Potato Growing Guide
Potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal and a mainstay of many dishes, from bangers and mash to the classic Sunday roast. Whether you love them boiled, baked, roasted or as chips, they are a welcome addition.
Introduction
Potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal, from bangers and mash to the classic Sunday roast. Boiled, baked, roasted, or as chips, they are a welcome crop to grow yourself. Whether you’re starting your first vegetable patch or adding new crops to an established allotment, this guide will help you grow potatoes successfully.
How long do potatoes take to grow?
Growth time depends on the type of potato:
- First earlies – New potatoes for salads, ready in around 10–12 weeks. Varieties include Orla, Rocket, and Red Duke of York.
- Second earlies – Take 14–16 weeks to mature. Varieties include Maris Peer and Charlotte.
- Maincrops – Large potatoes ideal for baking, taking 16–22 weeks. Varieties include King Edward, Desiree, Maris Piper, and Pink Fir Apple.
Choose a type to start with, and later you can experiment with mixed planting. The type affects planting timing, spacing, and harvest.
When to plant your potatoes
- First earlies – late March
- Second earlies – early to mid-April
- Maincrops – mid to late April
Adjust planting based on your UK location: cooler regions may plant later, milder regions earlier.
Growing potatoes: before you plant
Start with virus-free 'seed' potatoes. Before planting, ‘chit’ them by placing in trays with the rose end upwards in a light frost-free space until shoots reach about 1 inch. For earlies, remove smaller shoots and leave four tubers per potato.
Where to plant your potatoes
Plant in rich soil with added compost, in an open sunny location. Early potatoes can grow in large pots or bags, making polytunnels an ideal environment. You can use staging or raised beds to maximise space and organise crops efficiently.
Spacing depends on type:
- First earlies – 30cm apart, 12cm deep, rows 60cm apart
- Second earlies – same as first earlies
- Maincrops – 40cm apart, 12cm deep, rows 75cm apart
Harvest times
- First earlies – June to July
- Second earlies – July to August
- Maincrops – late August to October
After harvest, prepare the soil for the next round of potatoes.
Get in touch
To choose the perfect polytunnel or staging for growing potatoes, browse our online shop. For questions, contact us on 01282 811250 or email info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk.
