Potato Growing 2026

Ahh seaweed, I added it to my allotment for a few years but haven't for a couple. Might go for trip down the Ayrshire coast tomorrow with some bags and get some as I seem to have missed the manure we get for free at the allotment

 

I've simplified this year. Foremost, Charlotte and Sarpo Mira. Set to chit.

 

For those that use bags- any recommendations of brand? I've previously used compost bags, but they break down after a few years. Last year I grew them in a newly built raised bed and they were great. Problem is, they were so prolific that I completely missed digging some out. Today, I've just out a large bucket full of sprouting potatoes I'd missed! Thinking of just using potato bags or plastic pots now, but what types?

 

Grass clippings worked well for me in containers, just add them in thin layers or they turn into a slimy mess. Bit of shredded cardboard mixed in helps too.

 

Cosider determiate potato varieties,will produce at a layer easily extracted.
See :
List of Determinate and Indeterminate Potatoes UK

 

@My Clay Jungle You can get Special Potato sacks from seed companies ( DT Brown is one ) which are long lasting and robust. They can also be used for Tomatoes, Cucumbers etc.

 

Thank you. I didn't realise potatoes came in 2, main types also!

 

This is new to me, I've often earthed up potatoes and wondered at the end of the season why I've bothered as all the spuds were in one layer.
Especially when trying to grow in large tubs, the earthing up of Pink Fir Apple never seemed worth the effort.

 

Commercial growers don't earth their potato up they cultivate the soil deeply and plant the seed potatoes quite deeply.
My father used to insist they were earthed up quite frequently.
These days when I grow potatoes I put them in quite deep and don't earth them up at all.

 

Well as the old saying goes "when you're a gardener every day is a school day ". It's obvious when you remember that they are the same family ( Solanum). Never thought about it before. Thanks for the link @infradig .

 

I dont really see it as obvious as we are really talking about root growth, we mostly all know that tomatoes, even both types will grow roots on their stems if planted deeper, but this is actually saying that some potatoes will grow stem roots and some wont.

 

i noticed last year there were no potatoes beneath where i planted the original spuds so i put them in quite deep this time purely guesswork...

anyone here grown purple or red fleshed potatoes? might buy some, expensive potatoes but since we can save them indefinately why not

 

I grew Purple Majesty last year, they're great. Roasted they keep the colour really well. Yield was decent too, not far off Charlotte.

 

I've just brought the last 1/4 sack of last years Sarpo Mira crop home. They have kept well in the Allotment shed. I do have some Anya as well but they have long shoots and are going soft so I don't think they are usable.

 

RE Aya,place with shoots flat & cover gemtly,they will grow up !