Potatoes (Early) Growing Guide

Solanum tuberosum

Crop Rotation Group

Solanaceae (Potato and tomato family) ●

Soil

Rich, deep soil with plenty of compost dug in is best but will grow in most positions.

Position

Usually full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Not usually required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 40cm (1' 3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 35cm (1' 1") with 50cm (1' 7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Grow from seed potatoes. Chit them by leaving on cardboard or eggboxes in a light position until they have produced short green sprouts. Plant out in early to mid spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

As shoots appear, draw soil over them if there is still a possibility of frost. Once the shoots are hand height, earth them up by drawing more soil around them leaving the top of the shoots still showing to keep the actual potatoes covered. If any potatoes get exposed to light and turn green they should not be eaten. Make sure potatoes are kept watered in dry weather.

Harvesting

The earliest potatoes can be harvested when the plants begin to flower. Once the foliage has wilted harvest the main crop within a couple of weeks, digging in from the side to avoid damaging the tubers.