Growing your own potatoes is one of the most satisfying jobs in the vegetable garden. From the first green shoots to tipping out a container full of homegrown treasures, it’s gardening magic at its best.

Whether you’re planting seed potatoes in the ground or growing potatoes in containers, this easy guide will walk you through it step by step.

If you’ve been searching for how to plant seed potatoes, when to plant seed potatoes in the UK, or how to grow potatoes in bags, you’re in the right place.

When to Plant Seed Potatoes in the UK

Timing is everything with potatoes.

• First Early Potatoes: Plant from March to early April
• Second Earlies: Late March to mid-April
• Maincrop Potatoes: April

Seed potatoes should be planted once the soil has started to warm and the risk of severe frost has reduced.

💡 Top Tip: In colder areas, wait until soil temperatures reach around 7°C. If frost is forecast, protect emerging shoots with fleece.

Step 1: Chitting Your Seed Potatoes

Before planting, most gardeners “chit” their seed potatoes.

Chitting simply means allowing them to sprout before planting.

How to chit potatoes:

1. Place seed potatoes in an egg box with the “rose” end (the end with most eyes) facing upwards.

2. Leave them in a cool, bright, frost-free place.

3. Allow sturdy green shoots to develop (around 2–3cm long).

This gives your potatoes a head start and can lead to an earlier, stronger crop.

How to Plant Seed Potatoes in the Ground

Growing potatoes in the ground is perfect if you have a vegetable patch or allotment.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Potatoes love:

• Well-drained soil
• Plenty of organic matter
• A sunny position

Dig in compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Avoid freshly manured soil, as this can cause scab.

Step 3: Planting Depth and Spacing

1. Dig a trench about 10–15cm deep.

2. Space seed potatoes 30cm apart for earlies and 35–40cm apart for maincrop.

3. Leave around 60cm between rows.

4. Cover with soil and gently firm down.

Step 4: Earthing Up

When shoots reach about 20cm tall, mound soil up around the stems. This is called earthing up potatoes.

Why it matters:

• Prevents potatoes turning green
• Protects from frost
• Encourages more tubers to form

Repeat as the plants grow.

How to Grow Potatoes in Containers or Bags

No vegetable patch? No problem. Growing potatoes in containers is ideal for patios, small gardens, or even large balconies.

Take a look at our video to see just how easy it is to plant your potatoes in a container!

 

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Use:

• Potato grow bags
• Large pots (at least 30–40 litres)
• Old compost bags with drainage holes

Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom.

Step 2: Add Compost

1. Fill the container with about 10–15cm of peat-free compost.

2. Place 3–5 seed potatoes on top (depending on container size).

3. Cover with another 10cm of compost.

Step 3: Keep Topping Up

As shoots grow:

• Add more compost gradually
• Continue until the container is nearly full

This mimics earthing up and maximises your crop.

Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Containers dry out much faster than garden soil.

How Long Do Potatoes Take to Grow?

• First Earlies: Ready in around 10–12 weeks
• Second Earlies: Around 13–15 weeks
• Maincrop: 16–20 weeks

For delicious new potatoes, gently dig around the base once plants start flowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Potatoes

🥔 Planting supermarket potatoes instead of certified seed potatoes
🥔 Forgetting to earth up
🥔 Letting containers dry out
🥔 Growing in poorly drained soil

Using certified seed potatoes reduces the risk of disease and gives you stronger, healthier plants.

What Do You Need to Get Started?

To grow your own potatoes successfully, you’ll need:

• Certified seed potatoes
• Peat-free compost
• Potato fertiliser
• Grow bags or large containers
• Garden fleece for frost protection

You can find a wide range of vegetable seeds, seed potatoes, compost and growing supplies in-store at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre.

Why Grow Your Own Potatoes?

Growing potatoes at home is:

• Cost-effective
• Family-friendly
• Perfect for beginners
• Incredibly rewarding

There’s something special about tipping out a bag and discovering a treasure trove of fresh, homegrown potatoes. It’s like a garden-grown lucky dip 🌱✨

If you’re ready to get planting, pop in and see us for advice, seed potatoes, compost and everything you need for a bumper harvest.

 

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