The best time to harvest first early potatoes depends on the specific variety and growing conditions, but generally they are ready to harvest when they have flowered, usually 10-12 weeks after planting. To check if they are ready, gently dig around the plant with a fork and lift a few tubers to inspect their size. If they are small and firm, they are ready to harvest. If they are still developing, it's best to wait a few more weeks.  It's important to harvest first early potatoes promptly, as leaving them in the ground for too long can cause them to become large and woody, reducing their quality and taste

The best time to harvest maincrop potatoes is when the foliage has yellowed and died back, usually after around 16-20 weeks from planting. Before harvesting, gently dig around the plant with a fork and check the size of the tubers. If they are fully developed and large enough to eat, they can be harvested.  It's important not to leave maincrop potatoes in the ground for too long, as this can cause the skins to harden, reducing their quality and taste. It is also important to handle maincrop potatoes carefully, as they are more susceptible to damage than first early potatoes.