UK gardeners plant first early potatoes from mid-March in southern England, late March in the Midlands, and early to mid-April in Scotland. Soil temperature must reach 7-10C at a depth of 10cm. Chitting starts in late January and takes 4-6 weeks. Second earlies go in from early April, maincrops from mid to late April. Container potatoes can be planted from early March with frost protection. Christmas potatoes are planted in August for a December harvest.
Key takeaways
- Start chitting seed potatoes in late January, 4-6 weeks before your planned planting date
- Southern England can plant first earlies from mid-March when daffodils are blooming
- Northern England and Scotland should wait until early to mid-April for outdoor planting
- Soil temperature must reach 7-10C at 10cm depth before planting
- Container-grown potatoes can start 2-3 weeks earlier than open ground with fleece protection
potatoes planting times vegetables grow your own spring planting allotment
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
