How to grow Potato in the UK
Solanum tuberosum
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. First earlies (Charlotte, Rocket) are easiest. Container-grown work in 30L sacks. This guide covers when and how to sow Potato, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Potato
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar Plant | Apr | May | Jun Harvest | Jul Harvest | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Deep, fertile soil; do not lime
- Soil pH
- 5.0–6.0
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 12 cm
- Spacing
- 30 cm apart, rows 60 cm
- Sowing
- Chit seed potatoes then plant from late Mar
- Growing
- Earth up stems as they grow to protect from frost and light
- Harvest & upkeep
- Lift first earlies ~10 weeks after planting, around flowering
- Watch for
- Blight (less for earlies), slugs, scab
Companion planting for Potato
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
Keep apart from tomatoes (both get blight) and from cucurbits. Beans and brassicas make good neighbours.
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Potato FAQs
What grows well with Potato?
Potato grows well alongside Broad Bean, Cabbage, Dwarf French Bean, French Marigold, Pot Marigold, Runner Bean. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Potato?
Keep Potato away from Courgette, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Sunflower, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Potato need?
Potato prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Potato ready to harvest?
Potato is typically ready to harvest in June, July in the UK.
Is Potato easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. First earlies (Charlotte, Rocket) are easiest. Container-grown work in 30L sacks.