Imagine pulling up your very own potatoes, fresh from the earth, right in your backyard! Growing potatoes at home can be a fun, fulfilling, and, yes, even a therapeutic exercise. And the best part? You don’t need a sprawling garden to do it. Whether you have a garden, a patio, or just a sunny corner in your flat, you can have a go at growing potatoes. Here’s your easy guide on how to grow potatoes at home, no matter where you live in the UK.
The Humble Spud
Potatoes are incredibly versatile and form the base of many a favourite dish. But not all potatoes are the same. Here are some potato types that you might consider for your home garden:
- First Earlies: These are new potatoes, and varieties like ‘Arran Pilot’ or ‘Rocket’ are perfect for boiling and adding to your salad.
- Second Earlies: Need something for your summer BBQ? Varieties like ‘Charlotte’ are excellent for skewering and grilling.
- Maincrop Potatoes: These potatoes, like ‘Desiree’ or ‘King Edward’, take longer to grow but are perfect for roasting or mashing on a cold winter day.
Planting Your Potatoes
Traditionally, potato planting starts around Easter, but if you missed the date, don’t fret! You can grow potatoes at different times, ensuring you have a continuous supply of fresh spuds.
- Chitting: This funny term refers to sprouting the potato tuber before planting it. Set your seed potatoes in an egg carton with the end that has the most eyes facing upwards. Place it in a cool, light place and wait for the magic to happen.
- Planting: Once your seed potato has sprouted, it’s time to put it in the earth. Dig a hole about 10-15cm deep, place the sprouted potato (shoots pointing up), and cover it back up with soil.
Containers for Growing Potatoes
Who says you need a garden to grow potatoes? Here are some container ideas that can turn even the smallest space into a potato-growing oasis:
- Potato Bags: These lightweight, portable, and reusable bags can turn any corner of your patio or balcony into a potato garden.
- Buckets and Containers: Got some old buckets lying around? Drill some drainage holes in the bottom, and you’ve got a potato container.
- Large Plant Pots: These are great if you want to add some green to your indoor spaces. Just make sure they have good drainage.
Caring for Your Potatoes
Growing potatoes is pretty low-maintenance. But, they do need some love and care:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering early in the morning is a good practice.
- Earthing Up: As the shoots grow, mound up the soil around them. This helps protect the plants from frost and also gives the tubers more room to grow.
- Feeding: Once the plants start to flower, you can give them a feed with a high-potassium fertiliser to help them along.
Harvesting and Storing
The joy of growing your potatoes comes when you can finally dig them up:
- First and Second Earlies: These should be ready to harvest around 10-12 weeks after planting.
- Maincrop Potatoes: These need a bit longer, typically 15-20 weeks.
Once harvested, let your potatoes dry out for a few hours before storing them in a cool, dark place. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your home-grown potatoes!
From a simple jacket potato to a fancy Dauphinoise, there’s nothing quite like the taste of your home-grown potatoes. Whether you’re a gardening pro or just getting started, growing potatoes is an easy and rewarding project that everyone can enjoy.
