In our trials, we have found that growing potatoes in a Raised Bed is much easier than growing in the ground – and the harvest was bigger. We have harvested 53 pounds from just one bed! Overall we have averaged 46 pounds of potatoes per bed. Here is our simple guide to growing success.

1. Use certified seed potatoes
You will get best results if you use certified seed potatoes, available at garden centres or mail order suppliers. There are hundreds of varieties available, varying greatly in flavour, shape and length of growing season. Most potato plants require 65 – 100 days to grow, mature and develop into full size spuds. Early varieties that thrive in cool weather can be planted in the Spring about two weeks before the last hard frost.

2. Preparing the Seed Bed
Loosen the ground and make it as weed free as possible – weeds rob potato plants of needed moisture and nutrients. Potatoes prefer a rich loam soil with a pH of about 6.0. If you are not sure of your soil’s fertility, take a soil test – soil test kits are available from good garden centres or mail order companies. If your soil needs fertiliser, follow the application instructions provided.

3. Planting Seed Potatoes
Avoid planting potatoes too early in cold, wet soil. Let the soil warm to above 8 degrees Centigrade.

4. Watering and Irrigation
Potatoes need regular and consistent watering. We recommend that each Raised Bed receives 5 litres of water per day. If you use a rain gauge to check on the rainfall, this equates to 4cm of water per week. The amount of rainfall will affect how often you need to water. It is important that you do not over water the Raised Bed as this can cause the plants to rot. However not watering enough will reduce your crop yield. When cooler weather settles in and the foliage has died back, stop watering completely about two weeks prior to harvest.

5. Mulch
As previously explained, mulch helps to retain moisture, keeps the soil cool and suppresses weeds. It also prevents light from reaching exposed potatoes which could turn them green and become inedible. Once the plants are established, we recommend covering the soil with a 5cm layer of straw. Continue to add straw (up to 30cm or more) as the plants grow.

6. Pest and Diseases
Most pests and diseases can be prevented with healthy soil and consistent watering. If your plants do become infected, replace the soil in the bed before planting the following year. Identify the insects in your garden – not all are pests, some are beneficial. Fast moving insects are usually beneficial while slow movers usually spell trouble. Pests can be removed by hand or controlled with the repeated use of insecticidal soap. Don’t forget to check the undersides of leaves. Regular observation and removal is the key to pest control.