Introduction

Growing new potatoes is one of the most rewarding and easiest ways to enjoy homegrown produce in Ireland. No matter your experience level, planting your own potatoes means fresher, tastier spuds straight from your garden.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting seed potatoes to harvesting your first crop. Let’s dig in!

Choosing the Right Seed Potatoes

Selecting high-quality seed potatoes is essential for a successful harvest. Opt for certified disease free seed potatoes, which are available in a variety of types, including:

• First Earlies – Fast-growing and perfect for small gardens or containers.
• Second Earlies – Ready slightly later but still earlier than maincrop varieties.
• Maincrop – Ideal for larger yields and long-term storage.

When to Plant Potatoes in Ireland

Timing is crucial when growing potatoes in Ireland. Here’s a general planting guide:

• First Earlies: Plant from mid-March to early April
• Second Earlies: Plant from late March to mid-April
• Maincrop: Plant from mid to late April

The ideal soil temperature for planting is above 7°C to encourage healthy growth.

Preparing Your Seed Potatoes

Before planting, it’s essential to “chit” your seed potatoes. This means allowing them to sprout before they go into the ground, which gives them a head start. To chit potatoes:

1. Place seed potatoes in an egg carton or tray with the sprout end facing up.
2. Keep them in a cool, bright location for 2-4 weeks until sturdy sprouts form.

Selecting the Perfect Planting Site

Potatoes thrive in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil. Here are some key considerations:

• Soil: Loose, loamy soil enriched with organic matter is ideal.
• Drainage: Avoid waterlogged areas, as potatoes dislike overly wet conditions.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting potatoes in the same spot where they grew the previous year to prevent disease build-up.

Planting Your Seed Potatoes

Follow these steps for successful planting:

1. Dig a trench about 10-15cm deep.
2. Place seed potatoes 30cm apart, with rows spaced 60cm apart.
3. Cover them with soil and water lightly.
4. As shoots emerge, earth up (mound soil around the base) to protect against frost and encourage tuber development.

Caring for Your Potato Plants

To ensure a healthy crop, follow these care tips:

• Watering: Keep soil moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.
• Weeding: Keep the area around your plants weed free to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Pest & Disease Control: Watch out for potato blight and pests like aphids. Rotate crops yearly and use organic treatments if needed.

Harvesting Your New Potatoes

The best part of growing potatoes is the harvest! Here’s when to dig them up:

• First Earlies: Around 10-12 weeks after planting (June-July)
• Second Earlies: Around 13-16 weeks after planting (July-August)
• Maincrop: Around 18-20 weeks after planting (August-September)

Gently dig up the potatoes using a fork, taking care not to damage them. Allow them to dry before storing.

FAQs

Summary

Growing new potatoes in Ireland is easy and rewarding, whether you have a large garden or a small space. By choosing the right seed potatoes, planting at the right time, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a delicious homegrown harvest.
If you're new to gardening or looking for expert advice, visit Horkans Garden Centre, where our team is always happy to help.

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