How to Plant Potatoes in Containers

Growing potatoes in containers is an easy and flexible way to enjoy homegrown potatoes, especially if you have limited space, poor soil, or just want a tidy, manageable crop. Containers work well in UK gardens, patios, balconies, and allotments.

⭐ 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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Why Grow Potatoes in Containers?

Container growing offers several benefits:

• Ideal for small spaces
• Good drainage, reducing rot
• Soil warms up faster in spring
• Easier pest control
• Simple, mess-free harvesting

They are especially well suited to early and second early potatoes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

• Minimum depth: 40–45 cm
• Minimum width: 35–45 cm
• Ensure good drainage holes

As a general guide:

• 10–15 litres of compost per seed potato
• A large container can hold 2–3 potatoes

Avoid overcrowding, as it reduces yields.

Step 2: Choose Suitable Potato Varieties

Best potatoes for containers:

• First earlies
• Second earlies
• Salad varieties

Maincrop potatoes can be grown in containers, but yields are usually lower unless the container is very large.

Step 3: Prepare the Compost

• Use peat-free multipurpose compost
• Mix in a little garden compost or well-rotted organic matter
• Compost should be free-draining but moisture-retentive

Do not use heavy garden soil alone.

Step 4: Add Compost to the Container

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

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

• Place seed potatoes on the compost
• Shoots (chits) facing upwards
• Space evenly apart

Do not allow potatoes to touch each other or the container sides.

Step 6: Cover with Compost

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

Do not fill the container to the top at planting time.

Step 7: Position the Container

Place containers:

• In full sun
• In a sheltered position
• Raised slightly on feet or bricks for drainage

Avoid placing containers directly on cold ground early in the season.

Step 8: Water Correctly

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

Containers dry out faster than garden soil, especially in warm weather.

Step 9: Earth Up as Plants Grow

When shoots reach 10–15 cm tall:

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

Earthing up prevents greening and increases yield.

Step 10: Feed During Growth

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

Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which cause leafy growth and fewer tubers.

Step 11: Protect from Frost

Early in the season:

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

Containers cool down faster than the ground.

Step 12: Harvesting Potatoes from Containers

• First earlies: Harvest when flowering starts
• Second earlies: Harvest just after flowering
• Maincrop: Harvest when foliage dies back

To harvest:

• Tip the container onto a tarp
• Gently remove compost
• Collect potatoes by hand

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using containers that are too small
• Overcrowding seed potatoes
• Letting compost dry out
• Filling containers fully at planting

Best Containers for Potatoes

• Large pots
• Grow bags
• Dustbins with drainage holes
• Purpose-made potato planters

Quick Summary

• Container depth: 40–45 cm
• Plant depth: 10–15 cm
• 10–15 litres compost per potato
• Earth up gradually
• Water consistently

Final Tip

Containers make potato growing accessible to everyone. With the right container size, steady watering, and regular earthing up, you can enjoy a healthy potato harvest even without a traditional garden.