When to Plant Potatoes in Pots UK

Planting potatoes in pots is a great way to grow your own potatoes, even if you don’t have a garden. However, it’s important to choose the right time to plant your potatoes to ensure they grow properly. Here we’ll discuss the best time to plant potatoes in pots in the UK.

Choosing Your Potatoes

The first step to planting potatoes in pots is to choose your potatoes. You can either buy “seed” potatoes from a garden centre or use a few potatoes that have sprouted at home. If you choose to use potatoes from the supermarket, make sure that they have started to sprout before planting them.

Choosing Your Pots

Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to choose your pots. Make sure that the pot is at least 40cm deep and wide enough to accommodate three to four potato plants. Additionally, make sure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Preparing Your Potatoes

Before planting your potatoes, you’ll need to prepare them. First, cut your seed potatoes into small pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one “eye” or sprout. Let the pieces dry in a warm, dry place for a few days before planting.

Planting Your Potatoes

The best time to plant potatoes in pots in the UK is between late February and April. Plant your potatoes about 10cm deep in good quality compost, making sure that each sprout is facing upwards. Water the pots well and place them in a sunny, sheltered spot. As the plants grow, add more compost to the pots to prevent the potatoes from turning green.

Caring for Your Potatoes

It’s important to care for your potatoes properly to ensure they grow well. Water the potatoes regularly, but be careful not to overwater them as this can lead to rot. Additionally, feed the plants with a high-potassium fertiliser every two weeks from when the flowers appear.

Harvesting Your Potatoes

You can begin harvesting your potatoes when the plants start to die back. Carefully remove the soil from the pot and pick out the potatoes. Be careful not to damage the potatoes when digging them up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting potatoes in pots in the UK is a great way to grow your own potatoes. The best time to plant potatoes in pots is between late February and April. Make sure to choose the right potatoes, pots, and care for your plants properly to ensure a successful harvest.