When to Plant Potatoes: A Seasonal Guide for a Successful Harvest

Knowing when to plant potatoes is crucial for a productive harvest. Potatoes thrive when planted at the right time, depending on their variety and your local climate. With careful planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes throughout the growing season.

This guide provides a detailed overview of when to plant potatoes, including tips for early, mid-season, and maincrop varieties, as well as advice for different growing conditions.

Key Planting Times for Potatoes

The ideal planting time depends on the type of potatoes you are growing:

1. First Early Potatoes

When to Plant: Late February to early March.
Harvest Time: 10–12 weeks after planting (typically late May to June).
Ideal For: Early new potatoes.
Examples: Rocket, Swift, Arran Pilot.

2. Second Early Potatoes

When to Plant: Mid-to-late March.
Harvest Time: 13–15 weeks after planting (typically late June to early July).
Ideal For: Salads and mid-season crops.
Examples: Charlotte, Kestrel, Maris Peer.

3. Maincrop Potatoes

When to Plant: Late March to early April.
Harvest Time: 18–20 weeks after planting (typically late August to September).
Ideal For: Large harvests and long-term storage.
Examples: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree.

4. Salad Potatoes

When to Plant: Mid-March.
Harvest Time: 12–14 weeks after planting (typically June to July).
Ideal For: Waxy potatoes perfect for salads and side dishes.
Examples: Pink Fir Apple, Nicola, Ratte.

Factors to Consider When Planting Potatoes

1. Local Climate

In milder areas, potatoes can be planted earlier, while colder regions may require delayed planting or additional frost protection.
Use fleece or cloches to protect young plants from late frosts.

2. Soil Conditions

Potatoes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.
Ensure the soil is workable and not waterlogged before planting.

3. Frost Dates

Avoid planting until the risk of frost has passed. For most regions, this is typically late March to early April.

4. Type of Potatoes

Early varieties grow quickly and can be planted earlier in the season.
Maincrop potatoes need a longer growing season and should be planted slightly later.

Step-by-Step Guide: When and How to Plant Potatoes

1. Chitting Seed Potatoes

When to Start Chitting: 4–6 weeks before planting (typically January or February).
How to Chit:
1. Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot with the eyes facing up.
2. Allow sprouts to grow to 2–3 cm before planting.

2. Preparing the Soil

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
Remove weeds and loosen the soil for proper aeration.

3. Planting in the Ground

Dig trenches or individual holes about 10 cm deep.
Place chitted seed potatoes with the sprouted eyes facing up.
Cover the potatoes with soil, leaving a slight mound to protect against frost.
Space 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. Planting in Containers or Bags

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

Caring for Potatoes After Planting

Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Earthing Up:
- Mound soil around the stems as plants grow to protect developing tubers from sunlight and prevent greening.
Fertilizing:
- Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early growth to encourage healthy plants.
Protecting Against Frost:
- Cover young plants with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast.

Harvesting Potatoes Based on Planting Time

First and Second Earlies

Harvest when the 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.

Common Challenges When Planting Potatoes

1. Frost Damage

Cause: Planting too early or exposure to unexpected frost.
Solution: Use cloches or fleece to protect plants and delay planting in colder regions.

2. Poor Sprouting

Cause: Old or poorly stored seed potatoes.
Solution: Use certified, fresh seed potatoes and chit them before planting.

3. Blight

Cause: Wet, humid conditions during the growing season.
Solution: Plant blight-resistant varieties and ensure good airflow between plants.

Tips for Planting Potatoes Successfully

Start Chitting Early: Begin chitting in January to prepare seed potatoes for early planting.
Choose the Right Variety: Select potato types suited to your desired harvest time and culinary needs.
Rotate Crops: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot each year to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Monitor Weather: Pay attention to frost dates and protect young plants as needed.
Use Quality Seed Potatoes: Always choose certified disease-free seed potatoes for the best results.

Conclusion

The best time to plant potatoes depends on the variety, your local climate, and your desired harvest time. By chitting seed potatoes early, preparing the soil, and timing your planting correctly, you can enjoy a successful and abundant potato harvest. Whether you’re growing early new potatoes or maincrop varieties for storage, planning your planting schedule is key to a productive season.