Potatoes are devided into three groups based on planting times and time it takes for the crop to mature:

First earlies

These are the first to be planted and the ideal time to plant them would be as soon as the soil temperature warms up and the soil is workable, usually late February or the beginning of March in milder, frost free areas. This category has the highest concentration of 'new' or salad potatoes and can be harvested anywhere from 8-12 weeks from planting time - usually in June & July depending on planting time.

Second earlies

These are planted slightly later than the first earlies, ideally from early March, and will only be harvested anywhere from 12-15 weeks after planting - usually in July & August depending on planting time.

Main crop

These can be planted from late March onwards and it takes the longest to mature with the harvesting period being 15-18 weeks after the time of planting - harvesting time is approximately beginning of September onwards or once the flowers and foliage begin to die.

Position

Potatoes grow well in almost any soil type. For best results, they should be grown in well drained, loamy soil which is not too heavy. Soil preperation should begin in Autumn, where well rotted organic matter should be dug in to improve the soil. Depending on soil type and PH levels, you may need to work some lime into the soil to bring the PH closer to neutral, as this is the preferred PH for encouraging good yields. If this is a crop which you grow each year, our advice would be to change the location each year, allowing at least a 3-4 year gap before planting in the original position.

Preparing the seed

This is referred to as 'chitting' and the aim of chitting is to produce strong dark green or purple shoots about 2in/5cm long. The seed potatoes should be placed upright in egg boxes or seed trays, with the rose end ( the end with the most eyes) at the top. Position them in a cool, light position to encourage strong shoots. If the shoots are white and long then they may be too warm with not enough light.

Planting

Turn over your soil with a fork and create rows of V-shaped trenches. Ideally the trenches should run north to south, as this allows the sun's rays to warm up both sides of the ridges when earthing up. Place the tubers at the bottom of the trench and cover them with approximately 4in/10cm of soil.

Spacing, depth and row width

First and second earlies - 12in/30cm apart, 4in/10cm deep and 18in/45cm between rows.

Main crop - 15in/40cm apart, 4in/10cm deep and 24in/60cm between rows.

Earthing up

When the shoots begin to show above the soil, you begin to 'earth' them up by placing more soil on either side of the shoots to from a ridge. this serves a dual purpose of frost protection and prevents greening of the tubers rendering them inedible. 'Earthing' up should be repeated up to a ridge height of 8in/20cm.

Feeding and watering

Potatoes need good moisture, especially when they begin to flower, as this is the time the tubers start to form. It is better to give the crop a thorough soaking occassionally, rather than little and often, as this encourages deeper rooting. Use a feed with a high potash content, such as Tomorite for tomatoes, as this promotes a greater yield. Do not use a feed with high nitrogen content, as this will delay the maturity of the crop.

Harvesting

This is determined by the variety which has been planted. See first early, second early and main crop information above.

Pest and disease

Potatoes are prone to only a few pest and disease problems with the most common being slug damage, common scab and the worst offender is blight. Speak to a member of our sundries team, who can advise the best solution to solve your problem.