[Robin Redbreast]

but can we have a little more info on the planting times of tatties as i am still unsure. do we plant the firsts first, then the seconds later and the maincrop a little later, or do i just put them all in at the same time and they will grow according to their consecutive times? :shock:   :shock:

[tallulah]

Well I think you can do both, and I've certainly read conflicting advice.  However, I put all mine in together last year, but before that I staggered it a bit.  There are many potato experts here who will give a more definitive answer!

[richyrich7]

1st Earlies from March to April 12" apart 18" between the rows,
2nd from Early April same spacings
Maincrop from Late April 18" apart 24" between the rows,

Earth up fortnightly  

[Aunt Sally]

I bungs mine in all at the same time  

[Robin Redbreast]

I bungs mine in all at the same time  

if i was to do that how does the growth work! :shock:

[woodburner]

Earlies would mature first, (they are usually grown to be harvested before mature though, as new potatoes), then second earlies, then maincrop.

[Aunt Sally]

I bungs mine in all at the same time  

if i was to do that how does the growth work! :shock:

Upwards usually with the green bit and down with the roots  :shock:

[DD.]

Late spuds have a longer growing period than earlies, so even if they all go in on the same day, the late spuds will be sort of errrr - later!

I do mine like Richy, but mainly that's because I plant so many, it's that time of the year by the time I get around to it!

[Ice]

Mine all go in at the same time too and I don't bother to chit them.  Chitting is soooooooooooo last year.

[Robin Redbreast]

so if i put them in all in one go are they more susceptible to problems or are they at the same as if i planted them at different times? :shock:

[DD.]

Thread title edited by DD. to properly reflect the topic.

[mikem]

I may be wrong but I read it somewhere that:-

Potatoes  First Early
Should be ready 14-15 weeks after planting

Potatoes - 2nd Early
Should be ready 15-17 weeks after planting

Potatoes - Maincrop
Should be ready 17-20 weeks after planting

I planted mine between 9th to 16th April last year.  I only did it over a week as it was more exhausting than I thought!  

[Aunt Sally]

John has a lot of information here

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/potato/potato-growing-guide.php

[Robin Redbreast]

Mine all go in at the same time too and I don't bother to chit them.  Chitting is soooooooooooo last year.

so if i dont chit them what is the effect? And thanks for everyones promt replies!    

[Ice]

They grow anyway, but I am sure someone will disagree. :roll:   Didn't bother last year and they were great.