Complete Guide to Growing Potatoes from Start to Finish

Growing potatoes from start to finish is straightforward, reliable, and highly rewarding. Whether you’re growing a few bags or a full allotment row, following the correct steps at each stage ensures healthy plants and a generous harvest.

⭐ 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.
👉 Click here to see top options

• 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.
👉 Click here to see top options

• 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.
👉 Click here to see top options

• 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.
👉 Click here to see top options

Why Grow Your Own Potatoes

Potatoes are ideal for home growing because they:

• Produce high yields from small spaces
• Grow well in UK conditions
• Suit beds, containers, and grow bags
• Store well when grown correctly

They are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Choosing the Right Potatoes to Grow

Potatoes fall into three main types:

First earlies – Quick-growing, ready in around 10–12 weeks, best eaten fresh
Second earlies – Slightly larger crops, ready in 12–14 weeks
Maincrop – Larger yields, best for long-term storage, ready in 16–20 weeks

Always use certified seed potatoes for healthier plants and better results.

Chitting Seed Potatoes (Optional)

Chitting encourages faster growth, especially for early potatoes.

• Place seed potatoes in a light, frost-free place
• Allow short, sturdy shoots to develop
• Takes around 4–6 weeks

Maincrop potatoes can be planted without chitting if preferred.

When to Plant Potatoes in the UK

Plant potatoes once soil temperatures reach 7–10°C.

• Early potatoes: Late February to March (under cover or mild areas)
• Maincrop potatoes: Late March to mid-April

Avoid planting into cold or waterlogged soil.

Preparing the Soil

Good soil preparation is key to success.

• Choose a sunny position
• Loosen soil deeply
• Add compost or well-rotted manure
• Avoid fresh manure

Potatoes prefer loose, fertile, well-drained soil.

How to Plant Potatoes

• Dig trenches 10–15cm deep
• Space potatoes 30–40cm apart
• Place with shoots facing upwards
• Cover with soil

Water lightly if conditions are dry.

Growing Potatoes in Containers

Potatoes grow well in:

• Grow bags
• Buckets
• Large containers

Ensure good drainage and consistent watering. Container-grown potatoes need more frequent watering than ground-grown crops.

Earthing Up Potatoes

Earthing up is essential.

• First earth-up when shoots reach 15–20cm
• Repeat as plants grow

This:

• Prevents greening
• Protects from frost
• Encourages higher yields

Watering Potatoes

Water regularly, especially:

• During flowering
• When tubers are forming

Inconsistent watering leads to small or misshapen potatoes. Deep, steady watering works best.

Feeding Potatoes

Potatoes are moderate feeders.

• Use a balanced fertiliser at planting
• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds later
• Do not overfeed

Too much nitrogen causes leaf growth instead of tubers.

Common Potato Problems

• Lots of leaves but no potatoes – excess nitrogen
• Green potatoes – poor earthing up
• Small tubers – uneven watering
• Blight – warm, humid conditions

Most problems can be prevented with correct care and timing.

When to Harvest Potatoes

• Early potatoes: Harvest when plants flower
• Second earlies: Harvest as needed once mature
• Maincrop: Harvest after foliage yellows and dies back

Leave maincrop potatoes in the ground for 1–2 weeks after dieback to allow skins to toughen.

Drying and Curing Potatoes

After harvesting:

• Dry potatoes for 24–72 hours
• Cure maincrop potatoes for 10–14 days in dark, ventilated conditions

This improves storage life significantly.

Storing Potatoes Long Term

Store potatoes:

• At 4–8°C
• In darkness
• In breathable containers

Check regularly and remove any spoiled potatoes promptly.

Final Thoughts

Growing potatoes from start to finish is a simple process built on good soil, correct timing, regular watering, and proper harvesting. By following each stage carefully, you can enjoy reliable harvests and homegrown potatoes that last well into winter.

Potatoes reward steady care with excellent results.