How to get your biggest ever potato crop

Confused about the different types of potato - first earlies, second earlies and maincrop? Then read our guide to potato types explained.

For a great harvest, you'll need the best site - ideally, an area that is sunny and sheltered from cold winds. Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil, so avoid sites that have been recently limed, and water with rainwater; where possible, as tap water is often alkaline. If your soil is very alkaline, try growing in containers or raised beds. Don't grow potatoes in the same spot every year, as this can lead to a build-up of pests and diseases. Opt for varieties that have been bred to resist problems such as potato blight.

Once you've chosen where to grow your potatoes, follow our six tips below for your best ever potato harvest.

You Will Need

• Organic matter (e.g. well-rotted manure)
• Chitted seed potatoes
• Hoe
• Watering can

Step 1

Prepare soil well in advance, ideally in autumn, so ground can settle. Dig deeply, remove weeds and large stones, and mix in plenty of organic matter. Add fertiliser before planting.

Step 2

Chitting or sprouting gives an earlier harvest and is particularly useful in cold or wet areas. Stand tubers on end in a cool, well-lit place, until the shoots have reached 2.5cm long.

Step 3

Start planting outside from February in warm areas to early April in cold ones. Plant 15cm deep; earlies 30cm apart with 45cm between rows; and maincrops 40cm and 75cm apart.

Step 4

Earth up regularly as shoots develop by pulling up soil around the stems to get a larger crop. Protect against frost and prevent exposure to light, which turns spuds green (and poisonous).

Step 5

Water thoroughly during dry spells. Water onto the soil rather than the foliage, to reduce the risk of disease. Apply nematodes, to protect against slugs, from late spring to summer.

Step 6

Harvest earlies from when flowers open; maincrops when large enough. Lift on a dry day and spread out for a few hours for the skins to harden, then store.