EVERYONE should experience that pivotal, joyous moment when fork prongs are pushed into the soil to unearth the first new potatoes of the season. For those of us growing them outside, this is usually in early to mid-June. However, you can force Mother Nature’s hand by growing potatoes in tubs under glass.
Choosing ‘earlies’ is key – this is the name given to varieties that take 100 days to mature (whereas maincrops can take at least 130). These hit the ground running as soon as they enter warm soil. Warm soil is crucial – planting into cold earth won’t reap any rewards. At best, the tubers will sit in stasis