How to Grow Potatoes

Overview

Potatoes are one of the world's most popular vegetables and incredibly satisfying to grow at home. They are divided into earlies, second earlies, and maincrop varieties, each with different planting and harvesting times. Even a small garden or large container can produce a worthwhile crop.

Health Benefits

Vitamin C and potassium powerhouse: Potatoes are a surprisingly good source of Vitamin C and potassium, supporting immune function and healthy blood pressure.

Vitamin B6 for brain health: Potatoes are rich in Vitamin B6, which plays a key role in brain development and the production of neurotransmitters.

Resistant starch for gut health: When cooked and cooled, potatoes develop resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. A versatile, filling staple that deserves its place in every garden.

Soil Preparation

Potatoes prefer fertile, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Dig in well-rotted compost or manure in autumn before planting. Avoid liming potato beds as alkaline soil encourages scab. Break up heavy soil thoroughly and ensure good drainage, as waterlogged conditions cause rot.

Sowing & Planting

Begin chitting seed potatoes in late January by placing them in egg boxes in a cool, light spot to develop short green shoots. Plant first earlies from mid-March, second earlies in early April, and maincrops in mid to late April. Plant tubers 12-15cm deep and 30-40cm apart in rows 60-75cm apart. Space maincrops slightly wider.

Care & Maintenance

Earth up the stems by drawing soil around them when shoots reach 15-20cm tall, repeating every few weeks. This prevents tubers from turning green and increases yield. Water regularly during dry spells, especially once the tubers begin to form. A high-potash feed can boost tuber development.

Harvesting

Harvest first earlies from June, about 10 weeks after planting, when the flowers begin to open. Second earlies follow in July, and maincrops from August to September. For maincrop storage, cut the foliage (haulms) and leave tubers in the ground for two weeks to toughen the skins.

Common Problems

Blight is the most serious disease, causing dark blotches on leaves and rotting tubers. Choose blight-resistant varieties and cut down foliage at the first sign of infection.

Scab causes rough, corky patches on tuber skins. Keep soil moist during tuber formation and avoid liming.

Slug damage creates holes in tubers underground. Harvest promptly, especially in wet autumns, and use nematode biological controls.

Companion Planting

Potatoes grow well alongside beans, sweetcorn, and horseradish, which may deter potato beetles. Avoid planting near tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins, as they share susceptibility to blight and other diseases.