Early potatoes in April: monthly care

Early potatoes are planted from seed tubers (small whole potatoes or pieces with at least two eyes) in March or April, as soon as the soil has warmed to around 7°C and the worst frosts have passed. Choose a site in full sun with well-drained loam or sandy soil; heavy clay should be improved with organic matter and grit to prevent waterlogging, which causes tubers to rot. Avoid ground where potatoes, tomatoes, or other Solanaceae have grown in the past two years to reduce disease risk. Prepare the soil a few weeks ahead by digging in well-rotted compost or manure to a spade's depth. Early potatoes are traditionally planted in trenches about 12 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart within the row and 50–60 cm between rows. Place each tuber with the eyes (sprouting points) facing upwards, then cover with soil. Some gardeners prefer to "chit" seed potatoes indoors for a few weeks beforehand—stand them rose-end up in egg boxes in a cool, light place until short, sturdy shoots appear—but this is optional. Immediately after planting, rake the soil level and water gently if conditions are dry. As the shoots emerge and reach about 20 cm tall, begin earthing up: draw soil from between the rows up around the stems to form a ridge. This protects developing tubers from light (which turns them green and toxic), encourages more tubers to form, and offers some frost protection. Repeat earthing up once or twice more as the foliage grows, leaving just the top leaves exposed. Mulching the ridges with straw can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Water early potatoes regularly once the foliage emerges, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In dry spells from late April through June, water deeply once or twice a week; inconsistent watering can lead to misshapen tubers or scab. Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back, as tubers are nearly mature and excess moisture at this stage increases the risk of rot. Feed in April and May using a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or one higher in potassium to promote tuber development. Apply a granular feed when earthing up, or use a liquid tomato feed every two weeks once plants are established. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of tubers. Early potatoes are not overwintered; they are a spring-planted, early-summer crop. Lift them as soon as the foliage dies back or when tubers are large enough to use—usually from late June onwards. Use a fork to dig carefully from the side of the ridge to avoid spearing the tubers. Eat earlies fresh; their thin skins mean they do not store well. Watch for potato blight, especially in warm, humid weather. This fungal disease spreads rapidly and can devastate a crop. Inspect plants regularly and remove affected foliage immediately. Slugs and wireworms can damage tubers underground; reduce slug populations with traps or barriers, and avoid planting in recently grassed areas where wireworm is common. Colorado beetle is a notifiable pest in the UK and must be reported if found. Mulch around plants with straw or compost to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and keep soil temperatures stable.