First early potatoes
First earlies are the quickest to mature and are usually harvested while they are still small and tender. They are useful if you want an earlier crop or have limited growing space.
Choosing potato tubers
Growing vegetables · UK guide
Choosing your potato tubers
Choosing the right seed potatoes is the first step towards a healthy crop and a better harvest. Here is what to look for before you plant.
The potatoes you plant are usually called seed potatoes. They are not ordinary potatoes from the supermarket. Seed potatoes are grown and selected for planting, helping reduce the risk of diseases being carried into your soil.
Choose the right type of potato
Second early potatoes
Second earlies take a little longer than first earlies but are still harvested before maincrop potatoes. They are often a good choice for containers and smaller gardens.
Maincrop potatoes
Maincrop varieties take longer to mature and usually produce larger crops. They are useful for storing and can provide potatoes for several months.
Choose varieties you will eat
Think about how you like to use potatoes. Some are better for boiling, some for roasting and others for chips, baking or salads.
Do not just choose the cheapest bag
It is tempting to buy whatever seed potatoes are available, but the variety you choose can make a big difference to the crop you get. Consider how quickly you want to harvest and how you plan to use them.
What to look for when buying seed potatoes
Buy certified seed potatoes
Choose seed potatoes from a reputable garden centre, nursery or seed supplier. This gives you the best chance of starting with healthy planting material.
Check the tubers
Choose firm, healthy tubers without soft patches, mould, excessive damage or signs of rot.
Look for healthy shoots
If the potatoes have already started chitting, look for short, sturdy shoots rather than long, pale shoots that have grown in darkness.
Buy the right amount
It is easy to buy more than you have space to grow. Work out how many rows, containers or potato bags you can realistically manage first.
Understanding chitting
Chitting means allowing seed potatoes to produce short shoots before planting. Place them in a cool, bright, frost-free position with the eyes facing upwards.
Use a light position
A cool windowsill, greenhouse or bright shed can work. Avoid warm, dark places, as the shoots may become long and weak.
Keep the shoots short
Strong, sturdy shoots are better than long, pale ones. If a tuber produces too many shoots, you can rub some off before planting.
Potato tuber checklist
- Choose a variety suited to the harvest time you want.
- Decide how you plan to use the potatoes.
- Buy certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier.
- Choose firm tubers without rot or mould.
- Check that you have enough growing space.
- Chit potatoes in a cool, bright, frost-free place if desired.
- Plant only when the soil and weather conditions are suitable.
The right potato is the one you will enjoy growing and eating
Start with a variety that suits your space, your growing season and the way you like to cook potatoes. A little planning at the beginning can make the rest of the crop much easier.