Potato planting time confusion

[veg4681]

How is it that the planting times do not go in order of potato cropping groups. I initially imagined the 1st earliest would go first followed by 2nd earlies, then Maincrop but I'm confused you can plant your 2nd earlies upto May but Maincrop must be planted in April. I guess you can plant your 2nd earlies before 1st earlies too as the planting times are just guides to allow for growing flexibility of the individual grower.

Okay I have so many variety spuds and since we're now in April, should I give priority to my Maincrop for planting this month and only plant out the 2nd earlies in May for a nice spread?

[Eyren]

I think the different groups vary in terms of how fast they grow tubers - otherwise you would just have one group of varieties and plant and harvest them when you wanted. Presumably maincrops are slow-growing and thus need more time in the ground, but perhaps they have other advantages (storage?) that make it worth it. I don't grow maincrop varieties myself, though, as it's not worth it on my tiny plot.

[Paulottie]

Yes, youre right though Eyren
1st's 12 weeks
2nd's 14 weeks
Main 16 weeks. cut off haulm and leave 2+ weeks for skins to set then store them...by which time you're well into september.

you want to get on with 1st new spuds as long as you've still got time till the frosts(which you have)