When to Plant Potatoes in the UK

Potatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in the UK, but planting at the right time helps plants grow strongly and produce good harvests.

Most potatoes are planted in early to mid-spring, depending on weather conditions and potato variety.

Soil should be workable and not frozen or waterlogged.

Planting early potatoes

Early potatoes are usually planted between March and April.

These grow quickly and are often ready to harvest in early summer.

Planting too early in cold soil can slow growth.

Planting maincrop potatoes

Maincrop potatoes are usually planted slightly later, often in April.

These take longer to grow but produce larger harvests.

Warmer soil helps plants establish quickly.

Weather and soil conditions

Potatoes grow best when soil is:

• workable

• not frozen

• not waterlogged

Waiting for better conditions usually produces stronger plants.

Raised beds often warm up faster in spring.

Growing potatoes in containers

Potatoes can also be grown in containers or grow bags.

These can sometimes be planted slightly earlier because compost warms faster than garden soil.

For container advice, see growing potatoes in containers

Timing the potato season

Planting potatoes at the right time helps avoid frost damage and encourages steady growth.

Most UK gardeners plant potatoes in spring for harvests later in the season.

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