AROUND 200 people got their hands dirty on January 16 as a sports centre in Petersfield paid homage to the humble potato.
If you know your Mayan Rose from a McCain Royal then you would have been in your element at the Petersfield Potato Day and Seed Fair.
The third annual tuber extravaganza in Herne Farm Leisure Centre was the biggest yet and featured more than 100 varieties.
The travelling event also attracted the biggest crowd yet according to the Post’s gardening columnist, Steve Amos.
He said: “You can buy potatoes or seeds individually and we’ve got lots of lesser-known and heritage varieties if you’re looking to try something different.
“We’ve also had some sell out like The International Kidney Potato, which is otherwise known as the Jersey Royal.”
The event is one of the few of its kind in Hampshire with Pennard Plants of Somerset providing the potatoes and seeds.
“We have around 105 varieties this year and quite often we’re asked by clubs to take part in their fair or help with their fundraising.
“We go as far as Oxford and I think this is the only one in Hampshire we do. It’s been a good day and I think we’ll be back next year.”