For years I have planted 1st early potato tubers in 30L containers and although overjoyed at the harvest, I have become disappointed at how tiny some of the potatoes were.

This year I’m taking action

I want to grow jacket potato sized potatoes and I’m growing them in a raised bed.

What variety of Potatoes will grow larger than others?

The 2 main larger potato varieties are:

1. King Edward (I’m growing),
2. Maris Piper.

What 3 things make a difference to be able to grow larger potatoes?

1. Bed Preparation – Dig compost into the holes or trench you plant the potatoes into.
2. Chitting – Put the tubers in an egg box in a cool light place for 4-6 weeks, for the potatoes to sprout purple shoots. These will help boost the starting growth in the soil.
3. Spacing – Larger potatoes need more room to grow, so make sure you space your potatoes apart otherwise they will take up each other’s nutrients.

When to Plant Maincrop Potatoes in Raised Beds

Maincrop Potatoes are called Maincrop because they are the largest potatoes and grow for the longest amount of time.

Maincrop Potatoes are planted in April and harvested in Late August to October. The potatoes are larger in size and can be stored for a longer time than tiny new potatoes.

How to Plant Maincrop Potatoes in a Raised Bed

1. Dig compost into the raised bed soil to add nutrients, and plant Potato maincrop tubers in Late March to Mid April.
2. Dig a hole or a trench and plant your potatoes in it at least 20 cm apart (if you want larger potatoes) and 15cm deep.
3. Cover the soil over the top of the potatoes.
4. Water Well.
5. Wait until leaves are poking through the soil and keep earthing up. This means banking the soil up like a mole hill to make sure none of the potato tubers see the light otherwise they will go green and won’t be able to be eaten.
6. The potatoes plants will flower and then start to dye back in August.
7. Harvest potatoes by gently digging by hand in Late August to Late September.
8. Remember – all parts of the potato plant are poisonous (nightshade family) including flowers, fruits, leaves and stem so handle them with gloves. Teach children 7+ to be aware not to touch them. However do include your children in the fun of harvesting, once the plant has been cut down and disposed of. They love trying to find potatoes in the soil.

Let’s see how I get on this year….

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