When to Harvest Potatoes

Potatoes can be harvested at different times depending on the variety and when they were planted. Knowing when to harvest helps ensure potatoes are the right size and ready to eat.

In the UK, potatoes are usually harvested from early summer through autumn.

Harvest timing depends on whether you are growing early or maincrop potatoes.

Harvesting early potatoes

Early potatoes are usually ready to harvest when plants begin to flower.

This is often around June or July, depending on planting time.

You can gently dig around plants to check potato size before harvesting.

Early potatoes are usually smaller and eaten fresh.

Harvesting maincrop potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are usually harvested later in the season.

Plants often begin to yellow and die back before harvest.

This usually happens between August and October.

Leaving potatoes in the soil a little longer helps skins thicken.

Harvesting carefully

Use a garden fork to lift potatoes gently from the soil.

Dig a short distance away from the plant to avoid damaging potatoes.

Collect all potatoes to prevent them growing again later.

Harvesting container potatoes

Container-grown potatoes can be harvested by tipping out the compost.

This makes it easier to find all the potatoes.

For container advice, see growing potatoes in containers or grow bags.

Harvesting in dry weather

If possible, harvest potatoes in dry conditions.

This helps potatoes store better.

Allowing potatoes to dry briefly before storing can help.

Potato harvest season in the UK

Most potatoes are harvested between summer and early autumn, depending on variety and planting time.

Harvesting at the right time improves storage and flavour.

For planting advice, see when to plant potatoes in the UK

For growing advice, see how to grow potatoes in the UK