[jambop]

I dug my first shaw of spuds the other day and nice crop they would appear to be ... I got 2KG from one shaw. The potatoes are unlikely to grow much more now as the tops are starting to turn should I dig them all up for storing? They are charlotte I am very surprised at the size of the tubers... they are like baking potatoes !

[greenjay]

I find charlottes will develop well if left. the best of both worlds, lovely tasty as small new potatoes and a good crop for storing. they are my first choice.
I think it is recommended to cut tops of to get the skins to harden before lifting for storage.
once out of the ground no slug damage just watch out for mice.
will you want to replant with something? that will also have a bearing on weather to lift

[arh]

Hi Jambob, where have you been?.

[Growster...]

Charlotte last for ages; we've had some in the following February in the past...

In fact, Mrs Growster began to moan about always having the same 'yellow' spud, but I won the battle that year!

This year we didn't grow any, and they'd have motored in this lovely weather!

[Aidy]

Love charlotte's.
I tend to lift a plant once the flower bud opens, if they are the size I want/ like (salad size) then I will cut the top growth off and leave them in the ground (similar to clamping) they sit there happy for months n months n months!
Just dig as required

[jambop]

arh just been keeping quite for a change

Well we have had some really terrible weather this last week windy stormy wet and now cold windy and wet so those spuds are still in the ground. I am now worrying about the rest of my crops especially the tomatoes which will need another dose of the Bordeaux sprayed onto them ... difficulty is getting a bit of dry weather to do it ! Probably get it done on Sunday as tomorrow looks like a washout... hope my earlier application holds of the evil blight!

[arh]

Thank you Aidy for that info, that is a handy thing to know. I'll try Charlotte next year in bags, (with this years experience in mind,  )

[Growster...]

Not that fantastic in bags.

Yeah, a few meals, but for the cost of the spuds, compost, bags as well, they've turned out to be far too expensive.

I'd rather spend a few quid on supermarket Jerseys than waste time and money on greenhouse bags...

Seasonality - yet again.