First Earlies

The very first potatoes of the new season, maturing in as little as 7 weeks from planting under good conditions. Plant from late February, protect with perforated film or fleece and keep well watered. For pot forcing plant chitted tubers in large pots from late January onwards.

Second Earlies

Plant Second Early potatoes from early March for harvest from mid July depending on variety. All varieties will store well. Make sure that they are frost protected.

Maincrop

These potatoes will usually produce a really good crop of quality potatoes. You can plant maincrop varieties from late March, lifting for storage in September and October.

Salad

The salad potato varieties are renowned for their firm waxy flesh and superbly intense flavours which make them perfect for potato salads. They are also delicious eaten warm as new potatoes.

Potatoes for Christmas!

These should be planted in June/July, and they will not mature properly until at least October. Allow the foliage to die back during the autumn and then make sure they are well protected from frost, by covering with straw, or fleece, or if planted in containers, moving the container into a cool, frost-free area. The crop can be harvested in time for Christmas and will look and taste like newly harvested First Earlies. When planting in a container make sure that there is adequate drainage in the base of the container and then place around 10cm (4in) of compost mixed with perlite into the pot. Add the tuber and then cover with around 5cm (2in) of compost. As the potato leaves begin to show through the compost, add more compost and continue this process at intervals until the container will not hold any more compost. Then allow the plant to grow normally and when the pot is ready to harvest you should find that your container is full of potatoes. In November make sure Christmas Potatoes are well protected from the frost. In December harvest your Christmas Potatoes and savour the taste!