Spring into spuds

Christmas in New Zealand isn’t the same without a feed of baby new potatoes, and they taste even better if you’ve grown them yourself.

By Lynda Papesch

The middle of September is the best possible time to plant your crop if you fancy enjoying them on Christmas Day, although any time from now through to December will see you harvesting through to March.
Don’t worry if your garden isn’t large. Potatoes grow well in bags too, including long narrow hanging bags. Roll the bags down to plant the tubers, and mound your potatoes as shoots grow. Feed your potatoes every four weeks to replenish nutrients.

TOP TIPS
– Main crop varieties are best planted in November and ready to harvest once all the foliage has died back in late March.
– To dig up your potatoes gently use a fork and your hands to lift the plants and potatoes (tubers) taking care not to damage them. Damaged potatoes won’t store well.
– If planting in September, mound up the soil first, then poke the tubers into the middle so they are warmed by the sun.
– Use a potato growing bag. Fill from the top, and when ready remove from the bottom of the bag.
– Try varieties such as Rocket and Liseta, along with old favourite Agria.