Seed Potatoes

Planting seed potatoes is straightforward and very rewarding. Start by choosing a sunny, open spot with free draining soil. Dig a shallow trench around 10 to 15cm deep and place the seed potatoes along the bottom. Cover them with soil and water well. As the shoots grow, keep earthing up by drawing soil around the stems to protect developing tubers and boost yields.

Seed potatoes are planted with the chits or shoots facing upwards. These are the small buds that sprout from the potato and grow into stems. If there are no visible shoots yet, do not worry. Planting the potato flat still works, as the shoots will naturally find their way up.

In the UK, planting time depends on the type of potato. First earlies usually go in from late March, second earlies from early April, and maincrop potatoes from mid to late April. The key is waiting until the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil has started to warm.

Seed potatoes are specially grown tubers used for planting rather than eating. They are certified disease free, which gives a healthier crop and better harvest. Although they look like ordinary potatoes, using certified seed potatoes reduces the risk of spreading soil borne diseases in the garden.

Chitting encourages seed potatoes to sprout before planting, giving them a head start. Place them in a single layer in a cool, light, frost free place, such as a windowsill or shed. Position them with the end that has the most eyes facing up. After four to six weeks, short, sturdy shoots should form, ready for planting.

Before planting, seed potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, frost free place with good air circulation. Avoid warm rooms, as this encourages weak, leggy shoots. Keep them dry and check occasionally for any signs of rot.

A standard potato grow bag usually takes three to five seed potatoes, depending on the size of the bag. Space them evenly to give each plant room to grow. Overcrowding reduces yields, so fewer plants with more space often give better results.

Potatoes do best away from plants in the same family, such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines, as they share similar pests and diseases. Avoid planting them near cucumbers or pumpkins, which compete heavily for nutrients. Beans, peas and sweetcorn make better neighbours.

First early potatoes are usually ready to harvest in around 10 to 12 weeks. Second earlies take about 13 to 15 weeks, while maincrop potatoes need around 18 to 20 weeks. Harvest timing depends on variety, weather and growing conditions, but regular watering and earthing up help keep growth on track.