Seed potatoes

[viques]

Trotted down to b and q this am to buy some seed potatoes ( and have a look through their reduced stock , nothing I wanted there) , and was shocked to find out that not only have they sold out of seed pots, but they don’t think they will be getting more in. Apparently there is a Europe wide shortage. What are other people doing, I know you aren’t supposed to chit normal potatoes to grow on, but it might be a case of needs must.

I always bring on my own potatoes! What do you think people did in the days before B&Q..

We’ve always just leave some to go sprouty and bunged them in the ground - why aren’t you supposed to?

There are loads in my local garden centres! Perhaps try another one close to you?

But yes, I've used normal supermarket potatoes before and they've worked fine.

You're not supposed to as supermarket potatoes may have been sprayed or can harbour more diseases than seed potatoes (apparently). But I'm sure it would be fine this time if you can't get hold of seed potatoes.

Apparently commercial seed potatoes are guaranteed virus free. I will try to get some from a different garden centre,but failing that will use supermarket spuds and hope they are healthy.

I bought some good ones online from the potatohouse, I've never grown potatoes before and they delivered really fast in 3 days. I'm just sprouting them now

I was struggling to find seed potatoes so that will be why.. but I eventually found some in Homebase just over a week ago so if you have one near you give it a try m.

Had a lot more problems with viruses than we do now

Crisis over, I found a local garden centre with seed potatoes, last three packs though. I suspect a lot of windowsills are doubling up as chitting areas this Easter.

Alas, Homebase is now as rare as hens teeth in London. I used to love our local Homebase, their plant reducing day was Wednesday, sigh.

Thanks for explaining, I had no idea about the disease aspect. Will need to see if I can find some seed potatoes around my way.