Introduction to Growing Potatoes in the UK

Potatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in UK gardens and allotments. Whether growing first earlies in containers or producing large maincrop harvests for winter storage, this hub brings together all of our potato growing guides, tips and troubleshooting advice in one place.

Potato Growing Basics

  • FIRST EARLIES VS. MAIN CROP

    Understand the difference between the various potato varieties.

    Coming Soon 

  • HOW TO CHIT SEED POTATOES

    Explore how and when to harvest your crop.

    Coming Soon 

  • BEST POTATO VARIETIES FOR UK GARDENS

    Issues commonly found with potato growing.

    Coming Soon 
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Growing Potatoes at Home

  • Growing Potatoes in Bags and Containers

    Growing potatoes in bags and containers is perfect for gardeners with limited space. A large pot, grow bag or container can produce an impressive harvest while making watering, harvesting and pest control much easier. First and second early potatoes are particularly well suited to container growing and can be harvested without disturbing the entire crop.

  • Growing Potatoes in Raised Beds

    Raised beds provide excellent drainage and allow the soil to warm up more quickly in spring. This can lead to stronger growth and earlier harvests. Potatoes grown in raised beds are often easier to earth up and harvest than those grown in traditional vegetable plots.

  • Growing Potatoes on an Allotment

    Potatoes are one of the most popular allotment crops because they are productive, easy to grow and store well. Growing potatoes on an allotment allows you to dedicate larger areas to maincrop varieties, providing enough potatoes to feed a family for months after harvest.

  • How to Earth Up Potatoes

    Earthing up involves drawing soil around the stems as the plants grow. This protects developing tubers from sunlight, prevents greening and encourages larger harvests. Continue earthing up every few weeks until a ridge around 20-30cm high has formed.

Potato Problems and Solutions

  • SCAB

    Potato scab is a common soil-borne condition that causes rough, cork-like patches on the skin of potatoes. It is usually worse in dry soils and alkaline conditions but rarely affects the edible quality of the crop.

  • BLIGHT

    Potato blight is a fast-spreading fungal-like disease that causes dark patches on leaves and stems before eventually affecting the tubers underground. It thrives in warm, damp weather and can quickly destroy entire potato crops if left unmanaged.

  • SLUG DAMAGE

    Slug damage on potatoes causes holes and tunnels in the tubers, especially in wet conditions and heavy soils. Damage is often only discovered at harvest time.

Harvesting and Storage

  • When to Harvest First Earlies

    First earlies are usually ready around 10-12 weeks after planting. Begin gently feeling around the roots once the plants start flowering. Harvest little and often for the freshest potatoes.

  • Harvesting Maincrop Potatoes

    Maincrop potatoes are typically lifted once the foliage has died back. For the best storage results, cut the foliage down two weeks before harvest to allow skins to toughen.

  • Storing Potatoes Successfully

    Store potatoes in a cool, dark and frost-free location. Hessian sacks, paper sacks or cardboard boxes work well. Regularly check stored potatoes and remove any that show signs of rot.

Seasonal Potato Growing Calendar

  • JANUARY

    Chit seed potatoes

  • FEBRUARY

    Prepare beds

  • MARCH

    Plant first earlies

  • APRIL

    Plant maincrop potatoes

  • MAY

    Earth up plants

  • JUNE

    Harvest first earlies

  • JULY

    Monitor crops for blight, water during dry spells and continue harvesting first earlies.

  • AUGUST

    Harvest second earlies

  • SEPTEMBER

    Lift main crop potatoes

  • OCTOBER

    Store potatoes

Related Hub Pages

  • Vegetable Growing

    Discover practical guides covering everything from sowing seeds to harvesting bumper crops throughout the year.

  • Seasonal Gardening

    Find out what jobs need doing in the garden each month and stay one step ahead of the seasons.

  • Allotment Gardening

    Whether you're new to allotments or a seasoned grower, explore advice on planning, crop rotation and maximising your harvests.

Recommended Potato Varieties

  • Charlotte

    A reliable second early with excellent flavour and smooth yellow skins. Perfect for salads and boiling.

  • Maris Piper

    One of Britain's most popular maincrop potatoes. Excellent for chips, roasting and baking.

  • Rocket

    An exceptionally early variety producing reliable crops of tasty new potatoes in a short growing season.

Continue Exploring Vegetable Growing Guides

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  • CARROT GROWING

    Everything you need to know about sowing, thinning and harvesting sweet, crunchy carrots.

  • PEA GROWING

    Learn how to grow peas for reliable harvests throughout the growing season.