[Bluebell007]

HI. I have never grown 2nd Earlies before, I've dug a few plants up and they seem like a good crop of large potatoes. I planted Kestrel and another type begins with a W and has a J in the name somewhere! anyhow, should i be digging them all up, or keep them in the ground and dig up a few as and when required? Thanks.

[sunshineband]

You can just leave them in the ground and dig as required, unless you either need the space for something else or a big problem with slugs 

Kestrel are rather good, aren;t they ? 

[WirralWally]

Your spuds with the 'w' and 'j' are probably Wilja.

Second earlies are ok for digging as you need them.
Most varieties will happily stay in the ground until September, although I've never left them for so long.
I've been digging mine on an 'as I need them' basis for a month now.
They'll all be used before September though.

If those that you are lifting now are suffering from scab or slug damage then I'd be inclined to lift, dry and store in a cool dark place before the problem worsens.
If they are in good condition then I'd leave them where they are.

Off topic:
I don't quite understand why you posted your question in Design & Construction.
Perhaps a kindly Mod will relocate your thread.  

[Babstreefern]

We've just today dug our Kestrel.  Just keep your eyes peeled, because if they stay in the ground too long, they can start to rot.  Also, when you have dug them up, keep an eye open for where you store them because, they can start to rot (we keep them in a dark cool space)

[PennyS]

I'm also digging my SEs as I need them and they have been fantastic - had no idea if this was the right or wrong thing to do, but we'd finished the First Earlies!!

So far so good - we've had some Marforna and are now on the Saxons (I think, I'm not entirely sure I was accurate with my labelling.  Will make sure I keep a better note next year!).
 

[Paul Plots]

I'm also digging my SEs as I need them and they have been fantastic - had no idea if this was the right or wrong thing to do, but we'd finished the First Earlies!!

So far so good - we've had some Marforna and are now on the Saxons (I think, I'm not entirely sure I was accurate with my labelling.  Will make sure I keep a better note next year!).
 

I'm with you... dig them when you need them and enjoy! 

[Bluebell007]

Thank you all so much for the replies, I will do as you all suggest and pick them as i need them It's reassuring to know.  On another note I have been picking Runner Beans for a few weeks now, the Variety  are St George. I can highly recommend them for tasty early Crops and huge quantities.

[Paul Plots]

With a name like St George they just must have red flowers! 

[Bluebell007]

Hi yes the flowers are red  (&white of course!) really pretty too.