When to Harvest Potatoes UK | Earlies, Second Earlies and Maincrop 5 cool benefits
Harvesting potatoes at the right time is crucial for getting the best yields and quality. In the UK, potatoes are grown in different varieties, such as earliest, second earlier, and maincrop, each with different maturation periods.
Knowing when to harvest each type is essential o ensure that they are harvested at the right time for optimal yields and quality. In this outline, we will explore when to harvest potatoes in the UK for each variety, along with other factors that affect the harvest time.
When to Harvest Potatoes UK
Potatoes are a starchy root vegetable that grows underground in soil.
The growing cycle of potatoes typically lasts between 90 to 120 days, depending on the variety. During this time, the potato plant produces foliage and develops tubers, which are the edible part of the plant.
Different types of potatoes
There are many different types of potatoes, but they can be broadly classified into three categories based on their maturation period: earlies, second earlies, and maincrop.
- Earlies have the shortest growing cycle and are usually harvested around 10-12 weeks after planting.
- Second earlies take a little longer to mature and are harvested around 14-16 weeks after planting.
- Maincrop potatoes take the longest to mature, typically around 20-22 weeks after planting.
These different varieties are planted at different times of the year and are harvested at different times, depending on the type of potato and the growing conditions.
| Potato Type | Planting Time | Maturity Time | Signs of Maturity | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earlies | Late March to early April | 10-12 weeks | Yellowing foliage, firm skin, mature size | Late June to early July |
| Second Earlies | Mid to late April | 14-16 weeks | Yellowing foliage, firm skin, mature size | Late July to early August |
| Maincrop | Mid to late April | 20-22 weeks | Yellowing foliage, firm skin, mature size | Late August to early October |
When to Harvest Earlies
Earlies are typically planted in late winter or early spring, usually from February to April, depending on the weather conditions. They take around 10-12 weeks to mature, and the best time to harvest them is when they are still small and tender.
Signs that indicte eaarlies are ready for harvest.
Signs that indicate earlies are ready for harvest include:
Foliage:
When the foliage starts to die back and turn yellow, it is a sign that the plant is reaching the end of its life cycle, and the potatoes are ready for harvest.
Skin:
The skin of the potato should be thin and delicate, which makes it easy to rub off. If the skin is thick and tough, it is a sign that the potatoes are not yet ready for harvest.
Size:
Earlies are usually harvested when they are small, around the size of an egg or golf ball.
Properly harvest and store earlies.
To properly harvest and store earlies, follow these steps:
- Loosen the soil around the potato plants with a fork, being careful not to damage the potatoes.
- Gently lift the potatoes out of the soil, taking care not to bruise or damage them.
- Allow the potatoes to dry out in the sun for a few hours to help toughen the skin.
- Store the potatoes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, for up to a week before using.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your earlies are harvested at the right time and stored properly, ensuring the best quality and flavor.
IV. When to Harvest Second Earlies
Second earlies are usually planted around mid to late spring, typically from April to May. They take a little longer to mature than earlies, usually around 14-16 weeks. They are harvested later in the season than earlies, but still before maincrop potatoes.
Signs that indicate second earlies are ready for harvest
Signs that indicate second earlies are ready for harvest include:
Foliage:
The foliage of the potato plant will start to yellow and die back, indicating that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle.
Skin:
The skin of the potatoes should be thin and easily rub off, indicating that they are mature.
Size:
Second earlies are harvested when they are a little larger than earlies, typically around the size of a tennis ball.
To properly harvest and store second earlies
To properly harvest and store second earlies, follow these steps:
- Loosen the soil around the potato plants with a fork, being careful not to damage the potatoes.
- Gently lift the potatoes out of the soil, taking care not to bruise or damage them.
- Allow the potatoes to dry out in the sun for a few hours to help toughen the skin.
- Store the potatoes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, for up to a week before using.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your second earlies are harvested at the right time and stored properly, ensuring the best quality and flavor.
When to Harvest Maincrop
Maincrop potatoes are usually planted in late spring to early summer, typically from mid-May to June. They take the longest to mature, typically around 20-22 weeks, and are harvested later in the season than earlies and second earlies.
Signs that indicate maincrop potatoes
Signs that indicate maincrop potatoes are ready for harvest include:
Foliage: The foliage of the potato plant will start to yellow and die back, indicating that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle.
Skin: The skin of the potatoes should be firm and not easily rub off, indicating that they are mature.
Size: Maincrop potatoes are typically larger than earlies and second earlies, usually around the size of a cricket ball.
Flowering: Maincrop potatoes may also produce flowers, which can be a useful indicator of when they are ready to harvest. The flowers will start to wilt and die back, indicating that the potatoes are mature.
To properly harvest and store maincrop potatoes
To properly harvest and store maincrop potatoes, follow these steps:
- Wait until the foliage has died back and the skin of the potatoes is firm.
- Loosen the soil around the potato plants with a fork, being careful not to damage the potatoes.
- Gently lift the potatoes out of the soil, taking care not to bruise or damage them.
- Allow the potatoes to dry out in the sun for a few hours to help toughen the skin.
- Store the potatoes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, for up to several months.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your maincrop potatoes are harvested at the right time and stored properly, ensuring the best quality and flavor.
Factors That Affect Harvest Time
While the maturity of the potato plant is the most important factor in determining when to harvest, there are other factors that may affect the timing of the harvest. Here are some factors to consider:
Weather conditions:
The weather can have a significant impact on the growth and maturity of potato plants. Cooler temperatures and drought conditions can slow down the growth of potatoes, while warm, moist weather can speed up growth.
Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, frost or prolonged heatwaves can also affect the quality of the potatoes, so it’s important to monitor the weather forecast and harvest the potatoes before severe weather sets in.
Size of the potato plant:
While the size of the potato plant is not the only factor in determining when to harvest, it can be a helpful indicator. As a general rule, the larger the plant, the larger the potatoes will be. If you are growing your potatoes in containers, the size of the container can also affect the size of the potatoes.
Variety of potato:
Different varieties of potatoes have different maturity times, so it’s important to check the seed packet or do some research to determine the maturity time of your chosen variety.
Pests and diseases:
Pests and diseases can damage potato plants, causing them to mature more quickly or slowly than expected. It’s important to keep a close eye on your potato plants and address any pest or disease problems as soon as they arise.
In summary, while the maturity of the potato plant is the most important factor in determining when to harvest, it’s important to consider other factors such as weather conditions, the size of the potato plant, variety of potato, and pest and disease problems.
By paying close attention to these factors, you can ensure that your potatoes are harvested at the optimal time for the best quality and flavor.
Benefits for when to harvest potatoes in UK
Knowing when to harvest potatoes in the UK can provide several benefits, including:
Optimal Flavor:
Harvesting at the right time ensures that the potatoes are at their best flavor and texture, providing a more enjoyable culinary experience.
Maximum Yield:
Harvesting at the right time can help you maximize the yield of your potato crop, resulting in more potatoes to enjoy.
Reduced Waste:
By harvesting at the optimal time, you can minimize the risk of rot or damage to the potatoes, reducing waste.
Storage:
Properly harvested potatoes can be stored for several months, allowing you to enjoy your harvest well into the winter months.
Planning:
Knowing when to harvest can help you plan your garden and cooking schedule, allowing you to make the most of your potato crop.
Conclusion
In summary, harvesting potatoes in the UK depends on the type of potato being grown, with earlies taking the least time to mature, followed by second earlies, and maincrop potatoes taking the longest. The signs that potatoes are ready to harvest include yellowing foliage, firm skin, and mature size.
However, other factors such as weather conditions, size of the potato plant, variety, and pest and disease problems can also affect the timing of the harvest.
To successfully harvest and store potatoes in the UK, it is important to choose the appropriate potato variety, plant at the right time, monitor plant growth, and pay attention to weather conditions.
When harvesting, take care not to damage the potatoes, allow them to dry out, and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Here are some final tips for successfully harvesting and storing potatoes in the UK:
- Harvest potatoes on a dry day to prevent damage and disease.
- Store potatoes in a well-ventilated container or bag to prevent moisture buildup.
- Check stored potatoes regularly for signs of spoilage or disease.
- If storing potatoes for a long period, consider using a root cellar or similar storage area to maintain cool, stable temperatures.
- By following these tips, you can ensure that your potatoes are harvested and stored properly, resulting in delicious, high-quality potatoes for your meals.