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What Are First Early Potatoes?
Are you like me and didn’t know what first early potatoes were? Then in this article, we’ll talk all about them.
First early potatoes are a type of potato that you harvest earlier than other potatoes. They are small in size and have a thin skin. First early potatoes are typically used for salads or boiled and mashed.
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Where did early potatoes ordinate?
First early potatoes were first grown in South America. They were then brought to Europe by the Spanish and eventually made their way to Ireland and the United Kingdom.
What is the best climate for early potatoes?
First early potatoes prefer a cool climate. These tend to grow in spring and summer, but they will not do well in hot weather.
What is the difference between first early potatoes and other potatoes?
First earlies are harvested earlier than other potatoes. They are also smaller in size and have a thin skin. Other potatoes, such as russet potatoes, are larger and have a thicker skin. You typically use First Earlies for salads or boiled and mashed, while russet potatoes are better suited for baking or roasting.
What types of early potatoes are there?
Some of the most popular first earlies in the United Kingdom include:
-Arran Pilot
-Duke of York
-Maris Bard
-Pentland Javelin
-Rocket
If you’re looking for a first early potato that is easy to grow and produces a high yield, then Arran Pilot is a good option. If you want a first early potato with a light, fluffy texture, then Duke of York is a good choice. Maris Bard is a good all-purpose first early potato that can be used for both boiling and roasting. Pentland Javelin is another popular first early potato that is known for its good flavour. Finally, Rocket is a first early potato that is perfect for salads or boiling.
No matter what type of first early potato you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious flavour and versatility that they offer.
Chitting potatoes to get them off to a Good Start
Chitting is the process of encouraging your first earlies to sprout before planting. Do this by placing them in a cool, light place such as an unheated greenhouse or windowsill. Once the potatoes have sprouted, plant them in the garden. Chitting is not essential, but it can help to give your tubers a head start. It is also a good way to check that your potatoes are still viable and have not gone bad.
How to plant Tubers
When planting first earlies, it is important to choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil. You will also need to dig a hole that is twice the size of the potato tuber. Once you have chosen a suitable spot and dug the hole, you can then plant the potato tuber. Be sure to plant it so that the sprouts are facing upwards. You should then cover the tuber with soil and water it well.
You plant your First earlies from late March to early May. They will be ready to harvest from June to August.
How to care for early potatoes
First early potatoes are relatively easy to care for. Please make sure you water regularly, especially during dry periods. You could also add a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
First earlies can be susceptible to frost damage, so it is important to protect them if there is a risk of frost. You do this by covering the plant with a layer of fleece.
First earlies are also susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. The most common disease is blight, which can cause the leaves of the plant to turn brown and die. To prevent this, it is important to water the plants at the base and avoid wetting the leaves. You should also remove any infected leaves from the plant.
Other types (First Second and main crop)
As well as first earlies, there are also second early and maincrop potatoes. You harvest second earlies a little later than first earlier, from July to September. Read our blog about the difference between First, Second and main crop potatoes.
Conclusion
First early potatoes are a delicious and versatile type of potato that is perfect for salads, boiling, or roasting. They are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
If you’re looking for a first early potato that is easy to grow and produces a high yield, then Arran Pilot is a good option. If you want a first early potato with a light, fluffy texture, then Duke of York is a good choice. Maris Bard is an excellent all-purpose first early potato that is used to boil and roast. Pentland Javelin is another popular first early potato that is known for its good flavour. Finally, Rocket is a first early potato that is perfect for salads or boiling.
No matter what type of first early potato you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious flavour and versatility that they offer. So why not give them a try in your garden this year?