[ravenzero1]

some of my main crop potatoes have little green balls on top of them does this mean they are ready to harvest. the leaves are still green but slowly losing there colour.

many thanks steve

[DD.]

No, let the foiliage die down.

The "green balls" matter has been raised in several recent threads. They contain the true seeds of the potato and are toxic.

[ravenzero1]

should i let the foilage die of till all the leaves are brown

[DD.]

The "by the book" method is to wait until the foilage withers, cut it off and wait 10-14 days before lifting.

Me? I just dig them up when the top's dead!

[ravenzero1]

thank you very much. is that the same method for 1st earlies

[DD.]

Depends what you want from 1st earlies. If you want "new" spuds, you have to lift early. Otherwise for the biggest spuds, yes, but generally they don't store as well.