First Early Potatoes FAQs
Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy First Early Potatoes in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.
When to Plant First Early Potatoes
First early potatoes are typically planted in late February to March, depending on your local climate. To get a head start, it’s beneficial to "chit" the seed potatoes before planting by placing them in a cool, light place to encourage sprouting. Once the sprouts are about 2-3 cm long, the potatoes are ready to go into the ground. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, and plant the seed potatoes about 10-15 cm deep and 30 cm apart, with rows spaced 60 cm apart. Cover with soil and protect them from any late frosts that might damage the emerging shoots.
How to Grow First Early Potatoes
Growing first early potatoes is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preparing the soil with plenty of organic matter, ensuring it is loose and well-draining. After planting, cover the seed potatoes with soil and water them thoroughly. As the plants grow, it’s important to "earth up" or mound soil around the stems to cover the lower leaves. This not only protects the developing tubers from light but also encourages the production of more potatoes. Water the plants consistently, especially during dry spells, to ensure they produce a good yield. First early potatoes can also be grown successfully in large containers or grow bags if space is limited.
How Long Does It Take to Harvest First Early Potatoes?
First early potatoes are usually ready to harvest about 10 to 12 weeks after planting, often in May or June, depending on the planting date and weather conditions. The plants will typically flower when the potatoes are forming, but you can start harvesting as soon as the flowers begin to fade, or even earlier if you prefer smaller, new potatoes. To harvest, gently dig around the base of the plant with a fork, taking care not to damage the tubers. First early potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, soon after harvest, when their flavour and texture are at their peak.
Why Grow First Early Potatoes?
Growing first early potatoes has several advantages. They are the quickest maturing potato variety, allowing you to enjoy a fresh harvest early in the season. The flavour of homegrown first early potatoes is often superior to store-bought varieties, which can lose their sweetness and texture over time. Additionally, growing your own first early potatoes means you can choose from a range of heritage and modern varieties not always available in supermarkets. They are also less prone to some common potato diseases, thanks to their short growing season, and they free up garden space earlier, allowing you to plant a follow-on crop.
Where Can You Grow First Early Potatoes?
First early potatoes are versatile and can be grown in a variety of settings, including traditional garden beds, raised beds, and containers. They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and are particularly well-suited to growing in containers or grow bags on patios and balconies. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space. First early potatoes are also a great option for starting the potato season early in cooler climates, as they are typically harvested before the arrival of summer heat. With proper care, they can be successfully grown in most UK gardens, providing a delicious early crop of fresh potatoes.
Why First Early Potatoes from Marshalls?
- Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your First Early Potatoes.
- You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
- We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
- We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
- Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.
