How to Grow Your Own Potatoes

There is nothing more rewarding than the first bite you take out of your own grown potato. Not only is it fun, but it's quick, easy and cheap too.
 

When to plant?

March – May
 

When to harvest?

August – October
 

Where to plant?

Soil beds or in large pots. Potato planter sacks are ideal for growing on the patio.
 

What to do:

Buy your seed potatoes in late January/February. Using egg boxes (or a large bowl), stand them sprouting end up in a light, frost-free place. They are ready to plant when the shoots are about 2.5cm long.

Dig a narrow hole that's roughly 12cm deep and line it with compost. Plant your sprouted potatoes roughly 25cm apart, in rows that are about 60cm apart. This needs to be done in a soil bed or large container, early to mid March, with the sprouts pointing upwards. Make sure that you give your thirsty plants a drink of water. Hand-fill the remaining hole, over each potato with compost, being careful not to damage any sprouts.

When the stems of your potato plants reach roughly 20cm high, you should 'earth up'. To do this, pile a small amount of soil around the base of the plant to encourage growth. Repeat this every few weeks.

Water regularly when the soil is looking or feeling dry.

Potatoes are ready to pick when the leaves begin to turn yellow. Lift them gently with a gardening fork.