Grow your own potatoes

The difference between homegrown and supermarket potatoes is unbelievable and they can be so easy to grow.

From mid January, you’ll find a huge choice of first earlies, second earlies and maincrop potato varieties in store, all certified disease free.

Once you have chosen your varieties, you’ll need to chit them which just means placing them in a light, airy place away from direct sunlight and frost to allow them to sprout.

Green sprouts will soon start to develop and by mid to late March, your seed potatoes will be ready to plant out but be mindful of late frosts. Choose a sunny spot and as potatoes need lots of feeding, dig in compost or manure when you prepare the ground.

To plant out, dig a trench to the depth recommended for the variety you are planting and add a sprinkling of fertiliser, for example Growmore.  Very gently place your potatoes with the shoots pointing upwards in the trenches, then carefully cover them with soil to avoid breaking the chits.

As your potatoes begin to grow, you will need to keep “earthing up” the new growth by covering the plant with soil or your potatoes will be exposed to light and go green. You will end up with small mounds as the season progresses.

Remember that potatoes do need lots of watering and you should remove flower heads and buds as they appear because these will produce potato seeds which will divert energy from the potato tubers.

Dependent on which varieties you are growing, you will be ready to harvest your potatoes anytime from June to September. First earlies can be lifted and eaten straight away but second earlies and maincrop will be fine in the ground much longer.

If you are limited on space, you can get a surprising amount of potatoes from a container, but remember to ensure it has adequate drainage.