[monkeygee]

for last few years ive stuck to planting 1st then 2nd earlies and then a main crop , has anyone just planted a 1st OR 2nd early instead of both and what was the outcome , also did the 1st's last as long , being greedy id like the best of both worlds lol , 

[Yorkie]

I only grow seconds.  Prefer the slightly higher yield of seconds but there is a reduced risk of blight and a later harvest if going for maincrop.

Charlotte keep well in the ground for as long as you want them.

[Ivor Backache]

I concentrate on 2 early and main crop..but I do plant earlies in pots and keep them at home, where I can protect them better against frost. I am not really bothered about their yield  and on June 1st (10 weeks) I will start eating them irrespective.
4 rows of 2nd early (Charlotte and Kestrel)
8 rows of Sarpo/Cara/Blue Danube and Disiree.
The rows are trenched, manured and later fed to get the best crop possible.

[Growster...]

We're planning on slaughtering the first earlies, (Sharpes Express), and have Charlotte close behind.

The Charlotte (2nds), are slower to show in the soil, whereas the others have romped away.

May even take a look this weekend, and see if there's anything moving...;0)

[monkeygee]

thanks all