How long can I leave my new pototoes in the ground?

SweetPea · « **on:** June 17, 2006, 19:47 »

We had our first lot of new potatoes for tea tonight, with some lovely barbequed tuna

They were fab!

I was surprised at how many you get from one plant though - there were plenty for both of us from one of the first earlies, and I have about 16 plants in total! Is it safe to harvest them gradually over the next month, or will they start to rot in the ground? Would I be better digging them all up and trying to store them?

I'm going to take a few into work on Monday for my friend - share the wealth and all

John · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2006, 09:12 »

If you leave them in the ground they will just grow larger. We had some baking size Arran Pilot last year. They stored fairly well too. Only real problem is that they stop being 'new' potatoes and just become wonderful home-grown spuds. Oh, and the slugs get to more of them.

oggy · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:16 »

Hi all,

May sound daft, but besides digging them up, how do I know when my spuds are ready.

I have - Lady crystall first early- Duke of York 2nd- King edward lates, funny thing is the Lady Crystall is by far the smallest plant.

oggy

SweetPea · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2006, 08:22 »

I'd be happy with some full size potatoes too!

I noticed that the plants were starting to fall over yesterday though - they aren't wilting (it's been too wet for that!) but they just seem to be flopping over under their own weight :?

John · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2006, 09:19 »

Lady Crystall are supposed to be one of the earliest potatoes -
Best way to know if they're ready is to dig one up.

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