How to Stop Potatoes Turning Green

Green potatoes are a common problem and occur when tubers are exposed to light during growth or storage. Greening reduces quality and makes potatoes unsafe to eat, but with the right growing and storage practices, it is easy to prevent.

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• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
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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 Potatoes Turn Green

Potatoes turn green when exposed to light.

• Light triggers chlorophyll production
• Solanine levels increase alongside greening
• Green potatoes taste bitter and can be harmful

Preventing light exposure is the key to stopping greening.

Earth Up Potatoes Properly

Earthing up protects developing tubers.

• Pull soil up around stems as plants grow
• Cover all developing tubers completely
• Re-earth up after heavy rain or soil movement

Well-formed ridges block light effectively.

Use Mulch to Block Light

Mulch adds an extra layer of protection.

• Apply straw, compost, or leaf mould
• Mulch 5–10cm thick
• Top up mulch as plants grow

Mulch is especially useful in no-dig gardens.

Check for Exposed Tubers Regularly

Soil movement can expose potatoes.

• Inspect beds after rain or watering
• Look for tubers near the surface
• Cover exposed areas immediately

Quick action prevents greening.

Plant Potatoes at the Correct Depth

Shallow planting increases risk.

• Plant seed potatoes 10–15cm deep
• Avoid planting too close to the surface
• Deeper planting reduces exposure risk

Correct depth provides long-term protection.

Avoid Disturbing Soil Around Plants

Disturbance can expose tubers.

• Weed carefully near plants
• Avoid deep hoeing close to stems
• Keep soil mounded throughout the season

Minimal disturbance maintains coverage.

Harvest at the Right Time

Late harvesting increases exposure risk.

• Lift potatoes once mature
• Avoid leaving tubers in dry, cracked soil
• Harvest promptly in hot or dry weather

Cracked soil allows light to reach tubers.

Store Potatoes Correctly

Greening can continue after harvest.

• Store potatoes in complete darkness
• Keep them cool and dry
• Use breathable bags or boxes

Light exposure during storage causes greening.

What to Do With Green Potatoes

Do not eat green potatoes.

• Green areas indicate high solanine levels
• Heavily green potatoes should be discarded
• Light greening may be trimmed, but caution is advised

Prevention is safer than removal.

Final Thoughts

Stopping potatoes turning green is all about keeping tubers away from light during growth and storage. Regular earthing up, mulching, careful harvesting, and dark storage conditions all work together to prevent greening. With good habits, your potatoes will stay safe, tasty, and high quality.