The Ideal Window for Planting Second Early Potatoes
The prime time to plant second early potatoes is typically from March through to May. This period allows the seed potatoes to establish themselves before the heat of summer fully arrives, while also avoiding the risk of severe late frosts that can damage young shoots. The exact timing within this window depends on your local climate and the prevailing weather conditions each year. Warmer regions might favour earlier planting, whereas cooler areas may need to wait until late April or early May to minimise frost risk.
- Plant from March to May for best results.
- Consider local climate and frost risk.
- Warm soil aids early establishment.
- Avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged ground.
Understanding what defines 'second early' varieties is key. These potatoes are harvested typically 15-20 weeks after planting, offering a good balance between speed and yield compared to first earlies and maincrop varieties. They are excellent for providing a mid-season harvest, bridging the gap between the first tender new potatoes and the larger, more storable maincrops. Their performance is closely tied to planting at the right moment, ensuring they have sufficient growing time without encountering extreme weather.
Assessing Soil and Weather Conditions
Before committing to planting, it's vital to assess your soil and the weather. The soil should be workable – free from frost and not overly saturated. A simple test is to squeeze a handful of soil: if it crumbles easily, it's ready. If it forms a sticky ball, it's too wet and needs more time to dry out. This is particularly important when growing potatoes in pots or growing bags for potatoes, as the soil in containers can warm up faster but also become waterlogged more easily.
Late frosts remain a significant concern for many gardeners. While seed potatoes themselves have some resilience, the emerging shoots are vulnerable. If a sharp frost is forecast after planting, covering young plants with fleece or cloches can provide much-needed protection. This is where observing weather patterns and local forecasts becomes more important than sticking rigidly to a calendar date.
Preparing Seed Potatoes for Planting
To maximise the chances of a successful crop, it is advisable to 'chit' your seed potatoes. This involves placing them in a cool, bright, frost-free place, such as a windowsill or an unheated porch, for a few weeks before planting. Chitting encourages the development of short, sturdy shoots and can give your potato plants a head start once planted. You should plant seed potatoes with the chits (shoots) pointing upwards. Ensure you are planting certified seed potatoes to avoid transmitting diseases.
The decision on when to plant also influences the variety of second early you choose. Some varieties are more tolerant of cooler conditions, while others perform better with a warmer start. Researching the specific characteristics of your chosen seed potatoes can help you fine-tune your planting schedule for the best possible outcome.
Methods for Planting Second Early Potatoes
How you choose to grow your second early potatoes will also influence the exact planting time and technique. Whether you are planting in the open ground, using growing bags for potatoes, or employing potato grow bags, the principles of soil temperature and frost avoidance remain paramount.
Traditional Trench Planting
In open ground, the most common method is to dig a trench approximately 10-15 cm deep. Place your chitted seed potatoes into the trench, spacing them about 30-45 cm apart, ensuring the shoots are pointing upwards. For second earlies, rows should be spaced 60-75 cm apart. Backfill the trench with soil, creating a small ridge over the potatoes. As the plants grow, you will continue to 'earth up' by drawing soil from the base of the plant over the developing stems, which protects the tubers from sunlight and encourages more tuber formation.
Container Growing: Bags and Pots
For those with limited space or heavy soil, growing potatoes in pots or dedicated growing bags for potatoes offers an excellent alternative. Start by placing a layer of compost (about 15 cm deep) at the bottom of the container. Place two or three seed potatoes on top of this compost layer, spaced out. Then, add more compost to cover them. As the potato plants grow, you will continue to add more compost until the container is nearly full. This ‘earthing up’ process within the container is vital. The advantage of containers is that they warm up faster and can be moved if frost is imminent, offering greater control over the planting environment.
When planting in containers, especially earlier in the season, the soil can dry out quickly. Regular watering is essential, particularly once the plants begin to flower, which is a good indicator that tubers are forming. This makes the 'when to plant' decision slightly more flexible in pots, as you can potentially start them under cover or in a protected spot if the outdoor weather is still too harsh.
When to Plant Potatoes Based on Variety
While the general window of March to May applies broadly, some specific second early varieties might have slight preferences. For instance, varieties known for being slightly more cold-tolerant might be planted slightly earlier, whereas those that prefer consistent warmth might benefit from waiting until the risk of frost has significantly diminished. Always check the specific recommendations for your chosen seed potatoes. Generally, aim for soil temperatures consistently above 7°C.
Factors Influencing the Planting Decision
Beyond the calendar and general climate, several other factors can influence when you should plant your second early potatoes for the best outcome. These elements ensure you're not just planting by date, but by readiness – both of the potatoes and your growing environment.
Understanding Your Microclimate
Every garden has its own microclimate. Areas that are more exposed to wind will generally be cooler and dry out faster than sheltered spots. Low-lying areas can be prone to frost pockets, even on relatively mild nights. Observing your garden over previous years can provide invaluable insight. If a particular patch of your garden always seems to be the last to warm up or the first to be touched by frost, it might be best to avoid planting your most precious seed potatoes there, or to use protection methods like cloches or fleece.
This awareness is especially critical when growing potatoes in pots. While pots can be moved to more favourable microclimates, a poorly chosen initial location can still set back young plants. A sunny, sheltered spot will help your containerised potatoes establish more quickly after planting.
The Role of Soil Type
Soil type plays a considerable role in how quickly the ground warms up and how well it drains. Heavy clay soils tend to stay colder for longer in spring and can become waterlogged, increasing the risk of tuber rot if planted too early. Lighter, sandy soils warm up faster but may require more frequent watering, especially during dry spells. When planting in heavier soils, waiting until the soil is drier and warmer is more crucial, even if it means planting a little later within the March-May window.
For those using growing bags for potatoes, the potting compost used is usually lighter and drains well, mitigating some of the issues associated with heavy garden soil. However, this also means they can dry out faster, so consistent moisture management is key regardless of when you plant.
Pre-Sprouting (Chitting) Readiness
The readiness of your seed potatoes themselves is a direct indicator. If your seed potatoes have developed strong, short, dark green or purple shoots (chits), they are eager to be planted. Planting them while they are well-chitted can give you a significant advantage. Conversely, if your seed potatoes have long, pale, spindly shoots, they have been kept in the dark too long and may be weaker; try to avoid this by starting chitting earlier. The stage of chitting can influence the timing, nudging you towards planting once the shoots are robust and the weather is favourable.
The right moment to plant second early potatoes hinges on the confluence of soil readiness, frost risk assessment, and the vitality of your seed potatoes.
What Happens After Planting: Growth and Care
Once your second early potatoes are in the ground or their containers, the focus shifts to nurturing their growth. Understanding the plant's development cycle will help you know when to grow potatoes and when to expect progress towards harvest.
The Crucial 'Earthing Up' Process
After the potato plants have emerged and are about 15-20 cm tall, you'll need to 'earth them up'. This involves drawing soil from around the base of the plant to cover the lower part of the stem. Repeat this process every few weeks as the plants grow. Earthing up is vital for several reasons: it encourages the development of more tubers along the buried stem, it protects developing tubers from sunlight (which causes them to turn green and produce toxic solanine), and it helps to suppress weeds.
If you are growing potatoes in pots or growing bags for potatoes, you achieve this by simply adding more compost to the container as the plant grows, effectively burying more of the stem. This is a continuous process until the plants are nearing maturity and flowering.
Watering and Feeding Regimes
Consistent watering is critical, especially during dry spells and while the plants are flowering. Aim to keep the soil or compost moist but not waterlogged. Irregular watering can lead to misshapen tubers or a condition called 'hollow heart'.
While potatoes are relatively unfussy feeders, a balanced fertiliser can boost yields, particularly for second early varieties which are bred for speed. Apply this when preparing the soil before planting, or as a top dressing a few weeks after planting, following product instructions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of tuber development.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common potato pests like slugs and aphids, and diseases such as blight. Early detection is key to managing infestations and preventing widespread damage. Crop rotation is a fundamental practice for disease prevention; avoid planting potatoes in the same spot year after year. If you are using growing bags, they offer a degree of isolation from soil-borne diseases.
Potato plants blooming is often a sign that tubers are forming and the plant is well-established. This is a good time to ensure your watering and feeding regimes are optimal, as the plant is entering a key phase of development before the final push towards harvest.
When to Harvest Second Early Potatoes
Knowing when to plant 2nd early potatoes is only half the battle; understanding when to harvest is equally important for enjoying their best quality. Second earlies are typically ready to harvest 15-20 weeks after planting, but this is a guideline, not a strict rule.
The 'New Potato' Harvest
You can begin 'robbing' your second early potato plants for new potatoes about 10-12 weeks after planting. This involves carefully digging down the side of the plant with your hands or a small trowel to gently prise out a few of the larger tubers, leaving the smaller ones and the main plant to continue growing. This allows you to enjoy delicious, tender new potatoes throughout the summer. It's important to do this carefully to avoid damaging the remaining tubers and the plant itself.
Full Harvest of Mature Tubers
For a full harvest of mature second early potatoes, wait until the foliage begins to die back naturally. This usually occurs around 15-20 weeks after planting. Once the tops have completely withered and died down, wait another week or two. This short waiting period allows the skins of the tubers to harden slightly, which improves their keeping quality and makes them more resistant to damage during harvesting and storage. This hardening of the skin is a key indicator that the potato plants have completed their growth cycle.
When you are ready for the final harvest, carefully dig up all the tubers using a garden fork or spade, starting well away from the plant to avoid piercing the potatoes. Lift them gently and leave them on the surface to dry for a few hours if the weather is dry and mild. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for too long, as this can cause them to turn green.
Storing Your Harvest
Once harvested and dried, store your second early potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Avoid storing them with apples or other fruits, as the ethylene gas they emit can encourage sprouting. They are not typically stored as long as maincrop varieties, but proper storage will extend their usability for several weeks. Check regularly for any signs of rot or sprouting and remove affected potatoes immediately to prevent spoilage of the entire batch.
Harvest potatoes on a dry day to minimise the risk of rot during storage.