How to Plant Potatoes Step by Step

Planting potatoes correctly gives you stronger plants, better yields, and healthier crops. Whether you’re growing potatoes in the ground, raised beds, or containers, following a simple step-by-step method makes all the difference.

⭐ 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.
👉 Click here to see top options

• 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

Step 1: Choose the Right Potato Type

Before planting, decide which type of potato you are growing:

• First earlies – early harvests, smaller potatoes
• Second earlies – slightly later, versatile use
• Maincrop – larger harvests and best for storage

Your potato type affects planting time and spacing.

Step 2: Chit Your Seed Potatoes

Chitting helps potatoes sprout faster and grow more reliably.

• Place seed potatoes in a cool, light, frost-free place
• Position them with the eyes facing upwards
• Allow short, sturdy shoots to develop
• Chit for 4–6 weeks before planting

Chitting is especially important for early potatoes.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Potatoes grow best in fertile, free-draining soil.

• Choose a sunny position
• Remove weeds and stones
• Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure
• Avoid fresh manure, which can cause scab

The soil should be workable, not wet or sticky.

Step 4: Mark Out Rows or Containers

For planting in the ground:

• Mark straight rows
• Leave enough space between rows for earthing up

For containers:

• Choose pots or grow bags with good drainage
• Use free-draining, peat-free compost

Step 5: Dig Planting Holes or Trenches

• Dig holes or trenches 10–15 cm deep
• Place seed potatoes with shoots facing upwards

Typical spacing:

• First earlies: 30 cm apart, 60 cm between rows
• Second earlies: 30 cm apart, 60–65 cm between rows
• Maincrop: 35–40 cm apart, 70–75 cm between rows

Step 6: Cover and Firm Gently

• Cover seed potatoes with soil
• Lightly firm the surface
• Do not compact the soil heavily

For containers, cover with compost and leave space at the top for earthing up later.

Step 7: Water If Needed

• Water lightly if soil is dry
• Avoid soaking the ground
• Do not water if soil is already moist

Overwatering at planting can cause seed potatoes to rot.

Step 8: Protect from Frost

Once shoots appear:

• Cover with fleece if frost is forecast
• Earth up soil around shoots to protect them

Early potatoes are especially vulnerable to late frosts.

Step 9: Earth Up as Plants Grow

Earthing up is essential for healthy potatoes.

• Add soil around stems as they grow
• Keep developing tubers covered
• Continue until ridges are about 20 cm high

This prevents greening and improves yields.

Step 10: Ongoing Care After Planting

• Water during dry spells
• Keep beds weed-free
• Watch for pests and disease
• Rotate crops yearly to reduce problems

Planting Potatoes in Containers (Quick Steps)

1. Add compost to the container base
2. Place seed potatoes on top
3. Cover with compost
4. Earth up as shoots grow
5. Water regularly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting into cold, waterlogged soil
• Planting too shallow
• Skipping earthing up
• Overwatering early on

When Will Potatoes Start Growing?

• Shoots usually appear 2–3 weeks after planting
• Growth is faster in warmer soil

Patience early on leads to stronger plants later.

Summary

Planting potatoes is simple when done step by step:

1. Choose the right variety
2. Chit seed potatoes
3. Prepare the soil
4. Plant at the correct depth and spacing
5. Earth up and protect from frost

Follow these steps and you’ll be on track for a healthy, productive potato crop.