How long do you let them boil for? 15 or 20 minutes is sufficient. Another option is to microwave the potatoes in an airtight container.

It may well be the variety. If you read the catalogues you'll find some are recommended for mash and some for salads etc. If you choose eg an early that says a variety is waxy it won't go mushy.

You need to check what category the potato falls into. As Stera advises, some are 'flowery' ie break down easily and are best for mashed potato, chips etc. others are 'waxy' and stay firm for boiled potato. We particularly like Myan Gold which I would describe as 'extra flowerey' a lovely potato but the only way we can cook them is by putting them raw into a casserol pot.

Thank you all for the advice. Some of the potatoes are red, some others yellowy. I would have thought both those would boil ok. I simmer once they come to the boil but they have already started to break up by then.

I've never cooked potatoes in the microwave but I'm willing to give it a go. Do I add any water? And roughly how long would they take when cut into even size pieces?

They bake very well in the microwave (never tried boiling them that way) Just scrub them and slit them down one side and give them around 4-5 mins depending on size. (that's timing for one - if you do two at once you'll need to add a couple of minutes) Its odd though as reds are supposed to be good for boiling.

I thought reds were good for boiling too,Stera. That's why I wondered if weather or soil had an adverse effect. I have read somewhere before about boiling them in the microwave but had never tried it. Perhaps I need to.

Anyway, thank you all.

For the microwave, i just cut up the potatoes into chunks, place in a sealed container with no water. Microwave for 5 minutes. Let it sit in sealed container for an additional 5 minutes. That's it they are done. Works for all kinds of veggies.

Thank you, Bathgate, I'll give that a go because I'm fed up with mushy potatoes.