Plant out your Potato this month — conditions are right now.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalMove seedlings outside carefully
- •Harden off plants
- •Prepare soil outdoors
- •Space plants correctly
- •Water well after planting
Watch Out For
Potato blight spreads rapidly in warm humid weather
remove and bag affected foliage immediately; never compost it as spores survive
Slugs tunnel into tubers underground
growing first earlies (harvested young) avoids the worst of the summer slug pressure
Green potatoes are toxic
earth up thoroughly throughout the season and store in complete darkness after harvest
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Potato in the UK
When should I plant potatoes in the UK?
Plant first earlies from late March to April, second earlies from April, and maincrops from April to early May. Chit seed potatoes for 4–6 weeks before planting by placing them in a light, cool, frost-free place to encourage short, stubby green shoots.
What is the difference between first early, second early, and maincrop potatoes?
First earlies (e.g. Rocket, Pentland Javelin) are ready in 10–12 weeks — small, waxy, ideal for salads. Second earlies (e.g. Charlotte, Kestrel) take 13–15 weeks. Maincrops (e.g. King Edward, Desiree) take 15–20 weeks and store best over winter.
What is blight and how do I avoid it?
Potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) causes brown patches on leaves and rotting tubers, spreading rapidly in warm, humid weather. Grow blight-resistant varieties (Sarpo Mira, Setanta), earth up well to protect tubers, remove and destroy any affected foliage immediately, and do not compost affected material.
Why are my potatoes green?
Potatoes turn green when exposed to light, which also causes them to produce solanine — a mildly toxic compound. Always earth up potatoes as they grow to keep tubers covered. Green potatoes should be discarded, not eaten.
Member guides
There's more to growing Potato than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
