Maincrop
Main Crop Potatoes are planted out from March to May and can be harvested from September to October. They are planted in rows allowing about 2ft (60cm) between tubers and 2½ft (75cm) between rows.
With Main Crop Potatoes, from sowing to harvest is usually 15-18 weeks.
Main Crop Potatoes are usually grown to full maturity and produce larger potatoes and harvests than either of the two Early types.
Maincrop potatoes are usually grown for use during the autumn and winter months. They are left to grow to full maturity, yielding a heavy crop and proving to be much larger size tubers than first and second early varieties. Maincrop potatoes are also usually much starchier than new potatoes, which makes them perfect for mash, roasting and for chips. Potatoes are a staple food and can be used in a multitude of dishes from the traditional to the more exotic Asian and oriental cuisine.
Maincrop potatoes have thick skins and need to be peeled before they can be cooked. They can also be easily overcooked if boiled for too long, making them mushy and not very appealing. They are relatively easy to grow and need very little attention other than watering during dry periods and the usual task of “earthing up”. As with all potatoes, maincrop can be grown in open beds. However due to their longer growing season and eventual size, they are not really suitable for growing in containers.