First Earlies, Second Earlies and Maincrop Potatoes Explained

What Are First Early Potatoes?

First early potatoes are the quickest potatoes to grow and are usually the first proper harvest of the UK allotment season. They are planted from March onwards once the soil begins warming and are normally ready to lift around June or early July, often just as many gardeners are entering the traditional “hungry gap” between winter crops and summer harvests.

These early potatoes are grown for their tender skins, waxy texture and fresh flavour rather than long-term storage. Unlike larger maincrop potatoes, first earlies are best eaten fresh from the ground and are perfect boiled with butter, added to salads or served alongside summer dishes.

One of the biggest advantages of first early potatoes is their speed. Because they mature quickly, they are often harvested before potato blight becomes a major issue later in summer. This makes them one of the easiest and most reliable potato crops for beginners to grow.

Many allotment growers use first earlies to maximise productivity throughout the growing season by starting potatoes early, succession planting and even growing them in containers or large tubs for earlier harvests. Steve often focuses on chitting potatoes early on cool bright windowsills before planting to encourage strong early growth.

Popular first early potato varieties include:

• Rocket
• Arran Pilot
• Red Duke of York
• Swift

For gardeners with smaller spaces, first earlies are also one of the best potatoes for growing in bags, containers and raised beds due to their compact growth and short growing period.

What Are Second Early Potatoes?

Second early potatoes sit neatly between first earlies and maincrop varieties, offering a balance between quick harvests and larger yields. They are usually planted a little later than first earlies, often during March or April depending on weather conditions, and are generally ready to harvest from July into August.

These potatoes tend to produce slightly larger plants and heavier crops than first earlies while still maintaining that smooth texture and excellent flavour many gardeners look for in new potatoes. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and are ideal for boiling, steaming, roasting and potato salads.

For many allotment growers, second earlies are the perfect “middle ground” crop. They extend the potato harvesting season nicely after the first earlies have finished, while still freeing up space earlier than large maincrop potatoes. This makes them particularly useful in smaller gardens or productive allotments where space is carefully managed throughout the growing year.

Growers following traditional allotment methods often use second earlies as part of a succession planting approach to ensure a steady supply of fresh potatoes over several months rather than harvesting everything at once. Good soil preparation, regular earthing up and consistent watering during dry periods all help improve yields and tuber quality.

Popular second early potato varieties include:

• Charlotte
• Kestrel
• Maris Peer
• Jazzy

Second earlies also work very well in raised beds and larger containers, making them a great option for gardeners wanting reliable harvests without dedicating huge amounts of space to potatoes all season long.

What Are Maincrop Potatoes?

Maincrop potatoes are the largest and longest-growing potato varieties, producing heavy harvests that are ideal for storing through autumn and winter. Unlike first and second earlies, which are usually enjoyed fresh, maincrop potatoes are grown for bulk yields, versatility in the kitchen and long-term storage potential.

Maincrop potatoes are generally planted during April once the soil has warmed and the risk of severe frost begins to ease. Because they remain in the ground for much longer, they require more space, more feeding and regular watering throughout summer. Harvesting usually begins from late August onwards and can continue well into autumn depending on the variety and weather conditions.

One of the biggest benefits of growing maincrop potatoes is the sheer amount of food they can produce from a relatively small area. Traditional allotment growers have long relied on maincrop potatoes as an important staple crop due to their storage qualities and ability to provide food throughout winter.

Many experienced growers focus heavily on soil preparation when growing maincrop potatoes. Rich organic matter, deep trenches and regular earthing up all help encourage larger harvests while reducing the risk of exposed tubers turning green in sunlight.

Because maincrop potatoes remain in the ground during the warmest and dampest months of the year, they are more vulnerable to potato blight than early varieties. For this reason, many gardeners choose blight-resistant varieties or ensure good airflow between rows to reduce disease pressure.

Popular maincrop potato varieties include:

• Maris Piper
• King Edward
• Desiree
• Sarpo Mira

Maincrop potatoes are ideal for roasting, baking, mashing and storing, making them one of the most practical and rewarding crops for UK allotments and vegetable gardens.

Key Differences Between Potato Types

Although all potatoes are grown in a similar way, the main differences between first earlies, second earlies and maincrop potatoes come down to planting times, harvest periods and how the potatoes are used in the kitchen.

First earlies are the fastest to mature and are mainly grown for fresh summer eating. Second earlies bridge the gap between early harvests and heavier late-season crops, while maincrop potatoes take the longest to grow but produce the largest harvests and store best through winter.

 

For many UK gardeners, growing a mixture of all three types provides the longest possible harvest season while making the best use of available growing space.

 

Which Potato Type Is Best for Beginners?

For beginners, first early potatoes are often the easiest and most rewarding place to start. They grow quickly, suffer from fewer disease problems and can even be grown successfully in bags or containers on patios and balconies.

Second earlies are another excellent option for gardeners wanting slightly larger harvests without waiting until autumn. They are generally reliable, versatile and straightforward to grow in most UK conditions.

Maincrop potatoes require more patience and space but can produce impressive yields when grown well. They are especially worthwhile for gardeners wanting to store potatoes through winter or reduce reliance on shop-bought produce.

Many allotment growers eventually choose to grow all three types together, allowing fresh potatoes to be harvested continuously from early summer right through to autumn.

Tips for Growing Better Potatoes

Growing potatoes successfully is often about consistency rather than complexity. Simple traditional methods still work extremely well for most UK gardens and allotments.

Helpful potato growing tips include:

• Chit seed potatoes before planting
• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil
• Earth up stems regularly as plants grow
• Water consistently during dry weather
• Rotate potato crops each year
• Avoid planting potatoes in waterlogged ground
• Harvest on dry days where possible

Traditional growers often emphasise careful timing, healthy soil and steady maintenance rather than overcomplicating the process.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between first earlies, second earlies and maincrop potatoes makes planning a productive allotment or vegetable garden far easier. Each potato type has its own strengths, from fast summer harvests to large winter storage crops, and growing a combination of all three can provide fresh potatoes for much of the year.

Whether growing in containers, raised beds or a full allotment plot, potatoes remain one of the most satisfying and productive crops for UK gardeners. With good soil, careful planting and regular care, even beginners can enjoy reliable harvests season after season.