Nottingham Organic Gardeners

Wilkinson St Nottingham, NG8 5FL

Welcome to Nottingham Organic Gardeners. 

 We are a voluntary organisation, a friendly group in Nottingham, open to all.

 We aim to promote organic and sustainable gardening, and a more localised food culture. 

 We have an Organic Demonstration Garden at Whitemoor Allotments in Nottingham and hold regular talks, workshops and events with an organic theme. 

 Please note we cannot endorse or recommend specific gardening suppliers, businesses or growers.

Day 12: The Irish Potato Famine

January 19, 2021  /  nogs website

The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Hunger occurred between 1845-1849 when the potato crop failed in successive years.

The crop failures were caused by late blight, a disease that destroys the leaves and tubers of the potato plant.

The famine occured when the fungus-like organism called Phytophthora infestans spread rapidly throughout Ireland.

The infestation ruined up to one-half of the potato crop in 1845, and about three-quarters of the crop over the next seven years.

Because the tenant farmers of Ireland relied heavily on the potato as a source of food, the infestation had a catastrophic impact on Ireland and its population.

The famine was a watershed moment in the history of Ireland which was ruled directly by Westminster as part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1801 to 1922.

The famine and its effects permanently changed the island's demographic, political, and cultural landscape, producing an estimated 2 million refugees and spurring a century-long population decline.

Before it ended in 1852, the Irish Potato Famine resulted in the death of roughly one million from starvation and related causes.

Today’s variety - Kingsman (Maincrop)

Kingsman.jpg

New to the market in 2017.

This early maincrop produces excellent yields and has good disease resistance.

The oval tubers have a pale-yellow colour and an excellent flavour.

The creamy floury flesh is perfect for making chips but is equally good roasted, baked and boiled – a wonderful all-rounder!

About my January Potato Journey

I am trying to build up my horticulture knowledge, all views are my own and are intended to be in a positive spirit.

I am a member of Nottingham Organic Gardeners (NOGs)

The daily posts are hoped to feature varieties which are likely to be part of Nottingham Organic Gardeners’ Potato Day and some fun potato trivia.

Also to be my celebration of the potato and Nottingham Organic Gardeners Potato Day.

More information at

http://nottinghamorganicgardeners.com/potato-day-info

The text below is from the Nottingham Organic Gardeners’

“DUE TO LOCKDOWN ANNOUNCEMENT..

We are still definitely planning to bring potato day to you in some manner!

We have placed the order for the potatoes!

When we have them delivered and how we will get them to you will be planned soon!"

1 Comment