Potatoes are one of the most popular and versatile crops grown in home gardens across England. They are easy to cultivate, highly productive and can be enjoyed in countless ways in the kitchen, from roasted and mashed to boiled or fried. Growing potatoes successfully, however, requires careful timing. Planting at the right moment ensures healthy growth, protection against frost damage and a strong harvest of tasty tubers. Plant too early, and young shoots risk being damaged by late frosts. Plant too late, and the crop may not reach its full potential before colder weather returns in autumn. Understanding when to plant potatoes in England is therefore essential for every gardener aiming for a rewarding harvest.
The growth cycle of potatoes
Potatoes are grown from seed potatoes, which are not seeds in the usual sense but small tubers saved from the previous season. These tubers contain buds known as eyes, which sprout into shoots and develop into new plants. The plant produces foliage above ground and forms new tubers underground. Potatoes have a growing season that ranges from around 12 to 20 weeks depending on the variety. Timing your planting to coincide with favourable soil and weather conditions allows tubers to grow to their full size without being hindered by frost, drought or disease.
Varieties of potatoes and their planting times
Different types of potatoes have different growing times and planting windows. First earlies, which are the quickest to mature, are usually ready for harvest in around 10 to 12 weeks. They are followed by second earlies, which take about 13 to 15 weeks. Maincrop potatoes, which grow the largest and are suitable for long term storage, take around 18 to 20 weeks. Each type has its own best planting period, which ensures that the crop is ready at the correct stage of the growing season.
When to plant first early potatoes in England
First early potatoes are usually planted from mid March to early April. In southern parts of England, planting may begin earlier, particularly in sheltered areas with light soil that warms quickly. In northern regions, planting is often delayed until April, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. The aim is to plant once the risk of frost is low, while still giving the crop enough time to mature before the hottest part of summer. Covering young plants with fleece or earth can provide protection against late frosts if they appear unexpectedly.
When to plant second early potatoes in England
Second early potatoes are typically planted a few weeks after first earlies, around early to mid April. They follow a similar pattern, with earlier planting possible in the south and later planting necessary in the north. Because they mature slightly later, they extend the harvest period and provide continuity between the first earlies and maincrop varieties. Planting them in April ensures they have time to develop before the summer season.
When to plant maincrop potatoes in England
Maincrop potatoes, which include many of the large and traditional varieties, are usually planted in mid to late April. These potatoes require the longest growing season, so planting them once the soil has warmed properly gives them the best chance to mature before autumn frosts arrive. Planting too early risks damage to emerging shoots, while planting too late shortens the season and can lead to smaller tubers. Planting in April strikes the balance between avoiding frost damage and allowing for full development.
How soil and weather affect planting time
Soil temperature and moisture are key factors in deciding when to plant potatoes in England. Potatoes require soil temperatures of around 7 to 10 degrees Celsius for sprouting to occur. Cold, waterlogged soil can cause tubers to rot, while excessively dry soil slows their growth. In heavier clay soils, planting may need to be delayed until the ground has dried sufficiently in spring. In sandy soils, which warm quickly, planting can take place earlier. Observing local conditions is just as important as following the general calendar guidelines.
The importance of chitting before planting
Many gardeners chit seed potatoes before planting, which means placing them in a cool, light place to encourage small shoots to develop. Chitting usually begins four to six weeks before planting. By the time soil is ready for planting in March or April, the seed potatoes are already sprouting and prepared to grow quickly. Chitting helps ensure strong early growth, especially in the UK climate where spring can be unpredictable. Aligning chitting with the correct planting window maximises the benefits.
Regional variations in England
Planting times vary across England due to regional climate differences. In the south west and south east, potatoes can often be planted in mid March, as soils warm earlier and frosts are less severe. In the Midlands, planting typically takes place later in March or early April. In the north of England, planting is usually delayed until April, with maincrop potatoes often going in the ground towards the end of the month. In upland or exposed areas, it may be necessary to wait until early May to avoid frost risk. Gardeners in each region should adapt their planting schedule accordingly.
What happens if potatoes are planted too early or too late
Planting potatoes too early, particularly before the last frosts, can damage young shoots and stunt growth. Frost blackens the foliage and may force plants to regrow from underground buds, delaying the harvest. Planting too late shortens the growing season, resulting in smaller yields and fewer tubers. Late planted potatoes may also be more vulnerable to blight, as their growth overlaps with the peak of disease activity in late summer. Planting within the recommended window prevents these problems and ensures a strong, healthy crop.
Harvest timing based on planting time
The timing of planting directly influences when potatoes can be harvested. First earlies planted in mid March are often ready by early June, offering new potatoes for summer meals. Second earlies planted in April are ready in July. Maincrop potatoes planted later in April are harvested from late August through September. By planting different varieties at their appropriate times, gardeners can enjoy fresh potatoes for several months. The combination of planting windows provides both early crops for immediate eating and maincrops for long term storage.
Conclusion
So, when should you plant potatoes in England? The answer depends on the type of potato and the local climate. First earlies are best planted from mid March to early April, second earlies in early to mid April and maincrops in mid to late April. In southern England, planting may begin slightly earlier, while in the north it is often delayed to avoid frost. Preparing soil properly, chitting seed potatoes and observing local conditions all play a role in success. By planting at the right time, gardeners can achieve healthy plants, high yields and a season long supply of one of the most versatile vegetables.
