[bobbyt]

Hi everyone
I've been using the first row of first earlies as they are ready to eat, I still have a row and a half to go of Swift and Jersey, about 15 plants. Going away for two weeks a week on Wednesday. We can't eat them all by then, should I leave them in the ground, or harvest and store them. Would either be ok? Any suggestions please, don't think cooking and freezing is an option, even if that's possible, not enough space, be a lot of spuds anyway

[mumofstig]

I'd leave them in the ground, to keep them fresher- obviously they'll be a bit bigger when you get back, but the skins still shouldn't be thick.

[bobbyt]

Thanks mumofstig. Cut off the dying foliage just before going away do you think?

[mumofstig]

I wouldn't but see if anybody else has a different opinion 

[bobbyt]

  yes, we'll see 

[New shoot]

I agree with MoS and would leave the foliage alone.  Unless it is completely dead it is still feeding the tubers.

[Aidy]

Thanks mumofstig. Cut off the dying foliage just before going away do you think?

Like bobbyt
Once my earlies are of the size I want them I always cut the top growth off and leave them, effectively clamping them. We have a very sandy soil so they are not sitting in the wet if we get heavy rain. Been doing this for years and never had a problem.

[bobbyt]

The foliage on mine are just about dead now, so don't see the point of leaving it there while away. The choice I have, cut off foliage and leave, or put all of them in a container/box and cover them with MPC, no slugs or nasties to burrow into them then. Just need to source suitable containers.
 This might be best option.