19 May 2025

How to Grow Seed Potatoes at Home

Growing your own potatoes is simple, satisfying and ideal for home gardeners.  It doesn’t matter whether you have a large veggie patch, or just a few pots. Here’s everything you need to know:

1. What You’ll Need

  • Certified seed potatoes (available seasonally at Blackwood’s).  Planting sprouted potatoes from the supermarket is possible but not the best idea, as they can introduce diseases that can spread to the rest of the vegetable garden
  • A sunny spot in the garden, raised bed, or large container
  • Good quality compost-rich soil or potting mix
  • Mulch or straw (optional but beneficial)
  • Garden fork and gloves

2. Choose the Right Spot

Potatoes need:

  • Full sun – at least 6 hours a day
  • Loose, well-draining soil – no soggy roots! Potatoes will grow in any soil that has been enriched with generous quantities of compost.
  • If planting in pots, choose containers at least 30–40cm deep with drainage holes

3. Prepare the Seed Potatoes

  • If your seed potatoes are larger than an egg, cut them into pieces with at least one or two “eyes” (sprouts) each
  • Let them sit for 2–3 days to heal before planting – this helps prevent rot

4. Planting Time

  • Plant from late June to early August in KZN (cool-season planting)
  • Dig trenches about 10–15cm deep in beds, or fill pots ⅓ with soil
  • Place seed potatoes sprout-side up, 30cm apart (or 2–3 pieces in a large pot)
  • Cover with about 10cm of soil

5. Caring for Your Potato Plants

  • As the plants grow, mound up soil or straw around the stems (“earthing up”) to protect tubers from light and boost your yield
  • Water consistently but don’t overwater – keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy
  • Feed with an organic fertiliser once the plants are established
  • Nasturtiums planted near potatoes act as a pest repellent

6. When to Harvest

  • Early potatoes (baby/new potatoes): harvest when flowers appear – approx. 70–90 days
  • Maincrop potatoes: harvest when the leaves yellow and die back – approx. 90–120 days
  • Gently dig around the base to lift the potatoes – avoid damaging them with your garden fork

7. Storing Your Potatoes

  • Let them dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for a few days
  • Store in a cool, dark place – not the fridge
  • Avoid plastic bags; use hessian or paper bags for better airflow

Visit your local Blackwood’s store for quality seed potatoes and expert advice – or get planting inspiration from our team anytime.