Growing Season

Potatoes are farmed in Britain in three basic three seasonal groups:

Earlies (or new potatoes) are planted from January to March and are in supermarket stores from May-July.

Second earlies are planted between February and May and harvested from July to October.

Maincrop are planted in April and harvesting continues through September and October.

Both second earlies and maincrop are available in supermarket stores and many farm shops throughout the year.

The production of British “New” Potatoes generally provides opportunities for promotions and competition between supermarkets. New potatoes are characterised by having “fluffy” or loose skin. New potatoes are the first to be harvested each year and hail the start of a new season.