We went to the Hampshire Potato day today in Whitchurch, it was a long way, but worth it. It rained very very hard on the way, which made for interesting driving conditions on the motorway. We were a bit late so missed the potato talks, people were already leaving by the time we got there. It cost £2 per adult, and 50p for the potato catalog, which will be handy as I stash all we bought here.

As we entered, we met some nice friendly people from the local gardening association, who told us if we went to the information desk, which showed all the full grown potatoes, that the kids would get some free ‘smile’ potatoes, so that was nice. Then we met a chap selling Heritage seeds called Thomas Etty, so we bought a load from him, that look pretty good. We also met a potato breeder, Jalving Potatoes, who was giving away potato trial packs of 2 tubers to try and give feedback on, so we took all three varieties they were offering.

Then after a look round a few other things, and the odd purchase or five, it was time for the main event. With about 80 to choose from we started with the organic varieties. Rather than get a whole bag of varieties we decided to buy 5 of each variety we wanted, at 17p each it was a good way to get a very wide selection. Starting with an Organic Lady Balfour,we made our way round with bags, writing labels and picking the best looking seed tubers. On occassion there weren’t many loose ones left, like with the Home Guard and the Golden Wonder, but I guess we will just have to see how well they come out; they only really had minor issues, odd bulges, and little damage creases, so I’m sure I’m probably being to finicky.

Lastly, there were big containers or peas and beans which you could buy for £1 for 1/2 a pint, which seemed very reasonable, but then we have a lot already, so we settled for one tall variety.

Then after that we went for a coffee and to the kids arts area where the kids did some potato printing and gerneral glue sticking related art. Then I went back and bought a chinese yam.

As I said at the start it was good but quite a way to go just for that.