How to Grow Potatoes in the UK
Potatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow in the UK. They grow well in the climate, don’t require perfect soil, and can produce a generous harvest even in small spaces.
They’re also a great crop for beginners because they need simple care and give clear signs as they grow.
With a little preparation in spring, you can harvest home-grown potatoes in summer.
When to plant potatoes
Potatoes are usually planted between March and April in most parts of the UK.
Planting time depends on soil temperature and frost risk. If the soil is very cold or waterlogged, it’s better to wait a little longer.
Seed potatoes are often “chitted” (allowed to sprout) indoors for a few weeks before planting, which helps them grow more quickly once in the ground.
Where to grow potatoes
Potatoes grow best in:
garden beds
raised beds
large containers
grow bags
They prefer a sunny position with soil that drains well.
Containers and grow bags are especially good for beginners because they make harvesting easier.
Soil requirements
Potatoes grow best in loose soil with plenty of compost.
Before planting, mix compost into the soil to improve structure and nutrients.
Heavy soil can still work, but adding organic matter helps roots develop more easily.
How to plant potatoes
Planting potatoes is simple:
Dig a shallow trench about 10–15 cm deep
Place seed potatoes with shoots facing upward
Space them about 30 cm apart
Cover with soil
When shoots appear and grow to around 20 cm tall, gently mound soil around the stems. This is called earthing up and helps protect developing potatoes from light.
Watering potatoes
Potatoes need regular watering, especially once plants begin flowering.
Keep soil:
moist
not waterlogged
Containers may need watering more often than garden beds.
Consistent watering helps potatoes develop evenly.
Common problems
Potatoes are generally easy to grow, but beginners sometimes notice:
small potatoes from dry soil
green potatoes from exposure to sunlight
damaged leaves from slugs
Earthing up soil around stems helps prevent green potatoes.
Harvesting potatoes
Harvest time depends on the type of potato.
Early potatoes can often be harvested about 10–12 weeks after planting.
Maincrop potatoes are usually ready later in summer.
When plant leaves begin to yellow and die back, potatoes are usually ready to harvest.
Dig carefully to avoid damaging them.
Beginner tips
Potatoes are one of the most forgiving vegetables you can grow.
For best results:
start with certified seed potatoes
plant in sunny soil
keep watering consistent
earth up stems as they grow
Even a small growing space can produce a good harvest.