual seed spuds.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

I got mine at Home Bargains this year. Reasonable price and no postage.

[Yorkie]

I'd be surprised if the local lotty association didn't have them in the new Year.

[MickyB]

If you order early do they store OK?

[DD.]

A reputable company will not deliver early enough for you to have to worry about that.

[3 allotments]

JBA. never failed me used many times, i buy them 25kg sacks,  I bought blue kestrel 2nd earlies   this year and had around 10 sacks back .£32. with delivery from Scotland have a look http://www.seedpotatomerchants.co.uk/ .darren

[arugula]

I get mine from Garden Organic. Their postage rates are very reasonable.

[AnneB]

Another vote for JBA.   Always reliable and generally a good choice.  This year I have just ordered Wilja and Charlotte.

However I think they have become more expensive for smaller quantities, plus one of my favourite second earlies, Edgecote Purple, isn't available.   I don't have room to grow more than 2 varieties of early potatoes, so next year I may try a local potato day and compare.

[DD.]

It is well worth investigating local independent nurseries.

I'm fortunate in that I have one a few miles away. Their rates are on a par to Wilcos, you can buy the exact number you need from a choice of about 90 varieties, you pay no postage and a lot of their potato sacks are marked JBA!

Well worth a trip even if 15-20 miles away if you need a reasonable quantity.