How To Plant Early Potatoes
Early potatoes are a garden favorite because they mature faster than maincrop varieties, often ready to harvest in just 10 to 12 weeks. They’re perfect for gardeners who want a quick yield or live in areas with shorter growing seasons. Planting early potatoes is simple and rewarding with just a few steps to follow. Whether you’re growing them in the ground, containers, or raised beds, here’s how to get your early potatoes off to the best start.
Choose the Right Variety
Early potatoes, also called first earlies, include varieties like ‘Swift,’ ‘Rocket,’ ‘Pentland Javelin,’ and ‘Charlotte.’ These varieties are known for their fast growth and tender, flavorful new potatoes. Choose certified seed potatoes from a reputable supplier to avoid diseases.
Chit Your Potatoes
Chitting helps your potatoes sprout before planting, giving them a head start in the ground. About 4-6 weeks before planting:
- Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright, and frost-free spot.
- Arrange them in a shallow tray or egg carton with the “eyes” (buds) facing up.
- Wait for short, greenish-purple sprouts to form. Once sprouts are about 1 inch long, they’re ready for planting.
Prepare the Soil
Potatoes grow best in well-drained, fertile soil. Pick a sunny spot in the garden and do the following:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
- Remove stones and weeds.
- Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Avoid adding lime, as potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5).
Planting Time
Plant early potatoes in early spring, typically from late February to early April, depending on your local climate. The soil should be workable and not frozen. If frost is still a concern, be prepared to cover the plants.
How to Plant
- Dig Trenches or Holes – Make shallow trenches about 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Space rows about 2 feet apart to give plants room to grow.
- Place the Seed Potatoes – Set the chitted seed potatoes in the trench with the sprouts facing up. Space them about 12 inches apart.
- Cover with Soil – Gently cover the potatoes with soil, being careful not to break the sprouts.
Caring for Your Crop
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging.
- Earthing Up: When shoots are about 6 inches tall, mound soil around the base of the plants to protect tubers from light and encourage more potatoes to form. Repeat this process as the plants grow.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during growth for healthier plants and better yields.
Harvesting
Early potatoes are ready to harvest around 10-12 weeks after planting, once the plants begin to flower. Use a garden fork to gently lift the plants and check for tubers. Harvest as needed, and leave the rest in the ground until you’re ready to eat them.
Final Tips
- Protect young shoots from frost by covering them with fleece or soil.
- Grow early potatoes in containers if garden space is limited. Just ensure they have plenty of depth and good drainage.
- Rotate your crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
With just a little effort, you can enjoy a tasty harvest of homegrown early potatoes well before summer. Happy planting!
