Hardening off / planting

At the appropriate planting time (Indoors: Feb-March / Outdoors: March-April), set three tubers on top of a 6-8in/15-20cm layer of good quality compost in each Gro-Sack™ and then cover the tubers with a further 4in/10cm layer of compost.

As the plants grow and shoots emerge above the surface, add more compost to cover the shoots and then repeat as needed until the compost is about 2in/5cm below the top of the bag.

Keep the compost moist at all times but don't saturate it as this might cause the tubers to rot.

Aftercare

Once the foliage has developed an application of a high potash fertiliser at the rate suggested on the pack will increase yields. Avoid fertilisers high in nitrogen as these will delay maturity of the crop.

Potatoes need plenty of moisture, particularly round about flowering time which is when the tubers start to form.

An occasional heavy watering is better than little and often as this does not get down far enough and encourages shallow rooting.

Harvest

Harvest times depend on planting dates, weather and temperature at planting time, weather during the growing season, variety maturity and weather and temperature at harvest time.

However, in general terms: First Earlies are best harvested in small quantities and eaten straightaway when fresh in June and July.

Special note

Start you first early potatoes in the greenhouse or conservatory, this ensures warmer soil for quicker development. As foliage develops, regularly add more soil compost to 'earth up' your crops

As spring develops, especially if you need greenhouse space, pick up the Gro-Sack with its two strong carrying handles and relocate to a outdoor position.

While chitting is not entirely necessary, our own experience has shown that first earlies will benefit from chitting to produce the earliest crops.