Spud weekend at garden centre

Anyone wishing to grow one of the nation’s favourite vegetables is invited to a free event taking place at a garden centre this month.

Visitors to Wyevale Woburn Sands Garden Centre can learn all about spuds and the benefits of growing them at the centre’s annual Grow Your Own Potatoes Weekend on February 18 and 19.

Dominic Wright, manager of Wyevale Woburn Sands Garden Centre on Newport Road, said: “We’ve hosted potato weekends in the past and each time they get bigger and better.

“Our team of horticultural experts will be on hand throughout the event to give visitors lots of complimentary advice. Everyone is welcome, whether they are an experienced vegetable grower or a novice.”

During the weekend, there will be free information on selecting, planting, caring for and harvesting potatoes.

Dominic continued: “We will also be running our famous potato modelling competition for children. Youngsters will be challenged to create weird and wonderful creatures and people from potatoes. The closing date for entries is 12pm on Sunday, February 19.

“During the event we will be hosting potato workshops offering people advice on choosing spuds to plant in their gardens, allotments and even in containers on patios. Our restaurant will also have a variety of potato based dishes for people to try too.”

The Grow Your Own Potatoes Weekend will take place on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 during normal garden centre opening hours. Admission and parking is free.

Dominic added: “It’s very rewarding growing your own potatoes and once you have tasted your own home-grown, freshly harvested spuds you will understand how amazing it is. Fresh potatoes are also packed with vitamin C and are very good for you."