Potatoes - July

Blight protection continues. In warm humid conditions the fungus proliferates and the severity of infection will be greater.

Potatoes are usually propagated through their tubers which means that once a variety has been developed or discovered, it can be maintained continuously.

The first earlies are usually harvested by the middle of July by which time the second earlies are being harvested. These are usually a different variety - typically Estima which is widely found in British supermarkets.

Tubers growing in the ground - note that they are part of the stem of the plant and not a part of the root structure.

The closed canopy of the potato crop creates a humid environment that is favoured by blight.