[Sue32]

This is the 1st time I've grown potatoes (or any veg).  I've just got a new allotment and should be able to get the potatioes into the ground next week.  I've read all the advise about lifting potatoes before sept to avoid wireworm damage.  However - when will/should my potatotes be ready to lift and how will I know?
I have Charlotte and Pink Fir apple to go in - they started chitting 2 weeks ago.  I know it's late but I have to start somewhere and I really love salad potatoes.

[ben]

Potatoes are typically ready when they flower (about 3 months for earlies, 4-5 months for main crop).
If you want new potatoes, then give them a couple of months, and then carefully investigate from the side of the haulm, using a trowel or your hands to see how big they are.

[Sue32]

thanks - now I also start to see what is meant by earlies and main crop etc.  I had thought it was just when you planted them.  I'm on  steep learning curve but loving it all.

[Yorkie]

Yes, all spuds can be planted at the same time, it's the time to maturity which dictates whether they are earlies etc.