The arrival of warmer, drier weather has allowed potato growers in the United Kingdom to make good progress with planting, particularly in the Midlands and western regions, says the Potato Council. In Pembrokeshire, planting increased last week in excellent land conditions.
On Anglesey, planting is almost complete, with about 225 hectares (555 acres) in the ground, mainly Premiere and Lady Rosetta.
In Kent planting started last week, although soils are still wet and cold. A token start has also been made in the Isle of Wight.
Token planting started last week In Lincolnshire on light soils north of Spalding. There was a start on some Maris Peer in Norfolk. Progress in Suffolk has been slow because of cold and wet soils.