Early Potatoes: A Complete Guide to Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

Early potatoes are a popular choice for gardeners seeking a fast-growing and delicious crop. Known for their tender texture and fresh flavor, early potatoes are typically harvested in the spring or early summer, making them a favorite for new potatoes. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these tasty tubers.

This guide covers everything you need to know about early potatoes, including their types, planting times, care, and harvesting tips.

What Are Early Potatoes?

Early potatoes refer to varieties that grow and mature quickly, producing a harvest much earlier than maincrop potatoes. They are divided into two categories:

First Earlies
- The earliest-maturing potatoes.
- Harvested 10–12 weeks after planting.
- Ideal for small, tender new potatoes.
Second Earlies
- Mature slightly later than first earlies.
- Harvested 13–15 weeks after planting.
- Slightly larger tubers, great for salads and mid-season meals.

Why Grow Early Potatoes?

Fast Growth:
- Early potatoes are ready to harvest in just 10–15 weeks.
Flavorful and Tender:
- Known for their delicate skin and creamy texture, making them perfect for boiling and steaming.
Versatile Growing Options:
- Grow them in gardens, containers, or bags for early-season enjoyment.
Frost-Resistant Varieties:
- Many early potatoes are hardy and can tolerate light frosts with protection.

Popular Early Potato Varieties

1. First Early Potatoes

Rocket:
- Extremely fast-growing with smooth, white-skinned tubers.
- Perfect for boiling and steaming.
Swift:
- One of the quickest-maturing potatoes.
- Excellent for containers and early harvests.
Arran Pilot:
- Traditional variety with outstanding flavor.
- Perfect for boiling as new potatoes.

2. Second Early Potatoes

Charlotte:
- A classic salad potato with a waxy texture.
- Excellent for boiling and roasting.
Kestrel:
- Versatile with a creamy texture.
- Great for roasting, mashing, and boiling.
Maris Peer:
- Reliable and disease-resistant.
- Ideal for salads and light cooking.

When to Plant Early Potatoes

First Earlies: Plant in late February to early March for an early harvest.
Second Earlies: Plant in mid-to-late March for a slightly later harvest.
Ensure the soil is workable and frost-free. Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants if needed.

How to Plant Early Potatoes

1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes

Chitting:
- Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.
- Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes (sprouts) facing upward.
- Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Prepare the Soil

Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
Remove weeds and loosen the soil to ensure proper aeration.

3. Planting in the Ground

Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
Space potatoes 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Planting in Containers or Bags

Fill the container or bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
Place 3–5 seed potatoes evenly spaced on the surface.
Cover with another 10 cm of soil and water lightly.
Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.

Caring for Early Potatoes

1. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during tuber development.
Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

2. Earthing Up

Mound soil or compost around the stems as the plants grow to protect tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.

3. Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to support healthy plants.

4. Frost Protection

Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Use certified seed potatoes to minimize disease risk.
Monitor for pests like slugs and aphids, and treat as necessary.

Harvesting Early Potatoes

First Earlies: Harvest 10–12 weeks after planting when the plants flower.
Second Earlies: Harvest 13–15 weeks after planting when the foliage begins to yellow.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers, taking care not to damage them.

Using Early Potatoes

Early potatoes are best enjoyed fresh and do not store as well as maincrop varieties.
Popular cooking methods include:
- Boiling: Ideal for preserving their tender texture.
- Steaming: Brings out their creamy flavor.
- Roasting: Adds a crispy, golden finish.

Common Challenges When Growing Early Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

Cause: Planting too early or unexpected late frosts.
Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants.

2. Poor Sprouting

Cause: Improper storage or low-quality seed potatoes.
Solution: Use certified seed potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place.

3. Blight

Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
Solution: Plant resistant varieties and provide good airflow between plants.

Tips for Growing Early Potatoes Successfully

Start Early: Begin chitting in January or February to prepare seed potatoes for planting.
Protect from Frost: Use fleece or cloches to shield plants during cold weather.
Monitor Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Choose the Right Variety: Match your preferred harvest time and culinary use with the appropriate variety.
Harvest Promptly: Pick early potatoes as soon as they are ready to enjoy their fresh flavor.

Conclusion

Early potatoes are a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a quick and flavorful harvest. With the right preparation, planting, and care, you can enjoy tender, fresh new potatoes early in the season. Whether you grow them in a garden bed, container, or bag, early potatoes are a rewarding addition to any gardening plan.