Homeguard - First Early Seed Potato

Homeguard - First Early Seed Potatoes - 2kg  (Certified Seed)

Homeguard are a 'First Early' seed potato. Fantastic early potato with a wonderful flavour. This potato grows particularly well in heavy soils and has good resistance to scab.

• Pack Size - 2kg (Approx 25-30 tubers)
• Potato Type - First Early
• Shape - Oval
• Skin - White/Smooth
• Texture - Firm
• Uses - Boiling, Baking, Roasting, Great All-Rounder

Seed Potato - Growing Tips

• Before sowing it is important to 'Chit' the seed potatoes. 'Chitting' is allowing them to sprout before planting, in order to give them a head start. 
• To 'Chit' the seed potatoes, spread the seed out in a box or ideally an egg-carton and place in a light cool area. Protect from frost.
• Allow the sprouts to grow to around 2-3cm long prior to planting.
• Planting can take place as soon as the risk of frost has passed in your area. March-May.
• Prepare for planting by digging a trench 12-15cm deep and add fertiliser or manure.
• Place the tubers in the trench 30cm apart with sprouts facing upwards, in rows 60cm apart. Cover with soil being careful not to damage the sprouts.
• As the shoots appear above the ground they should be earthed up with soil to cover the plants. This should continue until you have a ridge of earth up to 15-20cm. This 'Earthing -Up' encourages higher yields, protects from frost and new tubers from sunlight.
• Watering your plants well during the season will improve crop yield and discourage scab.
• Keep an eye out for pests and blight warnings until harvest.
• Harvesting Times -
  • ​First Earlies - June/July
  • Second Earlies - July/September
  • Maincrop - September/October