Introduction
If you’re wondering how to grow potatoes in the UK, the good news is this: it’s far easier than most people think. In fact, growing potatoes UK‑wide — whether in a garden, allotment, or small backyard — remains one of the most reliable ways to produce your own food at home.
Whether you’ve got a full allotment, a tidy raised bed, or just a couple of large containers tucked into a corner, you can successfully grow potatoes in containers, boxes, or open ground. Potatoes are dependable, high‑yielding, and surprisingly low effort when you follow a simple system.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to grow potatoes in the UK using a straightforward no dig potatoes method that works beautifully in:
- Containers
- Wooden boxes
- Raised beds
- Small garden spaces
Instead of repeatedly earthing up rows, we grow potatoes under a thick layer of mulch. As a result, planting potatoes in the UK becomes simpler, harvesting stays cleaner, and your soil structure gradually improves over time.
Just as importantly, this guide answers the practical questions people actually search for, including:
- When to plant potatoes in the UK
- How deep to plant potatoes
- How long potatoes take to grow
- How many potatoes per plant you can expect
- Whether you can grow potatoes from supermarket potatoes
- What counts as the best soil for potatoes
What You’ll Learn
In this step‑by‑step guide to growing potatoes in the UK, you’ll discover:
- When to plant potatoes in the UK for early, second early, and maincrop varieties
- How deep to plant potatoes using both traditional and no dig methods
- How long potatoes take to grow from planting to harvest
- How to avoid common problems like slugs, waterlogged soil, and poor light
- When and how to harvest potatoes in the UK for the best flavour and storage life
Whether you’re planting early new potatoes for summer salads or maincrop varieties for winter storage, this method keeps things straightforward from start to finish.
If you’re just getting started with growing your own vegetables, potatoes are a brilliant confidence builder. They’re forgiving, productive, and — most importantly — this approach removes much of the digging, guesswork, and heavy lifting that can put beginners off while still delivering a solid harvest.
Why Grow Potatoes Using the No Dig Method?
Growing no dig potatoes in the UK is one of the simplest ways to get a reliable harvest without constantly turning or piling up soil. Instead of repeatedly earthing up around the stems, you add steady layers of organic mulch. As a result, the developing tubers stay protected from light while the soil underneath improves naturally.
In the UK climate, this approach makes even more sense. Heavy rain can quickly compact exposed soil, and traditional digging often turns into a muddy workout. However, with the no dig method, you avoid most of that effort and still grow strong, healthy plants with minimal disturbance.
Because this system works just as well in open ground as it does in containers, it’s ideal if you want to grow potatoes in containers, raised beds, or smaller garden spaces.
The Benefits of Growing Potatoes Without Digging
1. Less Physical Effort
First of all, there’s far less heavy work involved. Once you’ve planted your seed potatoes, you simply top up the mulch as the stems grow. In other words, you guide the plant instead of battling compacted soil.
2. Healthier Soil Over Time
Because you don’t disturb the ground, beneficial soil organisms remain active. Meanwhile, the mulch slowly breaks down and feeds the soil from the top down. Over time, this improves structure, drainage, and moisture retention — all essential when growing potatoes UK-wide in variable weather.
3. Cleaner, Easier Harvests
When harvest time arrives, you lift back the mulch and pull the plant gently from underneath. Consequently, you reduce the risk of spearing or slicing tubers, which often happens when digging with a fork.
4. Ideal for Containers and Raised Beds
If you’re learning how to grow potatoes in containers, wooden boxes, grow bags, or raised beds, this method works beautifully. In fact, it’s particularly useful where soil depth is limited or drainage needs careful control.
Are There Any Downsides?
Of course, no method is perfect, so it’s worth understanding the trade-offs before you start.
- Potatoes can be more exposed to slugs if mulch stays consistently damp
- Yields may be slightly lower compared to perfectly earthed traditional rows
- Wildlife can occasionally disturb loosely mulched beds
However, for most home growers, the simplicity and reduced effort outweigh these drawbacks. With good spacing, proper mulch management, and attention to light and moisture, you can still achieve strong yields.
Overall, if you’re looking for a practical, beginner-friendly way to grow potatoes in the UK, the no dig approach keeps things straightforward while still delivering reliable results season after season.
Step-by-Step – How We Grow Potatoes at The Backyard Farm
If you’re learning how to grow potatoes in the UK, this is the exact no dig potatoes method we use here each season. It works just as well in raised beds as it does in wooden boxes or large containers. More importantly, it keeps the whole process of planting potatoes in the UK simple and manageable from start to harvest.
Because this approach relies on mulch rather than heavy digging, it suits both allotments and smaller back gardens. So whether you’re growing in open ground or trying to grow potatoes in containers, the steps stay largely the same.
1. Choose Your Container or Growing Area
First, decide where you’re going to grow.
You can grow potatoes in:
- Raised beds
- Wooden planter boxes
- Large containers
- Potato grow bags
If you’re growing potatoes in containers, choose one at least 30–40cm deep and make sure it drains properly. Potatoes don’t tolerate waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential — especially with unpredictable UK weather.
At the same time, allow around 25–30cm between each seed potato. This spacing gives the developing tubers enough room and helps maximise how many potatoes per plant you harvest.
2. Add Your Base Layer (Soil & Compost)
Next, fill your container or bed roughly one quarter full with a fertile, free-draining mix of soil and compost.
The best soil for potatoes should be:
- Loose and well-draining
- Rich in organic matter
- Not freshly manured
Fresh manure encourages leafy growth at the expense of tubers. Instead, use well-rotted compost so the plant establishes strong roots before the mulch system takes over. Good soil preparation at this stage makes a noticeable difference when growing potatoes UK-wide, particularly in heavier clay soils.
3. Plant Your Seed Potatoes
Now place your chitted seed potatoes on the soil surface with the sprouts (eyes) facing upwards.
How deep should potatoes be planted?
With the no dig method, press them lightly into the soil so they sit partly embedded. You don’t need to bury them deeply because the mulch layer replaces traditional earthing up. In contrast, traditional methods usually plant potatoes 10–15cm deep before earthing up later.
Spacing Guide
- 25–30cm apart in beds
- 2–3 potatoes per large grow bag
Although you can grow potatoes from supermarket potatoes, it’s usually better to choose certified seed potatoes. They reduce disease risk and improve reliability, especially when growing potatoes in the UK year after year.
4. Cover with Mulch
Once planted, cover the potatoes with a thick layer (10–15cm) of:
- Straw
- Hay
- Dry leaves
- Grass clippings (allow them to dry slightly first)
This mulch forms the foundation of the no dig potatoes method. It protects developing tubers from light, suppresses weeds, and helps retain moisture. As a result, the soil underneath stays more stable and less compacted.
As soon as shoots grow 5–10cm above the mulch, add another layer. In this way, you keep the lower stems covered and prevent potatoes from turning green.
5. Watering & Ongoing Care
Finally, keep the growing area consistently moist but never saturated.
Potatoes grow best with:
- Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Even moisture
- Good airflow around the foliage
During dry UK spells, check containers every 1–2 days because they dry out much faster than open beds. Meanwhile, continue topping up the mulch as the stems grow so the base of the plant remains covered.
Overall, this system keeps growing potatoes in the UK straightforward. You plant once, top up mulch as needed, and later harvest by lifting the mulch rather than digging through heavy soil. As a result, you protect both your back and your crop.
When to Plant Potatoes in the UK
Knowing when to plant potatoes in the UK is one of the biggest factors in getting a strong, reliable crop. If you plant too early into cold, waterlogged soil, growth slows and seed potatoes can rot. However, if you wait for workable ground and milder temperatures, your plants establish quickly and grow evenly from the start.
So, when should you plant potatoes in the UK?
In most regions, the main window for planting potatoes UK-wide runs from mid‑March through April, depending on the variety. Ideally, the soil should be workable, free-draining, and sitting consistently above 7°C. If the ground feels cold and sticky, it’s usually better to wait.
Because different varieties mature at different speeds, your planting time links directly to harvest timing. Therefore, choosing the right category helps you plan your growing season more effectively.
The 3 Main Potato Categories
When growing potatoes in the UK, varieties fall into three main groups based on how long they take to mature. As a result, the category determines both when to plant potatoes and when to harvest them.
| Category | When to Plant (UK) | Harvest Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlies | Mid–Late March | June–July (70–80 days) | New potatoes, summer salads |
| Second Earlies | Late March–Early April | July–August (90–110 days) | General kitchen use |
| Maincrop | April | September–October (120+ days) | Storage & winter use |
As a general rule, plant earlies first, followed by second earlies, and then maincrop potatoes.
Early Potatoes (Earlies)
Plant early potatoes from mid‑March onwards, once the worst frost risk has passed. Because they mature quickly, they usually produce tender “new” potatoes within 10–12 weeks.
If your goal is fresh summer salads, earlies are the obvious choice. Additionally, they suit smaller spaces and container growing particularly well.
Second Earlies
Plant second earlies shortly after, typically from late March to early April. They take slightly longer than first earlies; however, they often produce larger crops.
For many home growers, they strike a practical balance between early harvest and dependable yield.
Maincrop Potatoes
Plant maincrop potatoes in April, once the soil has warmed further. Although they take the longest to grow, they reward you with heavier harvests and thicker skins, which improve storage life.
Therefore, if you want potatoes for autumn and winter storage, choose a reliable maincrop variety and give it the full season.
What If It’s Still Cold?
If your soil feels heavy, sticky, or slow to warm up, it’s usually better to delay planting rather than rush. Cold, saturated soil can cause seed potatoes to rot before they establish.
In the meantime, you can move things forward by chitting potatoes indoors 3–4 weeks before planting. That way, once conditions improve, your seed potatoes are ready to grow quickly — which helps shorten the overall growing time and improves early establishment.
Ultimately, planting potatoes at the right time makes every other step easier, from healthy growth to strong harvests later in the season.
How Long Do Potatoes Take to Grow?
One of the most common questions when learning how to grow potatoes in the UK is simple: how long do potatoes take to grow?
In the UK climate, most varieties take between 70 and 130 days from planting to harvest. However, the exact potato growing time depends on the variety you choose, when you start planting potatoes in the UK, and how favourable your soil and weather conditions are.
Because different types mature at different speeds, understanding growing times helps you plan harvest dates, storage, and succession planting more effectively.
Quick Answer by Type
If you want a fast overview of how long potatoes take to grow in the UK, use this simple guide:
- Earlies: 70–80 days (around 10–12 weeks)
- Second Earlies: 90–110 days
- Maincrop: 120+ days
So, if you plant early potatoes in mid‑March, you’ll often harvest by June. Meanwhile, maincrop potatoes planted in April are usually ready by September or October. Therefore, the category you select directly affects both your harvest timing and how well your crop stores over winter.
What Affects Potato Growing Time?
Although the variety sets the general timeline, several practical factors influence how quickly potatoes grow in the UK.
Soil Temperature
Cold soil slows early growth significantly. If you plant seed potatoes into chilly, saturated ground, they sit still. However, once soil temperatures stay above 7°C, plants establish faster and push on confidently. As a result, tuber development begins earlier.
Sunlight
Potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. If light levels drop, growth slows and overall yield falls. Therefore, always choose the sunniest spot available when growing potatoes in the UK.
Moisture Levels
Inconsistent watering stresses the plant and can delay tuber formation. Instead, keep the soil evenly moist — particularly during flowering, when tubers swell rapidly. At the same time, avoid waterlogging, which can slow growth or cause rot.
Variety Choice
Some early varieties naturally mature quickly, whereas maincrop potatoes take longer but typically deliver heavier yields. Consequently, selecting the right type from the start helps you manage expectations and plan succession planting more effectively.
When Are Potatoes Ready to Harvest?
If you’re unsure when to harvest potatoes, start by checking the foliage.
For early potatoes, you can usually begin harvesting once the plants start to flower. At that stage, the tubers are forming well and work perfectly as tender new potatoes.
In contrast, maincrop potatoes benefit from patience. Wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back naturally. As a result, the skins thicken, which improves storage life and reduces damage during lifting.
If you’re still unsure, gently lift one plant before harvesting the entire crop. That simple check helps you avoid lifting potatoes too early and gives you a clearer idea of overall yield.
Overall, understanding how long potatoes take to grow in the UK makes planning far easier — especially if you’re staggering crops, succession planting, or organising everything inside an allotment planner.
Chitting Potatoes (What It Means & Why It Helps)
If you’re learning how to grow potatoes in the UK, you’ll quickly come across the term chitting potatoes. If you’ve ever left a potato in a cool, bright spot and noticed small shoots forming, then you’ve already seen chitting in action.
Put simply, chitting means allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting. In the UK climate, this gives them a valuable head start while the soil is still slowly warming up in late winter and early spring. As a result, plants establish faster once you begin planting potatoes in the UK.
What Is Chitting?
Chitting encourages short, sturdy shoots to develop from the “eyes” of a seed potato before it goes into the ground.
Instead of planting a dormant seed potato into cold soil and hoping for the best, you plant one that’s already active and ready to grow. Consequently, when you’re growing potatoes in the UK, you often see:
- Faster establishment
- More even early growth
- Slightly earlier harvests (particularly with early potatoes)
In our often unpredictable spring weather, that early momentum can make a noticeable difference.
How to Chit Potatoes
If you’re wondering how to chit potatoes, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require special equipment.
- Place your seed potatoes in an egg box or shallow tray.
- Turn them so the end with the most “eyes” faces upwards.
- Keep them somewhere cool, bright, and frost-free.
- Leave them there for 2–4 weeks before planting.
During that time, short shoots will form. Ideally, you want thick green or purple shoots rather than long, pale, leggy ones. If they stretch excessively, they’ve likely been kept somewhere too warm or too dark.
When to Start Chitting Potatoes in the UK
Timing matters, especially if you’re planning when to plant potatoes in the UK.
As a general rule, start chitting around 3–4 weeks before your intended outdoor planting date.
- Earlies: Begin in February
- Second earlies: Late February to early March
- Maincrop: March
This schedule lines up with the usual window for planting potatoes UK-wide, which typically runs from mid‑March through April. Therefore, once outdoor conditions improve, your seed potatoes are ready to establish quickly rather than sitting idle in cold soil.
Do You Have to Chit Potatoes?
Strictly speaking, no — potatoes will still grow without chitting.
However, because UK springs can be cold and uneven, chitting gives you more control over early growth. In many cases, it improves reliability and can slightly shorten how long potatoes take to grow, particularly with early varieties.
So while it isn’t essential, chitting remains a simple, low-effort step that supports stronger results when you’re working out how to grow potatoes in the UK.
Common Potato Growing Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Even when you understand how to grow potatoes in the UK, things don’t always go perfectly. Now and then, plants stall, leaves look pale, or yields fall short of what you expected. However, in most cases, the issue links back to a handful of common — and fixable — problems.
If you’re growing potatoes in the UK, especially in containers or using the no dig potatoes method, here’s what to watch for.
Why Are My Potatoes Not Growing?
If your potato plants seem slow, small, or weak, work through these checks first.
1. Cold Soil
If you start planting potatoes in the UK too early, cold and wet ground slows everything down. Seed potatoes can sit inactive for weeks and, in some cases, may rot.
Instead, wait until soil temperatures stay consistently above 7°C and the ground feels workable rather than sticky.
2. Waterlogged Conditions
Potatoes dislike saturated soil. Poor drainage can cause seed potatoes to rot before they establish properly. Therefore, always use free-draining soil — particularly if you’re trying to grow potatoes in containers or grow bags, where excess water has nowhere to escape.
3. Poor Light
Potatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you grow them in shade, plants stretch, weaken, and produce fewer tubers. As a result, how many potatoes per plant you harvest drops noticeably.
4. Low Nutrients
If plants look pale or stunted, your soil may lack nutrients. The best soil for potatoes is rich in organic matter but not freshly manured.
Add compost before planting and avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage leafy growth instead of strong tuber formation.
Slugs and Pests
Because the no dig potatoes method relies on mulch, it can sometimes attract slugs — especially during damp UK weather.
However, you can reduce damage by:
- Avoiding overly thick, constantly wet mulch
- Encouraging natural predators like birds and hedgehogs
- Checking plants regularly during wet spells
In most cases, minor slug damage affects the leaves more than the tubers themselves. So while it looks untidy, it doesn’t always ruin your harvest.
Potatoes Turning Green
If developing potatoes become exposed to sunlight, they can turn green. This usually happens when soil or mulch doesn’t fully cover the tubers — something to watch for when growing potatoes in containers or shallow beds.
Green potatoes contain solanine and shouldn’t be eaten. Therefore, keep stems well covered and continue topping up mulch as the plants grow.
Leggy Growth with Few Tubers
Sometimes plants grow tall and leafy but produce very few potatoes. In most situations, this comes down to:
- Too much nitrogen
- Insufficient sunlight
- Overcrowding
Space seed potatoes around 25–30cm apart so they have room to develop properly. Otherwise, overcrowding reduces tuber size and overall yield.
Can You Grow Potatoes from Supermarket Potatoes?
Technically, yes — but it’s rarely the best approach when you’re serious about growing potatoes in the UK.
Supermarket potatoes can carry disease and are often treated to suppress sprouting. As a result, they’re less reliable. Certified seed potatoes, on the other hand, are selected specifically for planting. Consequently, they reduce disease risk and improve consistency year after year.
Overall, if you identify problems early and adjust conditions quickly, you can correct most potato-growing issues before they significantly affect your harvest.
When & How to Harvest Potatoes
If you’re learning how to grow potatoes in the UK, understanding when and how to harvest is just as important as planting. Fortunately, harvesting is where the no dig potatoes method really proves its worth. Instead of digging through heavy soil and risking damaged tubers, you lift back the mulch and gather your crop by hand.
However, timing makes all the difference.
When Are Potatoes Ready to Harvest?
Knowing when to harvest potatoes in the UK depends on the type you planted.
Early potatoes are usually ready once the plants begin to flower. At that stage, the tubers are small, tender, and ideal as fresh new potatoes.
Second earlies can be lifted once flowering finishes and the plants look strong and well established, typically by mid to late summer.
Maincrop potatoes, on the other hand, benefit from patience. Leave them in the ground until the foliage turns yellow and begins to die back naturally. As a result, the skins thicken, which improves storage life and reduces damage during lifting.
If you’re ever unsure, gently check one plant before harvesting the entire crop. That quick test helps you avoid lifting potatoes too early and gives you a clearer idea of overall yield.
How to Harvest Potatoes Using the No Dig Method
When growing potatoes in the UK using a no dig approach, harvesting stays straightforward.
Step-by-Step
- Pull back the top layer of mulch.
- Loosen gently around the base of the plant.
- Lift from underneath and gather the potatoes by hand.
Because you’re not using a fork, you greatly reduce the risk of spearing or slicing tubers. Consequently, more of your crop stays intact.
If you’re trying to grow potatoes in containers or grow bags, tip the contents onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow and sort through everything by hand. Not only is it effective, but it’s also far less messy than traditional digging.
Harvesting for Storage
If you plan to store maincrop potatoes over winter, take a little extra care. Proper handling at this stage protects your hard-earned crop.
- Harvest on a dry day
- Let potatoes dry briefly on the soil surface
- Store only undamaged tubers
- Keep them in a cool, dark, frost-free place
Importantly, don’t wash potatoes before storing them. Excess moisture encourages rot, whereas dry skins improve long-term storage — particularly for maincrop varieties grown for winter use.
Can You Harvest Potatoes Early?
Yes — and this is one of the advantages of the no dig potatoes method.
If you want early “new potatoes,” simply reach into the mulch and remove a few small tubers while leaving the plant in place. Meanwhile, the rest of the crop continues developing underground.
This staggered harvesting approach extends your harvest window and allows you to enjoy fresh potatoes over a longer period.
Overall, when you understand how and when to harvest potatoes in the UK, you protect both flavour and yield. With good timing and gentle handling, harvesting becomes one of the most satisfying stages of growing potatoes.
Recommended Potato Varieties (UK)
Choosing the right variety plays a big role in flavour, yield, and overall success when learning how to grow potatoes in the UK. Because potatoes fall into three main groups — earlies, second earlies, and maincrop — your decision affects both harvest timing and storage potential.
Therefore, think about what you actually want from your crop. Are you aiming for quick summer salads, or do you want dependable winter storage? Below are proven varieties that perform consistently well when growing potatoes in the UK.
Best Early Potatoes (For New Potatoes)
If you want to harvest quickly after planting potatoes in the UK, early varieties are the best place to start.
Charlotte
- Second early variety
- Excellent flavour
- Waxy texture, ideal for salads
- Particularly reliable if you grow potatoes in containers
Rocket
- One of the earliest potato varieties available
- Quick harvest (around 70 days)
- Ideal if you want fast results
As a result, both varieties allow you to enjoy fresh new potatoes by early summer with minimal waiting.
Best Maincrop Potatoes (For Storage)
If you’d rather focus on winter storage, choose a dependable maincrop variety.
King Edward
- Classic UK favourite
- Excellent for roasting and baking
- Stores well through winter
Maris Piper
- High yielding
- Versatile in the kitchen
- One of the best potatoes to grow in the UK for reliable results
Although maincrop potatoes take longer to mature, they reward you with heavier harvests and thicker skins. Consequently, they store far better and last well into winter.
Best Potatoes for Containers & Grow Bags
If you’re looking to grow potatoes in containers or grow bags, stick with compact or earlier varieties. They establish quickly and suit shallower growing spaces.
- Charlotte
- Rocket
- Pentland Javelin
At the same time, limit each large grow bag to 2–3 seed potatoes. Otherwise, overcrowding reduces tuber size and affects how many potatoes per plant you harvest.
High-Yield Varieties for Heavier Crops
If maximum output is your priority, choose varieties known for strong yields when growing potatoes UK-wide.
- Maris Piper
- Desiree
- Cara
Given the right conditions — including the best soil for potatoes and consistent watering — these varieties tend to produce larger crops, particularly in open ground.
How to Choose the Right Variety
Before ordering seed potatoes, ask yourself a few practical questions:
- Do I want early summer salads or reliable winter storage?
- Am I growing in containers, raised beds, or open ground?
- Do I prefer waxy potatoes for boiling or fluffy varieties for roasting and baking?
Ultimately, matching the variety to your space, soil, and cooking style makes the biggest difference. Choose well, and the rest of the growing process becomes far easier.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
One of the reasons potatoes are so popular is simple: you don’t need specialist kit to succeed. In fact, if you’re learning how to grow potatoes in the UK, a few basic materials are more than enough. Whether you’re growing in open ground or planning to grow potatoes in containers, the essentials stay largely the same.
Essential Items
1. Seed Potatoes (Certified)
First and foremost, choose certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. This reduces the risk of introducing disease into your soil and, as a result, improves consistency when growing potatoes in the UK year after year.
While you can grow potatoes from supermarket potatoes, certified seed gives you stronger, more reliable plants.
2. Containers, Raised Beds, or Grow Bags
You can grow potatoes in:
- Wooden planter boxes
- Raised beds
- Large containers (at least 30–40cm deep)
- Potato grow bags
If you plan to grow potatoes in containers, make sure they drain well. Otherwise, waterlogged soil slows growth and can cause seed potatoes to rot.
3. Quality Compost or Soil Mix
Next, focus on the best soil for potatoes. Use a loose, free-draining compost that’s rich in organic matter.
Avoid freshly manured soil because it encourages excessive leafy growth at the expense of tubers. Instead, use well-rotted compost to support steady root development and stronger tuber formation.
4. Mulch Material (For No Dig Potatoes)
If you’re following the no dig potatoes method, you’ll need a generous layer of mulch, such as:
- Straw
- Hay
- Dry leaves
- Dried grass clippings
Mulch replaces traditional earthing up. At the same time, it protects developing potatoes from light, suppresses weeds, and helps retain moisture — all of which support healthier plants.
Useful (But Optional) Extras
Although not essential, a few simple extras make the process smoother — especially when you’re working out how to grow potatoes in the UK for the first time.
- Egg boxes or trays – useful for chitting potatoes before planting
- Watering can or hose with a fine rose – helps you maintain even moisture levels
- Garden tarp or wheelbarrow – makes harvesting from containers far easier and cleaner
How Many Seed Potatoes Do You Need?
How many seed potatoes you plant directly affects how many potatoes per plant you harvest.
As a rough guide:
- 2–3 seed potatoes per large grow bag
- 3–4 per square metre in beds
If you’re new to growing potatoes in the UK, start small. Even a single container can produce a surprisingly satisfying crop. Then, once you’ve seen how straightforward it is, you can scale up confidently the following season.
Overall, with these simple tools and materials, you can grow potatoes in the UK successfully — without heavy digging or specialist equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most common questions people ask when learning how to grow potatoes in the UK. If you’re unsure about something while growing potatoes UK‑wide — whether in beds or containers — chances are it’s covered here.
Yes, you can grow potatoes from supermarket potatoes. However, it’s not usually the best idea if you’re serious about growing potatoes in the UK.
Supermarket potatoes may carry disease and are often treated to suppress sprouting. As a result, they’re less reliable when planted. Certified seed potatoes, on the other hand, are specifically produced for planting and are better suited to UK growing conditions. Therefore, they give you stronger plants and more consistent harvests.
On average, one seed potato produces between 5 and 15 potatoes, depending on the variety, soil quality, and growing conditions.
Generally, early varieties produce fewer, smaller tubers, whereas maincrop types tend to deliver heavier yields. Consequently, spacing, sunlight, and using the best soil for potatoes all influence how many potatoes per plant you harvest.
If you’re following traditional planting methods, you usually bury potatoes around 10–15cm deep and then earth them up as they grow.
However, if you’re using the no dig potatoes method, you place them on a shallow soil base and cover them with 10–15cm of mulch instead. As the stems develop, you simply top up the mulch. In this way, you protect developing tubers without heavy digging.
Yes — potatoes grow best in full sun. Ideally, give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Otherwise, plants become weaker and overall yield drops.
If you’re trying to grow potatoes in containers, position them in the sunniest spot available to maximise tuber development.
Absolutely. In fact, many gardeners prefer to grow potatoes in containers or grow bags because they offer good drainage and easy harvesting.
Choose a bag at least 30–40cm deep, make sure it drains properly, and limit planting to 2–3 seed potatoes per large bag. That way, you avoid overcrowding and improve how many potatoes per plant you produce.
As the foliage begins to yellow and die back — especially with maincrop potatoes — gradually reduce watering. Too much moisture late in the season can affect storage quality and encourage rot. Therefore, easing off watering at the right time improves keeping ability and helps you store potatoes successfully over winter.
Overall, these answers support anyone learning how to grow potatoes in the UK, whether you’re planting in open ground, raised beds, or containers.
