It is possible to grow a potato crop in time for Christmas using tubers planted in early September.
Being
a tender crop containers are best used which can be moved
to a frost-free area as the season progresses. Plant specially
prepared cold-stored tubers (available from specialist seed
merchants) as home-saved tubers can suffer from pests and
dormancy problems.
Use a container at least 30cm (12in) deep and wide, with drainage holes in the base. Add a layer of drainage material (polystyrene 'crocks' are ideal) and then 10cm (4in) of a loam-based compost or good garden loam with organic matter added.
Plant three well-spaced tubers per pot, and cover with 15cm (6in) of growing medium. As the foliage develops earth up the potatoes with further soil until the container is full. Keep well watered and feed with a general purpose liquid fertiliser.