Growing your own potatoes is one of the most rewarding jobs in the garden. Early potatoes are particularly popular because they are easy to grow, mature quickly and can be harvested in early summer.
If you’re new to growing vegetables, early potatoes are a great place to start. With the right timing and a few simple steps, you can enjoy your own homegrown crop just a few months after planting.
Here’s how to plant and grow early potatoes successfully.
When to Plant Early Potatoes in the UK
In most parts of the UK, early potatoes are planted between March and early April. In Lancashire and across the North West, the best time to plant early potatoes is usually March, once the worst winter frosts have passed and the soil begins to warm up.
The unpredictable spring weather we often get locally - sunshine one day, rain the next, then a cold snap - is normal. Early potatoes are fairly hardy, but it’s still worth protecting young shoots if frost is forecast. Garden fleece or earthing up the soil around new growth can help protect plants from cold temperatures.
What Are Seed Potatoes?
Potatoes are not grown from seeds like most vegetables. Instead, they are grown from seed potatoes, which are small potatoes specifically produced for planting.
Seed potatoes are certified to be disease-free and are grown under controlled conditions. This helps reduce the risk of introducing diseases into your soil.
Each seed potato produces a plant that can grow multiple new potatoes underground.
Popular early potato varieties include:
Maris Bard
Red Duke of York
Rocket
These varieties grow quickly and are ideal for harvesting as tender “new potatoes” in early summer.
Chitting Potatoes Before Planting
Many gardeners choose to chit their seed potatoes before planting. Chitting simply means allowing the potatoes to sprout before they go into the ground.
To chit potatoes:
Place seed potatoes in a tray or egg box
Keep them somewhere cool and bright
Allow short green shoots to develop
This can help the plants establish faster once planted, although potatoes will still grow successfully if planted without chitting.
How to Plant Early Potatoes
Planting early potatoes is straightforward once the soil is ready.
Step 1: Prepare the soil - Potatoes grow best in loose, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Dig the soil over and remove large stones.
Step 2: Dig a trench - Create a shallow trench about 10-15cm deep.
Step 3: Plant the seed potatoes - Place seed potatoes in the trench with the shoots facing upwards.
Step 4: Spacing - Correct spacing helps plants grow well and produce a better crop. 30cm between each potato and 60cm between rows.
Step 5: Cover with soil - Cover the potatoes with soil and water lightly if the ground is dry.
What Does Earthing Up Mean?
As potato plants grow, you will need to earth them up. Earthing up means drawing soil up around the base of the plant as it grows.
This helps by:
Protecting shoots from frost
Encouraging more potatoes to form underground
Preventing potatoes from turning green in sunlight
Most gardeners earth up potatoes two or three times during the growing season.
How to Protect Potato Plants from Frost
Early potato shoots can sometimes appear before the risk of frost has completely passed.
If frost is forecast:
Cover plants with garden fleece
Or earth up soil around the stems
Even if frost damages the first shoots, potato plants usually recover and continue growing.
When to Harvest Early Potatoes
Early potatoes are usually ready to harvest around 10–12 weeks after planting. This typically means harvesting from June onwards, depending on planting time and weather conditions. You can check if potatoes are ready by carefully digging around the plant to see how large the tubers are. Early potatoes are best enjoyed fresh and are perfect for boiling, salads and summer meals.
Growing Potatoes in Containers
If you don’t have much garden space, potatoes can also be grown successfully in:
Large containers
Potato grow bags
Raised beds
Use good quality compost and ensure the container has drainage holes. Container growing works particularly well for early varieties.
Early Potato Varieties Available at Old Oak Farm Nurseries
At Old Oak Farm Nurseries we stock a range of Grow At Home seed potatoes, including popular early varieties such as:
Maris Bard
Red Duke of York
Rocket
Our team can also help you choose the best variety for your garden and growing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Potatoes
How far apart should potatoes be planted?
Plant seed potatoes around 30cm apart, with about 60cm between rows.
Do potatoes need full sun?
Yes. Potatoes grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
What happens if potato plants get frost?
Light frost damage usually isn’t fatal. Potato plants often regrow from the base if early shoots are damaged.
How many potatoes does one plant produce?
One seed potato plant can produce around 8–12 potatoes, depending on growing conditions.
Get Started with Growing Your Own Potatoes
Growing early potatoes is a simple and satisfying way to start growing your own food.
With the right timing, a sunny spot and a little patience, you can enjoy a fresh harvest of new potatoes in early summer.
If you’re planning to plant potatoes this season, visit Old Oak Farm Nurseries to explore our range of seed potatoes and get local gardening advice.
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