Potatoes

[Stacey]

I know there are a lot of threads on this but I would be really grateful if anybody could answer me a few questions I have (im sure there are others who would like to know these too).

1. What are maincrops and earlies?
2. When do you plant the above?
3. How long can you harvest from each plant?
4. If you can only plant at certain times of the year,does this mean you can only have spuds at certain times of the year?
5. What are the main pests and diseases to look out for and how do you combat them?
6. How do they fit into a crop rotation system? (I have heard that they do not need to be moved?along with rhubarb and something else)
7. Are Golden Wonders, the company, so called because they only use that variety of potato?

Any replies gratefully recieved xx

[Flummery]

Earlies and maincrops are varieties of potato that grow best under the conditions at that time of year. Early spuds take 12-14 weeks to mature and maincrop take 18 - 20 weeks. Maincrop, as they are in the ground longer and have a longer growing time, can make bigger potatoes (all other things being equal - weather, water etc.) Get hold of a veg growing book and it will tell you which varieties are which and when to plant. You harvest each plant in one go and the length of your harvest depends really on how many you planted. They will stay in the ground until you eat them but are more likely to be damaged by slugs etc. the longer they stay.
Golden wonder crisps were indeed made from that variety.
Always include spuds in crop rotation or you will build up diseases in the soil.

As to pests and diseases - so many. Try and get The Vegetable Growing Expert by Dr Hessayon - it's available paperback in ASDA stores at the moment. He's big on pests and diseases - but don't let him frighten you to death!

It's really past growing time for this year unless you can get the specially cold-stored earlies people plant for Christmas. (Or stick a few supermarket new potatoes in a big tub - try a variety like Charlotte). Have a go - it's one of the few crops I'd stick with if I couldn't garden much any more. I'd still grow early potatoes, strawberries and french beans because no amount of cash can buy the flavour you wll get from home grown.

[Stacey]

Thankyou very much. Will definately give the book a try xx