Potatoes are a meal in themselves - they are high in fibre, rich in vitamin C and B and have more protein and iron than any other vegetable. Potatoes are not hard to grow, especially with new varieties that mature quickly and are disease resistant. Main crop varieties require a lot of space in the garden, so if space is limited, grow early maturing varieties.

Plant seed potatoes after frosts have passed in early spring through to early summer. In warmer regions of New Zealand potatoes can be grown year round. Potatoes are prone to several viruses that reduce their vigour and yield. Plant only certified virus free seed potatoes.

Pre sprout seed potatoes before planting. This takes 4-6 weeks, with the potatoes laid out in a single layer, on a seed tray, in a warm, sunny sheltered spot. The potatoes turn green and sprouts appear from the “eyes�? which are small buds. The “eyes�?grow into shoots. When the shoots are 3-4cm long, the potatoes are ready to plant. Before planting remove all but the strongest shoots for planting.

Choose a very sunny sheltered situation to grow your Christmas potatoes. The soil needs to be well drained, with plenty of compost, peat or well rotted organic material added before planting. Dig in a specially blended potato fertiliser at a ratio of 100g per square metre, and leave the plot for one week before planting the seed potatoes.

Seed potatoes are planted in furrows about 10cm deep. Early maturing varieties are spaced 25cm apart and main crop varieties 35cm apart. Space the rows between furrows 80-100cm apart. Lay the sprouted seed potato in the furrow and cover with soil, taking care not to damage the shoots.

As shoots appear, mound soil around them to protect the new growth. Mounding is essential as potatoes form on the stem of the shoots. Mounding the soil prevents developing potatoes from “greening�? Continue mounding until the potatoes start to flower and growth slows down. Mounds should be kept weed free.

Potatoes are “gross feeders�?in that they require regular feeding throughout the growing season. Use a specially blended potato fertiliser at the recommended rate.

Erratic periods of dry and wet weather affect cooking and keeping qualities. Keep the soil moist, especially at flowering time, so that growth does not become checked. Water between the mounds rather than on the foliage as potatoes are susceptible to blight which is spread by water splash.

Early varieties are ready for harvest when the flowers are fully open, approximately 3-4 months after planting (add another month for sprouting before hand). Main crop varieties should not be dug until the foliage has completely died down. Use a fork to dig potatoes, taking care not to damage the tubers as damaged tubers will not keep for long. As soon as the potatoes have been dug, store them in a sack or paper bag in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. Do not leave potatoes exposed to light after they have been dug.

Potatoes do require a bit of attention to ensure they remain pest and disease free. Late Blight is a disease that affects potatoes, occurring early in the season when temperatures are warm and humid, and night temperatures are cool, or late in the season with the autumn rain. Irregular brownish black patches appear on leaves and the stalk, eventually covering the whole plant. Use a preventative spray such as Copper Oxychloride or Bravo at regular intervals. Rotate potato crops each season and avoid planting potatoes where tomatoes have been planted the previous season.

The Potato Tuber Moth larvae causes holes in the leaves and tunnels in the stems and tubers. Mounding prevents the moth reaching the potatoes and laying its eggs. Aphids can be a problem - control with Confidor or Mavrik.