Growing Seed Potatoes

All You Need To Know

It is that time of the year again when the evenings begin to lengthen and you start to feel the Spring weather arriving. Thankfully that means it is time to start thinking about the garden and most notably getting your seed potatoes in the ground. Timing is everything though and it is important to wait until the ground temperatures begin to rise before putting the potatoes in the ground. As a rule of thumb we normally recommend waiting until St. Patrick's Weekend before sowing. 

 

Varieties: 

 

This year we have chosen the the following varieties to suit the various times for sowing: 

  • First Early (Mid - Late March) - Red Duke of York and Sharpes Express
  • Second Early (Early to Mid April) - British Queen
  • Maincrop (Mid to Late April) - Kerrs Pink

 

Soil Prep: 

 

Potatoes will need deep, fertile soil that has been prepared in advance of sowing. Manure is a great addition to the soil, making it slightly more acidic but if you live on limey soil you can add Sulphate of Iron (100g per metre squared). It is best practice is to prepare your soil the previous Autumn but not to worry if this skipped your mind last year. If you are adding Sulphate of Iron, add it in to the soil one month before sowing your seed potatoes. Prepare the soil by digging it out to a depth of about 12 inches adding approx 3 inches of farm yard manure to the entire bed.

 

Preparing your Drills & Sow: 

 

Once your soil is prepared it is time to get your drills ready. Your drills will differ slightly depending on your variety, as a rule of thumb we recommend the below drills: 

  • For Earlies make rows 20 inches apart and sow potatoes 12 inches apart. Sow approximately 8 inches deep.
  • For Second Earlies and Maincrop make rows 30 inches apart and potatoes 15 inches apart. Sow approximately 8 inches deep.

You can then cover the seed potatoes with soil and water well. Over the coming weeks be sure to weed the drills regularly. Once the potatoes begin growing you will need to put soil up around the stems and lower leaves.

If you have any questions about seed potatoes or wish to learn more, please drop in-store and talk to our resident expert, Aidan. Similarly please feel free to drop an email to dermot@smythsarro.ie or call us on 053 92-33323.