Forget your Delawares, Nadines and Red Pontiacs, when it comes to mashed potatoes there are far better varieties to grow.

The humble spud has come a long way since the Depression years and the ensuing one-size-fits-all-50's. While the staple Delaware is still one of the most convenient types found at the grocers - and unfortunately still the most popular seed potato found in nurseries across the globe - it is losing market share to better varieties.

The difference with growing vegetables as opposed to growing plants for their flower or foliage properties, is that their appeal extends past their growing season in the garden. Therefore, gardeners need to take more characteristics into account when considering the end purpose. There is no use growing a vegetable that you find distasteful and end up adding to the compost heap. If you're going to grow them then it may be preferable to grow ones you like to eat.

And when it comes to potatoes I can't go past a good plate of mashed spuds. Creamy, fleshy, not too starchy and melt in the mouth sensations won't be the experiences you enjoy if you've just harvested a season's worth of general-purpose potatoes.

So which ones should you be growing if you're a mashed potato lover? Here's some you can start with;

• UK Gardeners - Golden Wonder, British Queen, Maris Piper, Edzell Blue, Shetland Black.
• US Gardeners - Maris Piper, Caribe, Irish Cobbler, Carola, Purple Chief.
• Australian Gardeners - Mondial, Royal Blue, Coliban, Toolangi Delight, Desiree.
• Canadian Gardeners - Russet Burbank, Century Russet, Goldrush, Shepody.

Once you've decided which spuds you're going to grow for some decent mashed potatoes the next step is to get some in the ground. The logical step is to prepare some soil and dig them in mounding the soil as they commence their growth.

Or you could do it the cheat's way and follow Bare Bones' instructions on growing potatoes in a no-dig garden.

Now, just because I've discussed the merits of some great mashing varieties it doesn't mean that the spuds you plant will be good for everything. And this is the reason why general-purpose potatoes like Delawares and Nadines have kept their appeal.

If you decide to plant some potatoes specifically for mashing then you may also need to plant some other variety crops for other cooking methods. There are spuds that are great for frying but useless for mashing and potatoes that are great for baking but are less than desirable in the mashing department.

If potatoes are on your vegetable to-do list, decide to grow a few different varieties. That way you'll have some to enjoy mashed, baked, fried or any other method you choose.