[colinc]

I planted my potatoes 8 weeks ago and now they stand about 18 inches high, I have earthed them up and been giving them plenty of water during this dry spell. What else do I need to do and when do I know they are ready and can you leave them in the ground when they are ready.

Thanks the novice

[Fisherman]

Protect them by covering with fleece if frost is forecast.
Keep them well watered if the weather is dry for a long period.
Dependent on the variety they could be ready from 10 weeks onwards.
Have a furtle in a few weeks time and see if there are any sizeable new potatoes.
Use them while they are expensive in the shops.

[solway cropper]

It really depends on the variety and the conditions they're grown in. We've had three good meals with fresh new potatoes so far this year (Lady Christl). These were started off in containers in the greenhouse in February and were ready after about 10 weeks. If they are a variety that produces flowers I'd wait for a week or two after the flowers appear.

[Paul Plots]

colinc not sure which part of the country you are in - knowing this might help others respond to your questions. Would it be possible for you to show this on your profile, please. 

[r2d2]

ooooooo my rocket potatoes have started to flower. does it matter if i leave them in?

[fatcat1955]

I leave mine in till the flowers drop.

[Paul Plots]

ooooooo my rocket potatoes have started to flower. does it matter if i leave them in?

Not at all... you will just get bigger potatoes if all goes well. 

[mumofstig]

but as they get bigger they taste less like baby new potatoes, I find 

For me the whole point is those delicious first pickings YUM

[Paul Plots]

but as they get bigger they taste less like baby new potatoes, I find 

For me the whole point is those delicious first pickings YUM

Couldn't agree more! Get em up and eaten!!!  Fresh from the ground, washed and boiled and all gone. 

Lovely stuff.  :happy: