How to Plant Seed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Successful Harvest

Planting seed potatoes is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening activities. Seed potatoes, which are specially grown and certified as disease-free, ensure a productive and healthy potato crop. Whether you’re growing in a garden, container, or potato bag, proper planting techniques are key to a successful harvest.

This guide provides everything you need to know about how to plant seed potatoes, from preparation and planting to care, harvesting, and storage.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are tubers specially grown for planting and are certified to be free of diseases like blight and scab. Unlike regular potatoes, seed potatoes are bred for consistent growth and high yields.

Key Features

• Certified Disease-Free: Ensures healthy plants and better yields.
• Variety Options: Includes early, maincrop, and salad potatoes.
• Reliable Growth: Produces consistent and high-quality plants.

Why Use Seed Potatoes?

1. Healthy Plants:
   • Certified seed potatoes minimize the risk of introducing diseases to your garden.
2. Reliable Yields:
   • Seed potatoes are bred for productivity and consistency.
3. Variety Selection:
   • Choose from a range of types, including waxy salad potatoes and fluffy maincrop varieties.
4. Versatile Planting Options:
   • Suitable for garden beds, containers, or potato bags.

Types of Seed Potatoes

1. First Early Potatoes

• Planting Time: Late February to early March.
• Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting.
• Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.
• Best For: Early new potatoes.

2. Second Early Potatoes

• Planting Time: Mid-to-late March.
• Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting.
• Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.
• Best For: Salads and mid-season crops.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

• Planting Time: Late March to early April.
• Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting.
• Examples: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree.
• Best For: Storage and large harvests.

4. Salad Potatoes

• Planting Time: Mid-March.
• Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting.
• Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.
• Best For: Waxy-textured potatoes for salads and light meals.

When to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. First Earlies

• Plant in late February to early March for the earliest harvests.

2. Second Earlies

• Plant in mid-to-late March for a slightly later harvest.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

• Plant in late March to early April for larger, storage-friendly tubers.

How to Plant Seed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Seed Potatoes

• Chitting (Optional but Recommended):
  • Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.
  • Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes (sprouts) facing upward.
  • Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
• Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

3. Planting in the Ground

1. Dig trenches or holes about 10 cm deep.
2. Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing upward.
3. Space seed potatoes as follows:
   • First and second earlies: 30 cm apart with rows 60 cm apart.
   • Maincrop potatoes: 40 cm apart with rows 75 cm apart.
4. Cover the potatoes with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Planting in Containers or Bags

1. Fill the container or potato bag with 10 cm of soil or compost.
2. Place 3–5 seed potatoes evenly spaced on the surface.
3. Cover with another 10 cm of soil and water lightly.
4. Add more soil as the plants grow, leaving the top leaves exposed.

Caring for Seed Potatoes

1. Watering

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.

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

• Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to encourage healthy plants.

4. Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Protect plants from slugs, wireworms, and aphids using organic methods.
• Diseases: Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases like blight and scab.

5. Frost Protection

• Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

Harvesting Potatoes

First and Second Earlies

• Harvest when plants flower or the foliage begins to yellow, typically 10–15 weeks after planting.

Maincrop Potatoes

• Wait until the foliage dies back completely, around 18–20 weeks after planting.
• Use a garden fork to lift the tubers gently to avoid damage.

Storing Potatoes

1. Curing:
   • Dry harvested potatoes in a dark, cool, and dry place for 1–2 weeks.
2. Storage:
   • Store cured potatoes in a well-ventilated, dark location to prevent sprouting and greening.

Common Challenges When Planting Seed Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

• Cause: Planting too early or exposure to unexpected frost.
• Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect young plants.

2. Poor Sprouting

• Cause: Old or improperly stored seed potatoes.
• Solution: Use certified seed potatoes and chit them before planting.

3. Blight

• Cause: Wet, humid conditions.
• Solution: Plant blight-resistant varieties and ensure good airflow between plants.

Tips for Planting Seed Potatoes Successfully

1. Start Early: Begin chitting in late winter for a head start on the growing season.
2. Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce the risk of disease.
3. Choose the Right Variety: Match your seed potatoes to your desired harvest time and culinary needs.
4. Monitor Soil Moisture: Keep the soil moist but not overly wet during the growing season.
5. Protect from Frost: Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

Top 10 Questions About Planting Seed Potatoes

1. What are seed potatoes?

Seed potatoes are small, certified disease-free tubers used for planting and growing potato crops.

2. When should I start chitting seed potatoes?

Start chitting 4–6 weeks before planting, typically in January or February.

3. How deep should I plant seed potatoes?

Plant seed potatoes about 10 cm deep.

4. Can I grow seed potatoes in containers?

Yes, seed potatoes grow well in containers or potato bags with proper soil depth.

5. How far apart should seed potatoes be spaced?

Space first and second earlies 30 cm apart and maincrop potatoes 40 cm apart.

6. How do I protect seed potatoes from frost?

Use fleece, cloches, or a layer of soil to shield young plants from frost.

7. How do I prevent potato blight?

Plant resistant varieties, ensure good airflow, and avoid overhead watering.

8. When should I harvest first early potatoes?

Harvest first earlies 10–12 weeks after planting when the plants flower.

9. How do I store harvested potatoes?

Cure potatoes in a dark, dry place for 1–2 weeks, then store them in a cool, ventilated area.

10. Can I grow potatoes from supermarket tubers?

It’s not recommended, as supermarket potatoes may carry diseases or have been treated to prevent sprouting.

Conclusion

Planting seed potatoes is a simple and rewarding process that provides a versatile and delicious crop. By starting with high-quality seed potatoes, preparing the soil properly, and following the right planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re growing in a garden, container, or potato bag, fresh homegrown potatoes are just a few steps away.