How to Grow Potatoes UK
Written by Matt W on 13th Jan 2025.
Growing potatoes offers a rewarding experience for any gardener. A well-planned potato patch not only yields fresh produce but also creates opportunities for garden decoration. While your potatoes grow, consider adding beautiful stone garden ornaments to create visual interest throughout your growing space.

Getting Started with Potato Growing
The key to successful potato growing lies in proper preparation and timing. First earlies need planting in late March, while second earlies go in during early April. Maincrop varieties suit mid-to-late April planting times.
Garden Planning and Layout
Select a sunny position with good drainage for your potato patch. Remove all weeds and rocks from the growing area. Create rows running north to south to maximise sunlight exposure. Leave adequate pathways between rows for maintenance access.
Choosing Growing Methods

Traditional trench growing suits most garden situations. Alternative methods include raised beds, grow bags, or containers. Each method requires specific preparation. Trenches need digging to 15cm depth. Raised beds need filling with quality growing medium. Containers must have proper drainage holes.
Essential Tools and Materials
Gather necessary tools: garden fork, spade, trowel, and watering can. Source certified seed potatoes from reliable suppliers. Obtain organic matter for soil improvement. Keep garden twine and labels ready for organisation.
Soil Preparation and Planting

Soil Requirements
Potatoes thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with pH 5.0-6.0. Add well-rotted manure or garden compost two weeks before planting. Work organic matter into soil thoroughly. Ensure soil structure allows good air circulation.
Planting Techniques
Place seed potatoes 30cm apart for first earlies, 37cm for second earlies and main crops. Position tubers with most sprouts pointing upward. Cover with 15cm of soil initially, leaving room for earthing up later.
Spacing Guidelines
Space rows 60cm apart for early varieties, 75cm for maincrops. Allow extra space at row ends for easy access. Consider companion planting spaces between rows. Mark row positions clearly for future reference.
Variety | Type | Advantages | Taste & Texture | Best Uses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vivaldi | Second Early | High yield, fewer calories, versatile | Excellent flavour, creamy texture | Boiling, mashing, roasting |
Charlotte | Second Early | High yield (6.5kg), long smooth tubers | Waxy texture, mild flavour | Salads, boiling, summer dishes |
Jazzy | Second Early | Good for container growing, small tubers | Strong sweet flavour, waxy texture | Versatile, grows well in bags |
Red Duke of York | First Early | Attractive red skin, good size | Buttery flavour, fluffy texture | Mashing, roasting |
Pink Fir Apple | Maincrop | Heritage variety, unique appearance | Nutty flavour, waxy texture | Salads, steaming |
Cara | Late Maincrop | Excellent disease resistance, drought tolerant | Good all-round flavour | Baking, chipping |
Maris Piper | Maincrop | Commercial favourite | Traditional potato flavour | Chips, roasting |
King Edward | Maincrop | Traditional variety | Fluffy texture | Sunday roasts, mashing |
Growing in Containers and Towers
Container Selection
Choose containers at least 40cm deep and wide. Ensure adequate drainage holes exist. Large pots, dustbins, or purpose-made potato planters work well. Clean all containers thoroughly before use to prevent disease.
Tower Construction
Build towers using mesh wire or wooden slats. Make structures at least 1m tall and 45cm wide. Line with straw or newspaper for moisture retention. Create access points for harvesting at different levels.
Planting Process
Fill containers with 15cm quality compost mix. Place seed potatoes on growing medium. Add more compost as plants grow upward. Keep adding medium until container reaches full height.
Care and Maintenance
Watering Requirements
Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout growing season. Water deeply during morning hours. Avoid waterlogging soil. Increase watering during tuber formation stage. Reduce watering when foliage begins yellowing.
Feeding Schedule
Apply balanced fertiliser when shoots reach 23cm tall. Feed again during flowering period. Use potash-rich fertiliser for better tuber development. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leaf growth over tubers.
Disease Prevention
Check plants weekly for signs of blight. Remove yellowing leaves promptly. Maintain good air circulation between plants. Apply organic fungicides if necessary during wet periods.
Harvesting and Storage
When to Harvest
First earlies mature 10 weeks after planting. Second earlies need 13 weeks. Maincrops require 20 weeks. Check maturity by lifting one plant as test. Wait for foliage to yellow before harvesting maincrops.
Harvesting Methods
Use garden fork to lift plants gently. Work from end of row backwards. Remove tubers carefully to avoid damage. Shake off excess soil without washing potatoes. Allow brief drying period in open air.
Storage Tips
Store only undamaged tubers. Place in hessian or paper sacks. Keep in cool, dark, frost-free location. Check regularly for sprouting or rotting. Maintain good ventilation around stored crops.
Your Questions Answered
First earlies are planted late March to early April, second earlies in early to mid-April, and maincrops in mid to late April. Planting times may vary slightly depending on your location in the UK, with northern regions typically planting later than southern regions[11].
First earlies are ready in June-July (10-12 weeks after planting), second earlies in July-August (13 weeks), and maincrops from late August through October (15-20 weeks). Look for flowers fading and foliage turning yellow as harvest indicators[12].
While you can plant sprouted potatoes from your cupboard, it's better to use certified seed potatoes to avoid potential disease issues. If you do use sprouted potatoes, grow them in containers rather than the ground to prevent disease spread[17][21].
Cut back potato plants about two weeks before harvest to help toughen the skins for storage. Remove all foliage to within six inches above ground. This signals the potatoes to stop growing and start developing thicker skins[14].