If you have ever wanted to grow your own potatoes but always thought you don’t have enough space, then come and learn how to grow potatoes in a pot.

In my small urban garden I simply do not have the room for a whole potato bed. The answer is to grown them in pots. I love potatoes fresh from the ground so let me show you how you too can do this.

• 30 litre heavy duty plant pot. I buy the ones with handles as I find them easier to deal with. This is the type I use but there are many types to choose from https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oakland-Gardens-30L-Containers-Planters
• Good quality peat free compost. You can use a mix of used compost and fresh compost for this.
• Potato fertiliser granules.
• Seed potatoes of your choice.

When learning how to grow potatoes in a pot, choosing the best type for you is essential. Seed potatoes come in three categories in the UK. First earlies, second earlies and main crop.

First earlies are usually planted from February to April and are harvested around 10 to 12 weeks later. They produce smaller, new potatoes.

Second earlies are usually planted from March to May and take around 12 to 13 weeks to come to harvest. These are similar to first earlies in that they are small but they can be planted slightly later.

Finally, main crop potatoes are usually planted between March and April and harvested between July and October. they tend to produce bigger potatoes which are great for baking and roasting.

First and second earlies are great for growing in pots. You can also grow main crop this way but only plant one or two seed potatoes to a pot.

Before planting, some gardeners choose to chit their seed potatoes. To do this simply put the seed potatoes in a container (an egg box is brilliant for this) with their small eyes facing upwards. Leave them for around three to four weeks in a cool, light place and the eyes will begin to develop. The advantage of this being that the plants are further along before you plant them out. However, some gardeners believe this is not necessary.

1. Start by filling your pot about a quarter full with compost. This can be fresh compost or a mixture of fresh and last years used compost you have saved.
2. Sprinkle on a good couple of handfuls of the potato fertiliser.
3. Place your seed potatoes, eyes facing upwards, in the pot. Three should be enough for one pot.
4. Cover the potatoes with a few inches of compost.
5. As the potatoes begin to grow, cover them each time with compost. This protects the new shoots from any late frosts but also keeps any growing potatoes covered. Potatoes should not be allowed access to sunlight or they will turn green and are then inedible.

For more advice on how to grow your own vegetables have a look at my other blogs Practical tips to help you grow your own vegetables – Sueps House