Common Potato Growing Problems Explained

Potatoes are generally easy to grow, but even experienced gardeners can run into problems during the season. Understanding common potato growing issues helps you act quickly, protect your crop, and improve yields year after year.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
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• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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Potato Plants Growing Lots of Leaves but No Tubers

Cause:

• Too much nitrogen
• Excessively rich soil or fresh manure

Why it happens:
High nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of tuber formation.

Solution:

• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds once plants are established
• Use balanced fertiliser
• Allow plants to mature naturally

Potato Plants Falling Over

Cause:

• Rapid growth
• Weak stems
• Wind or heavy rain

Solution:

• Earth up soil around stems
• Provide light support if needed
• Avoid excessive nitrogen feeding

Falling plants usually recover if stems are not snapped.

Potato Leaves Turning Yellow

Cause:

• Natural ageing
• Nutrient deficiency
• Water stress

Solution:

• Yellowing late in the season is normal
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser if early yellowing occurs
• Ensure consistent watering

Sudden yellowing early on may signal a problem.

Potato Plants Dying Back Early

Cause:

• Drought stress
• Disease
• Nutrient imbalance

Solution:

• Water regularly during dry spells
• Improve soil fertility
• Check for disease symptoms

Early dieback reduces yield significantly.

Potatoes Not Growing After Planting

Cause:

• Cold soil
• Waterlogged ground
• Poor seed potatoes

Solution:

• Wait until soil warms before planting
• Improve drainage
• Use certified seed potatoes

Cold or wet conditions delay emergence.

Potatoes Turning Green

Cause:

• Exposure to light

Solution:

• Earth up soil regularly
• Keep tubers fully covered
• Discard heavily green potatoes

Green potatoes contain solanine and should not be eaten.

Slugs Eating Potatoes

Cause:

• Damp conditions
• Organic matter near tubers

Solution:

• Reduce hiding places
• Harvest promptly
• Use traps or barriers

Slug damage is common in wet summers.

Wireworm Damage in Potatoes

Cause:

• Growing potatoes after grass
• Larvae in soil

Solution:

• Avoid planting potatoes on recently grassed land
• Use traps before planting
• Rotate crops

Wireworm damage appears as small holes in tubers.

Potato Blight

Cause:

• Warm, humid weather
• Airborne spores

Signs:

• Dark patches on leaves
• Rapid plant collapse
• Brown marks on tubers

Solution:

• Grow blight-resistant varieties
• Remove infected foliage immediately
• Avoid overhead watering

Blight spreads fast and requires quick action.

Potatoes Growing Small Tubers

Cause:

• Poor watering
• Crowded planting
• Low nutrients

Solution:

• Water consistently
• Space plants correctly
• Feed during early growth

Uneven watering often leads to small potatoes.

Misshapen or Cracked Potatoes

Cause:

• Inconsistent watering
• Sudden growth spurts

Solution:

• Water evenly
• Mulch to retain moisture

Cracked potatoes are safe to eat but store poorly.

Hollow Heart in Potatoes

Cause:

• Rapid growth after dry conditions

Solution:

• Maintain steady moisture
• Avoid stress during tuber development

Hollow heart affects texture but not safety.

Final Thoughts

Most potato growing problems come down to soil conditions, watering, feeding, and timing. By spotting issues early and understanding their causes, you can prevent small problems from turning into crop failures.

Healthy soil, consistent care, and good crop rotation are the foundations of successful potato growing.