Second early potato

Second early potato varieties are usually ready from mid-July onwards, and may be dug as new potatoes to follow on from first earlies, but are equally successful as storing potatoes. Varieties differ widely in quality. 'Kestrel', for example, is good for roasting and chipping as the flesh does not absorb much fat, while others are better for baking or boiling. Well-dug soil with plenty of compost or rotted manure worked in will improve yields considerably, as will a thorough soak two weeks before lifting. Choose slug- or drought-resistant varieties on problem soils.