When to Plant Potatoes in the UK (Month-by-Month Guide)

When to plant potatoes in the UK depends on the type of potato you want to grow and the weather conditions in your area. This simple month‑by‑month guide explains the best planting times for first earlies, second earlies and main crop potatoes, helping you plan your garden with confidence. Whether you grow in raised beds, containers or a traditional plot, understanding when to plant potatoes in the UK ensures a healthy crop and a reliable harvest.

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables for UK gardeners. They grow well in cool conditions, tolerate a range of soils and produce generous yields with very little effort. If you are new to gardening, the getting started with organic gardening guide on this site offers simple steps to help you prepare your soil, choose the right varieties and grow without chemicals. Planting at the right time is the key to strong growth and good harvests.

When to Plant Potatoes in the UK by Month

January is too early to plant potatoes outdoors, but it is the ideal time to start chitting seed potatoes. Place them in a cool, bright spot to encourage short, sturdy sprouts. Chitting helps potatoes grow faster once planted and is especially useful in cooler parts of the UK.

February is still too cold for outdoor planting, but you can continue chitting. If you garden in a mild area or use a greenhouse, you can prepare containers or raised beds by adding compost. The no dig gardening for beginners guide on this site explains how to prepare beds without disturbing the soil.

March is the traditional month to plant first early potatoes in most parts of the UK. These varieties grow quickly and are usually ready to harvest in June. Plant them in well‑drained soil or deep containers. Cover young shoots with soil or fleece if frost is forecast.

April is the best month to plant second earlies. These potatoes take a little longer to mature and are usually harvested in July or August. April is also a good time to plant first earlies if you live in a colder region or if the soil has been slow to warm up.

May is the ideal month to plant maincrop potatoes. These varieties grow for a longer period and produce large harvests in late summer or early autumn.

Main crop potatoes benefit from deep planting and regular watering during dry spells. If slugs are a problem, the organic slug control guide on this site offers safe ways to protect your plants.

June is too late for planting most potatoes, but you can still plant fast‑maturing second earlies in containers if you want a small late‑summer harvest. Keep plants well watered and mulched to retain moisture.

July is the month when early potatoes are harvested. If you planted first earlies in March, they should be ready now. Lift a few plants to check the size before harvesting the rest. July is also a good time to earth up maincrop potatoes to protect them from sunlight.

August is the main harvest month for second earlies. Continue watering maincrop potatoes and check for signs of pests. If you notice damage, the natural pest control UK guide on this site explains how to manage common problems without chemicals.

September is the peak harvest month for maincrop potatoes. Lift them on a dry day and allow them to dry before storing. Proper storage helps prevent rot and keeps potatoes fresh for months.

October is the final chance to harvest any remaining maincrop potatoes. Once the weather turns wet and cold, the risk of rot increases. After harvesting, add compost to your beds to prepare them for winter.

November and December are quiet months for potato growing. Use this time to plan next year’s crop, clean tools and review which varieties performed best. Winter is also a good time to order seed potatoes for early delivery.

Knowing when to plant potatoes in the UK helps you grow healthier plants and enjoy a steady supply of home‑grown potatoes throughout the year. By following this month‑by‑month guide, you can match each variety to the right planting time and get the best results from your garden.

Understanding potato types and planting times

Potatoes fall into three main groups, and each has a different planting and harvesting schedule. Choosing the right type for your garden and timing your planting correctly helps you avoid frost damage and maximise yields.

First earlies

These are the quickest to mature and are usually ready in around 10–12 weeks. They are ideal for small gardens, containers and early summer harvests.

Second earlies

These take slightly longer, around 13–14 weeks, and are great for mid-summer harvests.

Maincrop

These take 16–20 weeks to mature and produce the largest yields. They are perfect for storing through autumn and winter.

Month-by-month guide for when to plant potatoes in the UK

The UK climate varies slightly between regions, but the general planting windows below work for most gardeners.

January

This is the time to buy seed potatoes before popular varieties sell out. Store them somewhere cool, dry and bright to prevent early sprouting.

February

Begin chitting your seed potatoes. Place them in an egg box with the eyes facing upwards and keep them in a cool, bright room. Chitting helps them establish faster once planted.

March

This is the main planting month for first earlies in most of the UK. Plant them once the soil begins to warm and the risk of hard frost reduces. If your garden is exposed or in the north, wait until late March.

April

Plant second earlies throughout April. You can also plant first earlies if you’re running late. April is also a good time to plant maincrop potatoes in milder areas.

May

This is the final planting month for maincrop potatoes. In colder regions, May is often the safest month to plant all types because the risk of frost is minimal.

June

You can still plant maincrop potatoes in early June for a late autumn harvest. After mid-June, it becomes too late for reliable results.

Soil preparation for when to plant potatoes in the UK

Potatoes grow best in loose, fertile soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause scab. If your soil is heavy clay, consider growing in raised beds or containers to improve drainage.

Planting depth and spacing

Plant seed potatoes around 10–15 cm deep. Space first and second earlies 30 cm apart, with 60 cm between rows. Maincrop potatoes need more room, so space them 40 cm apart with 75 cm between rows. If growing in containers, use at least 30 litres of compost per plant for good yields.

Protecting potatoes from frost

Late frosts can damage young potato shoots. If frost is forecast, cover emerging shoots with soil, fleece or compost. This simple step prevents setbacks and keeps growth strong.

When to harvest your potatoes

First earlies are usually ready from June onwards, second earlies from July, and maincrop potatoes from August to October. Harvest maincrop potatoes on a dry day and allow them to dry before storing in a cool, dark place.

Royal Horticultural Society potato advice