How do I know?

[Shelle]

I have had a bit of a "furtle" around my potatoes (in large containers) to see if they were ready. The first container was planted on 31 March (kestrel) which is due around the first week of July (when we are on holiday for a week!).

Tonight I thought I would have a bit of a look to see if they were early or needed to wait until after my hols. Without obviously tipping the container out I couldnt seem to find anything I have huge foliage, which appears to be what a lot of people find with container potatoes, but could only so far find large shoots/roots. I didnt go too far down but am wondering if I have wasted my time??? Should I by this stage have some potatoes, even if they are small??? I have 3 tubers in the container (large 40 litre), and a further two containers planted at later dates. Because I only have the one container for the first harvesting, I am worried that it is risky to simply empty the container t see what I have. Any ideas?

[shirlthegirl43]

I find that mine are usually quite near the bottom of the containers. However, I have been disappointed too by how slow they are to appear this year. I would suggest you leave them and harvest after your holidays - they won't come to any harm from being left a few extra weeks anyway.

[Shelle]

Thanks. I would rather leave them the extra time to see if I get anything, so heres hoping