Hi @Penny_Forthem, if you planted them early August surely they were ready to harvest back in October when the tops died back. The T&M site says Pentland Javelin are around a 10 week grow. I could be wrong though.
A flat, sunny area is best for growing potatoes. If your plot is located in a low-lying area or if there is groundwater nearby, it is advisable to form ridges for better drying and warming of the soil.
You should start preparing the soil in autumn. Before the cold weather arrives, the soil should be tilled and lime should be added if it is very acidic.
A litmus test kit is available for testing acidity. After mixing the soil with water according to the instructions, place the tester in the liquid and it will begin to change colour depending on the acidity levels.
With the onset of spring it is advisable to tamp the soil, then it will be better saturated with moisture. Once the frozen soil has completely thawed out, plough and level the area and apply fertiliser.
Potash fertilisers should be used for peaty soils, organic phosphorus fertilisers for black earth soils and nitrogen fertilisers for sandy and clay soils.
Before planting potatoes, decide which variety of rootstock you want to grow and prepare the planting material. Potato varieties are divided according to their maturity period into:
1)Early varieties have a maturity of only 80-90 days. These include Rosara, Red Scarlett and Luck.
2) Medium-ripening varieties have a maturity period of 90-100 days, such as Adretta and Gala.
3) Medium-ripening varieties can be dug 100-110 days after planting. Varieties: Altair, Scarb, Lugovskoy.
4) Mid-late varieties mature 10-20 days longer than mid-late ones, which is about 110-120 days.
5) Late varieties have the best flavour and store better. They take over 120 days to ripen. The most popular are Zdabytok and Kiwi.
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I'll have wee peek tomorrow!
I actually harvested some Nicola today! Family coming for supper tonight, so have enough for a new potato salad!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.