How to Plant Potatoes in Compost

Planting potatoes in compost is a simple and effective way to grow potatoes, especially if your garden soil is poor, compacted, or you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or grow bags. Compost provides good drainage, warmth, and nutrients, giving potatoes an excellent start.

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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
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Why Grow Potatoes in Compost?

Growing potatoes in compost:

• Improves drainage and reduces rot
• Warms up faster than garden soil
• Produces clean, easy-to-harvest potatoes
• Works well in containers, bags, buckets, and raised beds
• Is ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens

It’s particularly effective for early and second early potatoes.

What Type of Compost Is Best?

Use:

• Peat-free multipurpose compost
• Compost that is free-draining but moisture-retentive

You can improve results by mixing in:

• A small amount of garden compost
• Well-rotted organic matter

Avoid using compost that is very fine or compacted.

Step 1: Choose Where You’ll Grow Them

Potatoes can be planted in compost in:

• Pots or containers
• Grow bags
• Buckets
• Raised beds
• No-dig beds topped with compost

Ensure containers have good drainage holes.

Step 2: Add Compost to the Container or Bed

• Add 10–15 cm of compost to the bottom
• Level gently
• Leave space at the top for earthing up later

Do not fill containers to the top at planting time.

Step 3: Plant the Seed Potatoes

• Place seed potatoes on the compost
• Shoots (chits) facing upwards
• Spacing:
  • Containers: 1 potato per 10–15 litres of compost
  • Raised beds: 30–40 cm apart, depending on variety

Keep potatoes away from the container sides.

Step 4: Cover with Compost

• Cover seed potatoes with another 10–15 cm of compost
• Lightly firm
• Water gently if compost is dry

Avoid overwatering at this stage.

Step 5: Position for Best Growth

Place containers or beds:

• In full sun
• In a sheltered position
• Raised slightly off cold ground if possible

Compost warms quickly, encouraging faster growth.

Step 6: Water Correctly

• Keep compost evenly moist
• Water little and often
• Do not allow compost to dry out completely
• Avoid waterlogging

Compost-grown potatoes rely entirely on you for water.

Step 7: Earth Up Using Compost

As shoots reach 10–15 cm tall:

• Add more compost around the stems
• Leave the top leaves exposed
• Repeat until the container or bed is nearly full

This prevents greening and increases yields.

Step 8: Feeding Potatoes Grown in Compost

Compost contains nutrients, but extra feeding helps:

• Start feeding once plants begin flowering
• Use a balanced liquid fertiliser
• Feed every 10–14 days

Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which reduce tuber formation.

Step 9: Frost Protection

Early in the season:

• Cover containers with fleece if frost is forecast
• Move containers to shelter if possible

Compost cools down faster than garden soil at night.

Step 10: Harvesting Potatoes Grown in Compost

• First earlies: Harvest when flowering begins
• Second earlies: Harvest just after flowering
• Maincrop: Harvest when foliage has died back

To harvest:

• Tip out containers
• Gently sort through compost
• Collect potatoes by hand

Potatoes grown in compost are usually very clean.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using compacted or poor-quality compost
• Overcrowding seed potatoes
• Letting compost dry out
• Filling containers fully at planting time

Best Potatoes for Growing in Compost

• Charlotte
• Nadine
• Kestrel
• Harmony
• Arran Pilot
• Casablanca

Maincrop varieties need larger containers for good results.

Quick Summary

• Use peat-free multipurpose compost
• Plant depth: 10–15 cm
• Earth up with compost as plants grow
• Water regularly
• Feed lightly during flowering

Final Tip

Planting potatoes in compost is one of the easiest and cleanest ways to grow potatoes. With good drainage, steady watering, and regular earthing up, compost-grown potatoes can be just as productive as those grown in the ground.