[jmx]

I have just started digging up my first earlies (I got them in a bit late!) they are lovely, but are quite big for earlies (they obviously caught up!) .  My first question is should I dig them all up now and store them, or just dig them as required?  I have also got in second earlies, and main crop.  A local farmer friend has warned me that because my veg patch has just been dug where there was previously grass, I should not leave my main crop in too long as they will become a victim of wire worm.  What do you'all reccommend?

[WG.]

Dig earlies as required unless you need the ground.  They will green quickly in light so keep in the dark if you do dig.

Wireworm can be a problem in old grassland.  A green manure of mustard dug in the season before planting potatoes is the organic method.

Try http://www.organic.aber.ac.uk/library/Wireworm%20control%20and%20brassica%20green%20manures.pdf for some background reading.

[jmx]

Thanks for that WG, the farmer friend I spoke to thought most of the damage would be done later in the main crop growing season, so it may be possible to avoid the worst by digging the main crop up early.  Well I've missed the opportunity to try digging in the mustard, so I'll check the main crop regularly to see if any damage is occuring.  There was virtually no damage to my first earlies.  Perhaps I don't have wire worm (I know I have slugs!)