First early potatoes

[blackcatlois]

I was wondering how long you can leave first earlies in the ground for once they are ready. I've been digging them up a few at a time since the end of May but now a lot of the foliage seems to be dying back and the potatoes are all a good size now. I'm going away for a week in a few days and I'm wondering whether they'd be ok to stay in the ground, or whether I should be thinking about digging them up pretty sharpish! My allotment neighbour seemed to think that first earlies don't keep in the ground for long.

They're Lady Chrystl (and very nice they are too). Any ideas? Thanks.

[rustylady]

All potatoes will keep in the ground until they are either eaten by pests or get frosted. They should be fine for a week, and will probably keep better left where they are than lifted

[Snadger]

All potatoes will keep in the ground until they are either eaten by pests or get frosted. They should be fine for a week, and will probably keep better left where they are than lifted

Totally agree!