Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Early Potatoes for a Bountiful Harvest

Growing early potatoes can be a rewarding experience, providing you with an early harvest of delicious, homegrown potatoes. Sowing early potatoes requires careful planning and execution, but the effort is well worth it. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about how to sow early potatoes, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your crop.

Choosing the Right Varieties

The first step in sowing early potatoes is to choose the right varieties. Early potato varieties are typically classified into two main types: first earlies and second earlies.

• First earlies: These varieties mature in 8-10 weeks and are ideal for planting in early spring. Some popular first early varieties include ‘Rocket’, ‘Swift’, and ‘Maris Peer’.
• Second earlies: These varieties mature in 10-12 weeks and are less susceptible to frost damage than first earlies. Some popular second early varieties include ‘Charlotte’, ‘Estima’, and ‘Red Duke of York’.

Site Preparation

Early potatoes require a well-drained, fertile soil that receives plenty of sunlight. Choose a site that has been cleared of weeds and debris. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with compost or manure to improve drainage.

Soil Temperature

Early potatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures, so it’s important to wait until the soil has warmed up before sowing. The ideal soil temperature for sowing early potatoes is between 8-10°C (46-50°F). You can check the soil temperature using a soil thermometer or by simply feeling the soil with your hand.

Sowing Depth and Spacing

When sowing early potatoes, plant the tubers (seed potatoes) 10-15cm (4-6 inches) deep in the soil. Space the tubers 25-30cm (10-12 inches) apart in rows that are 60-75cm (24-30 inches) apart.

Watering and Fertilizing

Early potatoes require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the plants deeply at the base, avoiding getting the foliage wet. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Earthing Up

As the plants grow, earth them up by hilling soil around the base of the stems. This helps to support the plants and prevent the tubers from being exposed to sunlight.

Harvesting

Early potatoes can be harvested when the foliage starts to die back and the tubers have reached a reasonable size. Gently dig up the tubers using a fork or spade, being careful not to damage them.

Troubleshooting

• Potato blight: This fungal disease can cause the leaves and stems of potato plants to turn black and die. Prevent potato blight by using disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in wet or humid conditions.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can damage potato tubers, especially in damp conditions. Protect your plants by using slug and snail bait or by placing copper tape around the base of the plants.
• Wireworms: These soil-dwelling pests can feed on potato tubers, causing them to become misshapen or damaged. Control wireworms by using nematodes or by planting potatoes in a rotation with other crops.

Common Questions and Answers

• When should I sow early potatoes?
• Sow early potatoes in early spring, when the soil has warmed up to 8-10°C (46-50°F).

• How deep should I plant potato tubers?
• Plant potato tubers 10-15cm (4-6 inches) deep in the soil.

• How far apart should I space potato plants?
• Space potato plants 25-30cm (10-12 inches) apart in rows that are 60-75cm (24-30 inches) apart.

• How often should I water early potatoes?
• Water early potatoes regularly, especially during dry periods. Water the plants deeply at the base, avoiding getting the foliage wet.

• How do I prevent potato blight?
• Prevent potato blight by using disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in wet or humid conditions.

• How do I get rid of slugs and snails?
• Protect your plants by using slug and snail bait or by placing copper tape around the base of the plants.