Collection: Seed Potatoes

Depending on which type of potato you want to grow, they can be planted between March and May. Generally speaking, first earlies are planted mid-March, second earlies in the first two weeks of April and maincrops in the second half of April.

The best soil for potatoes is well draining, loose and fertile - ideally sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic pH level between 5.5 and 6.0.

Plant your chitted seed potatoes about 10-15cm deep and 30cm apart. If you’re planting rows, these should have about 60cm between them. Plant the seed potatoes with the ‘eyes’ (sprouts) upwards.

Make sure you water your potatoes regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged as this can lead to rot. They may need more frequent watering during hot weather.

For the best results, mix in plenty of well rotted manure or compost when you plant your potatoes, then feed them with a balanced fertiliser once the plants are 15-20cm tall.

New potatoes (first and second earlies) will be ready for harvesting as early as ten weeks after you plant them. Maincrops usually take until late summer or early autumn to be ready.

To harvest earlies, wait until the flower buds drop, then dig them up when they’re about the size of a hen’s egg. For maincrops, wait until the leaves turn yellow, then cut them down. Ten days later your potatoes should be ready. To harvest your potatoes, dig up the whole plant (go carefully - you don’t want to slice through any with the spade) and gently tease the potatoes away from the roots - some will just fall off, so keep a basket or bucket handy!

First and second earlies are best eaten soon after harvesting, but maincrop potatoes can be stored for months in the right conditions. Cure them by leaving them in a cool, dark and airy place for about two weeks, then store them in a cool, dark place with good airflow, such as a utility room or garage, in breathable containers like hessian sacks or paper bags. You’ll find lots more advice in our growers’ guide to potatoes.