How to Plant Seed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Successful Harvest
Planting seed potatoes is a straightforward and rewarding process that can lead to a bountiful crop of fresh, homegrown potatoes. Seed potatoes, which are small, certified disease-free potato tubers, are ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you’re growing them in garden beds, containers, or potato bags, seed potatoes are easy to plant and care for.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about planting seed potatoes, from preparation and planting to care and harvesting.
What Are Seed Potatoes?
Seed potatoes are specially grown, disease-free potato tubers used for planting. They are not actual seeds but whole or cut tubers designed to grow into healthy potato plants. Seed potatoes are available in a variety of types, including first earlies, second earlies, and maincrop potatoes.
Types of Seed Potatoes
- First Early Potatoes:
- Planting Time: Late February to early March.
- Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Swift, Rocket, Arran Pilot.
- Second Early Potatoes:
- Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
- Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
- Maincrop Potatoes:
- Planting Time: Late March to early April.
- Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.
- Examples: King Edward, Maris Piper, Desiree.
- Salad Potatoes:
- Planting Time: Mid-March.
- Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
- Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
When to Plant Seed Potatoes
1. First Earlies
- Plant from late February to early March.
- Ideal for an early harvest and suitable for mild climates or early protection.
2. Second Earlies
- Plant from mid-to-late March.
- Perfect for growing in garden beds or containers.
3. Maincrop Potatoes
- Plant from late March to early April.
- Require a longer growing season and produce larger yields.
How to Plant Seed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes
- Chitting (Optional): Start chitting seed potatoes 4–6 weeks before planting.
- Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright location with the eyes facing up.
- Allow the sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.
2. Prepare the Soil
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.
3. Planting Seed Potatoes in the Ground
- Dig trenches or individual holes about 10 cm deep.
- Place seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
- Space seed potatoes 30 cm apart for earlies and 40 cm apart for maincrop varieties, with rows 60 cm apart.
- Cover the potatoes with soil and water thoroughly.
4. Planting Seed Potatoes in Containers or Bags
- Fill the container or bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
- Place 3–5 seed potatoes on top, spaced evenly apart.
- Cover the potatoes with 10 cm of soil and water gently.
- Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.
Caring for Potato Plants
1. Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
2. Earthing Up
- As the plants grow, mound soil or compost around the stems to protect developing tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.
3. Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth for healthy plants.
4. Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Watch for potato blight and slugs. Use resistant varieties and remove infected plants promptly.
- Common Diseases: Prevent scab by ensuring consistent soil moisture and using certified seed potatoes.
Harvesting Potatoes
1. First and Second Earlies
- Harvest when the plants flower or the foliage begins to yellow, usually 10–15 weeks after planting.
2. Maincrop Potatoes
- Wait until the foliage dies back, around 18–20 weeks after planting.
- Use a garden fork to lift the tubers gently to avoid damage.
Storing Potatoes
- Curing:
- Allow harvested potatoes to cure in a dark, cool, and dry place for 1–2 weeks.
- Storage:
- Store cured potatoes in a well-ventilated, dark location to prevent sprouting.
Tips for Planting Seed Potatoes
- Start Early: Begin chitting seed potatoes in late winter for an early start.
- Protect from Frost: Use fleece or cloches to shield young plants from late frosts.
- Choose the Right Variety: Select potatoes based on harvest time and culinary needs.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
- Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce disease risks.
Common Problems with Planting Seed Potatoes
1. Blight
- Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
- Solution: Use resistant varieties and spray with fungicide if necessary.
2. Green Potatoes
- Cause: Tubers exposed to sunlight.
- Solution: Earth up plants to cover developing tubers.
3. Poor Yield
- Cause: Poor soil fertility or inconsistent watering.
- Solution: Enrich the soil before planting and water regularly.
Top 10 Questions About Planting Seed Potatoes
1. What are seed potatoes?
Seed potatoes are small, disease-free tubers used for planting and growing potato crops.
2. When should I plant seed potatoes?
Plant first earlies in late February, second earlies in mid-March, and maincrops in late March to early April.
3. How deep should I plant seed potatoes?
Plant seed potatoes about 10 cm deep.
4. Should I chit seed potatoes before planting?
Chitting is optional but recommended for faster growth.
5. Can I plant seed potatoes in containers?
Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth.
6. How far apart should seed potatoes be spaced?
Space seed potatoes 30–40 cm apart, depending on the variety.
7. How do I prevent potato blight?
Use resistant varieties, provide good airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
8. How do I protect potatoes from frost?
Use cloches, fleece, or mulch to shield plants from frost.
9. How do I know when to harvest potatoes?
Harvest earlies when the plants flower and maincrops when the foliage dies back.
10. How do I store harvested potatoes?
Cure them in a dark, dry place for 1–2 weeks, then store in a cool, ventilated area.
Conclusion
Planting seed potatoes is a simple and rewarding way to grow fresh, delicious potatoes at home. By choosing the right variety, preparing your soil, and following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a successful potato harvest. Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, container, or potato bag, seed potatoes are a reliable choice for gardeners of all levels.