[Lius]

I planted 1 drill of Colleen 1st earlies in a trench of well rotted kitchen compost at the end of march.

I planted a second drill exactly the same 3 weeks later.

I earthed-up both drills twice.

The first drill flowered first and were taller until 2 weeks ago.

Now the second drill has fully flowered but is 9" taller.

I checked two haulms out of the first drill last week and only got 10 edible tubers (very small too).

Will the second drill be ready to eat before the first drill and why?

HELP!!!!!!

[Sive]

I can only suggest the low spring temperatures and the very dry weather may be part of the answer. Potatoes need water....and there hasn't been much of that around for quite a while now.

[michael brenock]

the later planted tubers were allowed to sprout longer and were in a higher temperature than those already planted. Sprouting always helps not alone for earliness but also for higher yields.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Lius]

Michael,

You are correct that the 2nd lot were just left in the shed sprouting and ended-up being planted out in a higher temperature three weeks later.

But are you saying that I wasted my time getting the first lot down early and covering them in fleece until the frost was gone? Will the 2nd lot give a better yield?

[michael brenock]

no you have not been wasting your time but you should use early varieties for really early crops and main crop varieties for later heavier yields. The potato plant must have a certain number of leaves and minimum temperatures before tuberisation begins. Sprouting and covering with fleece helps to speed up this process. Potatoes that are left sprouting for too long will produce a lot of small potatoes.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)