Potato question

[RichardM]

Hi

I'm after some advise - I planted my potatos (Maris Bard - 1st earlies) on Friday 2nd April in a prepared plot.

After 9 weeks, the plants are very tall (3 feet high) and some are in flower - the plot itself is a snug, south facing plot against a warm. south facing brick wall which seems to accelerate growth and the soil was carefully prepared.

I know that normally you would expect them to be ready after 12 weeks but is it possible they could be coming ready now? 9 weeks seems quite short, even given the favourable growing conditions.

Thanks for any advice.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Richard, I think that you will be bitterly disappointed if you dig your potatoes up too early. I have done this in the past and the results were potatoes the size of peanuts on the end of the roots - when I say peanuts, I really mean peanuts, not tiny new potatoes that would have tasted delicious.

[DavidT]

I agree with Lesley. it is much too soon for them to be ready. Pinch the flowers off and let them grow on for a few more weeks. May I ask, what have you fed them with?

[Digindeep]

All my tatties were planted back on the 16th March....because of the frost inbetween time, they are at least two weeks behind, even though their 12wks are up...as already advised beware lifting them that early...
have a good season....