When to Plant Potatoes in the UK: Best Planting Times & Tips

Knowing when to plant potatoes is one of the most important steps to getting a healthy, generous crop. In the UK, planting times depend on the type of potato you’re growing and whether you’re planting outdoors or under cover.

This guide breaks it all down clearly, so you can plant with confidence and enjoy a great harvest.

The Best Time to Plant Potatoes in the UK

In general, potatoes are planted from late February through April, but the exact timing depends on the type of potato you are growing, local weather conditions, and soil temperature.

First Earlies

When to plant: Late February to mid-March
Harvest: June to early July
Best for: Early crops, smaller gardens, containers

First early potatoes are ideal if you want new potatoes as soon as possible. In colder areas, it’s best to wait until March or plant under fleece or cloches.

Second Earlies

When to plant: Mid-March to early April
Harvest: July to August
Best for: Reliable mid-season crops

These give a slightly larger yield than first earlies and are still relatively quick to mature.

Maincrop Potatoes

When to plant: Late March to late April
Harvest: August to October
Best for: Large harvests and winter storage

Maincrop potatoes take longer to grow but produce the biggest yields and store well over winter.

Soil Temperature & Frost Risk

Potatoes grow best once the soil temperature reaches around 7°C. Planting too early into cold, wet soil can cause seed potatoes to rot.

Avoid planting if hard frosts are still likely
If shoots emerge early, protect them with fleece or soil
In warmer southern regions, planting can start earlier than in the north

Should You Chit Potatoes First?

Chitting means allowing seed potatoes to sprout before planting, giving them a head start before they go into the soil. By placing seed potatoes in a cool, bright, frost-free place for several weeks, strong shoots develop that can help plants establish more quickly, produce earlier growth, and often lead to a better and more reliable harvest. While not essential, it can:

Speed up growth
Produce earlier harvests
Help identify unhealthy seed potatoes

To chit, place seed potatoes in a cool, bright place for 4/6 weeks before planting.

Planting Potatoes in Containers or Grow Bags

One of the benefits of container growing is flexibility.

You can plant 1/2 weeks earlier than outdoor crops
Move containers to protect from frost
Ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens

Just make sure containers are deep and well-drained.

Regional Planting Guide (Quick Reference)

Southern England: Late February/March
Midlands & Wales: March–early April
Northern England & Scotland: Late March/April

Always adjust based on local weather rather than the calendar alone.

Planting potatoes at the right time gives them the best chance to thrive. Watch the weather, prepare your soil well, and choose varieties suited to your space and needs. With a little planning, you’ll be rewarded with fresh, homegrown potatoes straight from your garden.

When to Plant Potatoes in the UK