First and Second Earlies and Maincrop Potatoes.

We just wanted to explain the difference between First and Second Earlies and Maincrop Potatoes.

Basically potatoes are categorised according to the length of time they take to mature, however this can be influenced by weather conditions.

First and Second early potatoes tend to mature in approximately 60-110 days. Planted from mid-March onwards, they are ready for lifting from late June or early July onwards. This is obviously an approximate guide depending on the weather conditions where you are. i.e. Colder equals later. Warmer equals earlier.

Compared to maincrop potatoes, first and second earlies are lower yielding, usually have smaller tubers and need less space for growing. They also manage to avoid many of the diseases associated with potatoes.

First and seconds are normally eaten as soon as they are harvested so they can be enjoyed as 'new potatoes' whilst maincrop potatoes can either be enjoyed straight out of the ground or stored for longer periods to be enjoyed over the winter months.