[brucesgirl]

I am planning out my plot for next year, and have laid aside two beds for spuds so we will never have to buy any again (in theory).
Anyway, I will plant second early and maincrop.
The question is - do you plant them at different times to each other, and are there special varieties for each type. I am assuming that second earlies are smaller and used as 'new' (mainly for boiling/steaming)potatoes, and maincrop are more for storing and using as 'old' (for mashing and jacket and roast) potatoes.
Sorry the question is clear in my head, but confusing to write down clearly.

[WG.]

The question is - do you plant them at different times to each other [no], and are there special varieties for each type [yes]. I am assuming that second earlies are smaller and used as 'new' (mainly for boiling/steaming/salad)potatoes, and maincrop are more for storing and using as 'old' (for mashing and jacket and roast and boiling/steaming/salad) potatoes.

My answers in red above.  I use Red Duke of York for earlies. Pink Fir Apple and an old Orkney variety for maincrop

[brucesgirl]

Thank you WG - you will be surprised how many books I have looked this up in and found no answer!

[DD.]

I'll give you a different answer. Yes I plant them at different times. I know that you did not ask about earlies, but for the sake of completeness, this was my planting plan.......

Early March - First Earlies (Ulster Chieftan) went in a very sheltered spot in the home garden.

Late March - First Earlies (Maris Bard & Pentland Javelin) went in down the allotment.

Early April - Second Earlies (Kestrel) were planted, along with the 'salad' spuds - Pink Fir Apple & Charlotte.

Mid to Late April - Lates, (Shannon, Caesar, Majestic & Desiree) were planted. All the latter being down t'plot. (Yes I've been experimenting this year!).

Of the late spuds, Caesar performed best, both crop wise & slug & pest resistance wise. Shannon & Majestic had more holes than golf courses that WG plays on. This is of course no guarantee that you will get the same results in your soil.

Diverting slightly and at the risk of repeating myself as I posted this on another thread, this site is worth a look for the the varieties available & a description of them.

Taterbase

[Aunt Sally]

Thanks for that link Dave.  I've added it to our "useful" sticky  

[DD.]

Thanks for that link Dave.  I've added it to our "useful" sticky  

I've just picked myself off the floor for having done something useful for a change!!

[Aunt Sally]

If you want to be even more useful Dave you can bring your Digger round  to my lottie tomorrow.  


I've got a lot of digging to do  :roll:

[DD.]

I'd love to Aunty, but tomorrow I've got to go raspberring, beaning & carroting, then I've got to find the leeks amongst the weeds that grew whilst it was raining & we were on hols!

[Aunt Sally]

I'm sure you'll have plenty of time for that AFTER you've dug my lottie Dave  :roll:

[DD.]

Continuing.......

Then I've got to clear Mrs. Digger's plot ( I like to help), then there's my half plot where the onions and beans where... and... and...and..

[Aunt Sally]

 Are you trying to make excuses not to help Aunty Dave  :?:  :cry:

[DD.]

Reasons are different to excuses, Aunty. I'm glad to help, but it's along way from here to Kent!!

[sparky]

I'd like to plant some potatoes that can grow large enough to make good "jackets" Could someone say what the best variety are?.
 :?

Oops! Sorry I meant this as a new thread :oops: .

[Aunt Sally]

... it's along way from here to Kent!!

but I though we were "virtually" in the same place    


Dave has just given us a good tattie link Sparky  

http://www.dundrynurseries.co.uk/plist.asp

[DD.]

I'd like to plant some potatoes that can grow large enough to make good "jackets" Could someone say what the best variety are?.
 :?

Oops! Sorry I meant this as a new thread :oops: .

Don't worry about a new thread, we're discussing spuds afterall. Problem is, what may grow well for one, may not grow well for another. The best results I've ever had, (and after experimenting I'll go back to), are Sarpo Mira. Typically roots had about 24 spuds, with 12 being 'baking' size. They are quite thick skinned, so keep the slugs out and are wonderfully crunchy when baked.

I'll stress that I can only say what grows best on my soil. If there was one 'best' variety for all, we wouldn't have the selection we have now.