Learn · Potatoes
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How to Grow Potatoes in the UK

Potatoes are a UK growing staple — easy to grow, hugely satisfying to harvest, and incredibly versatile. The key decisions are when to chit, when to plant, and which variety to choose.

Sow indoors
—
Sow direct
—
Plant out
March – May
Harvest
June – October
Days to maturity
70–120 days
Position
Full sun
Frost sensitive
Yes
Min soil temp
7°C

Sowing and planting calendar

MethodFromToNotes
Start chittingJanuaryFebruaryPlace seed potatoes in egg boxes, eye end up, in a light frost-free place.
Plant earliesMid MarchAprilUnder fleece if frost risk remains. South England first.
Plant main cropAprilMayWhen soil is above 7°C and frost risk has passed.
Harvest earliesJuneJulyWhen plants flower or tops begin to die back.
Harvest main cropAugustOctoberLeave in ground until tops die back for storage varieties.
Regional variation: In Scotland, delay planting until late April or May. In the south, earlies can go in under fleece from mid-March. Always protect emerging shoots from late frosts.

Growing tips

Chit your seed potatoes
Chitting means allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting. Stand them eye end up in a cool, light, frost-free place from January. This gives a 2–3 week head start.
Earth up as plants grow
Draw soil up around stems as they emerge, covering all but the top few leaves. This prevents tubers going green, extends the cropping area, and protects from late frosts.
Choose the right type
First earlies (e.g. Rocket, Arran Pilot) are ready in 10–12 weeks and escape blight. Main crop (e.g. Desiree, King Edward) yield most heavily but take 15–20 weeks.
Water during tuber formation
Consistent watering when plants are in flower is critical — this is when tubers are swelling. Irregular watering causes hollow heart and scab.

Common problems

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Potato blight
ACT NOW

Dark, water-soaked patches on leaves in warm, humid conditions from July onwards. Spreads rapidly and can destroy a crop in days.

Fix: Remove and destroy affected tops immediately. Harvest tubers if blight is severe. Choose resistant varieties like Sarpo Mira. Monitor blight forecasts from July.
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Slugs

Slugs tunnel into tubers, particularly in heavy, wet soils in late summer.

Fix: Harvest early to avoid peak slug season. Use nematodes in late July. Grow in raised beds with grit around plants.
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Wireworm

Thin tunnels through tubers — larvae of click beetles, most common on newly broken ground.

Fix: Avoid growing potatoes on land recently converted from grass. Harvest as early as possible.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant potatoes in the UK?
First earlies from mid-March, main crop from April to May when soil is above 7°C. Chit seed potatoes from January.
Do I need to chit potatoes?
Not strictly necessary, but chitting gives a 2–3 week head start and stronger plants. Particularly worthwhile for early varieties.
How do I know when potatoes are ready?
Earlies are ready when plants flower. Main crop when tops die back. Test by digging one plant — if skins rub off easily, they need more time.

Related guides

→ How to Plan Crop Rotation on an Allotment→ Vegetable Growing Calendar for UK Growers→ When to Harvest Early Potatoes in the UK

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