There is something deeply satisfying about growing potatoes. Not just because they are one of the most versatile, comforting foods we can grow, but because of what they represent. Food security, connection to the land, and the confidence that comes from growing something real, right in your own backyard.
The best part is that you do not need a large space to do it. Potatoes grow beautifully in raised beds, in-ground gardens, and even containers. This is one of those crops that meets you where you are, whether you have a backyard or a patio.
This year, I’ve partnered with Tyler Heppell, a fifth-generation Canadian potato farmer, to bring large-scale farming knowledge into home gardens. Because the truth is, the principles are the same. They just scale up!
🌱 Why Seed Potatoes Matter
Before we talk about soil or planting, we need to talk about seed. This is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not all potatoes are meant to be planted.
Grocery store potatoes are grown for eating, not for propagation. They can be treated, inconsistent, and sometimes carry disease. Seed potatoes are intentionally grown for planting, which means better reliability, stronger growth, and healthier plants overall.
What you’re really doing here is setting your future self up for success.
Seed potatoes are:
- Selected for performance and yield
- Tested for disease resistance
- Grown specifically for propagation
This is why I’m using Heppell Seed Potatoes, which are being made available to home growers for the first time ever! This is a farm with over 100 years of experience, growing potatoes commercially at scale right here in BC.
🌾 A Simple Tip That Will Change Your Gardening
If you’re ever unsure what to grow in your area, one of the best things you can do is ask a local farmer. They are growing food in the exact same conditions you are, often on a much larger scale, and they already know what performs well and what struggles.
It is one of the most underrated shortcuts in gardening. Instead of guessing, you are learning from someone who has already done the trial and error for you.
This is also why I love sourcing things like garlic from local farms. You are starting with something that is already adapted to your climate, which gives you a much stronger chance of success right from the beginning.
🧑🌾 Meet the Heppell Family
The Heppell family farm has been operating for over a century and is now in its fifth generation. That kind of longevity does not happen by accident. It comes from adapting, learning, and refining over time.
They are one of the few remaining multi-generational vegetable farms in the Lower Mainland, growing potatoes at a commercial scale for major retailers. What I love about this collaboration is that they are now bringing that same level of knowledge directly to home growers.
One of their signature varieties is Warba, an early-season potato known for its creamy texture and incredible flavour. They intentionally grow them smaller, because that is where the best taste is.
They are also behind Ugly Potato Day, where they give away hundreds of thousands of pounds of perfectly good produce that would otherwise go to waste. It is such a powerful reminder that food does not need to be perfect to be valuable.
What I’m Growing This Year
This year, I already have my Heppell potatoes planted in a dedicated potato bed and in seven large containers. I wanted to experiment with both approaches to show that you can grow potatoes successfully in different types of spaces.
I am growing a mix of varieties so I can stagger my harvest and experience different textures and uses in the kitchen.
This year’s varieties (so far!):
- Warba
- Fingerling
- Columba
- Russet
This kind of variety gives you flexibility. Some for early harvest, some for storage, and some just for the joy of trying something new.
🌿 Soil Preparation (Where the Science Starts)
Potatoes are a root crop, which means your soil is everything. What happens underground is just as important as what you see above it. If the soil is compacted or heavy, the plant cannot properly form tubers.
You are creating an environment where the plant can do its best work. Potatoes need oxygen, space, and consistent moisture to grow well.
What you’re aiming for:
- Loose, well-draining soil
- High organic matter
- Slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5)
What I do:
- Loosen soil 8–12 inches deep
- Add compost generously
- Avoid fresh manure (can cause scab)
🌱 Planting Your Potatoes
Timing matters more than people think. Potatoes prefer cool soil and benefit from being planted early in the season.
You can plant whole small seed potatoes or cut larger ones into pieces, as long as each piece has at least one eye. If cutting, allow them to dry for a day or two before planting.
Planting basics:
- Soil temperature: ~7–10°C
- Depth: 4–6 inches
- Spacing: 10–12 inches apart
Once planted, cover them and give them time. This is where patience comes in.
🌿 Growing & Maintenance
As your plants grow, you will begin to see green shoots emerge. This is your cue to start hilling, which means mounding soil up around the base of the plant.
Hilling is not always strictly required, but it is one of the easiest ways to improve your harvest. Potatoes form along the buried portion of the stem, so when you add soil, you are creating more space for tubers to develop while also protecting them from sunlight, which can turn them green.
Where it gets interesting is that not all potatoes behave the same way, so your approach can be a little more nuanced depending on what you’re growing.
Here’s how I approach hilling for each variety I’m growing:
Warba (early / determinate)
- Light hilling is sufficient
- Focus on covering exposed tubers rather than building height
- Prioritize early harvest and quality
Columba (early-mid / semi-determinate)
- Moderate hilling works well
- Hill once or twice as the plant grows
- Supports yield without needing aggressive layering
Fingerling (varies, often indeterminate)
- Light to moderate hilling
- Focus on consistent coverage and spacing
- These tend to grow longer rather than larger
Russet (late / indeterminate)
- Benefits the most from hilling
- Hill regularly every couple of weeks
- Build soil gradually to maximize yield
General hilling guidelines:
- Start when plants are 6–8 inches tall
- Hill every 2–3 weeks
- Stop once plants begin to mature
If you are growing in containers, you can mimic hilling by gradually adding more soil or compost as the plant grows. Same principle, just a different format.
💧 Watering
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially once tubers begin to form. This is where a lot of people unintentionally limit their harvest.
You are aiming for steady, even moisture, not extremes. Letting the soil dry out and then overwatering can lead to cracking, misshapen potatoes, and inconsistent growth.
Watering tips:
- Water deeply, not lightly
- Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
- Increase watering during flowering (this is peak tuber formation)
- Reduce watering as plants begin to die back
If you are growing in containers, you will likely need to water more frequently, as they dry out faster than in-ground beds.
🌱 Fertilizing
Potatoes are considered moderate to heavy feeders, but they do not need excessive nitrogen. Too much nitrogen will give you beautiful leafy plants… and very few potatoes.
The goal is to support root and tuber development, not just top growth.
Fertilizing tips:
- Start with compost-rich soil
- Use a balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer
- Avoid overfeeding early in the season
- Side-dress with compost when hilling, if needed
Think of fertilizing as supporting the plant, not pushing it.
🌱 Intercropping
To make the most of my growing space, I will often plant fast-growing crops on top of my potato beds before the potatoes even break the surface.
This works because potatoes take a bit of time to emerge, and in that window, you can grow something quick and harvest it before the potatoes need the space.
In one of my videos, I scatter radish seeds right over the top, and in another, I transplant things like bok choy or lettuce. By the time the potatoes are ready to take off, those crops are already harvested.
Fast-growing crops that work well for this:
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Bok choy
- Arugula
It is a simple way to layer your garden and get more out of the same space without adding any extra work.
And as always, I encourage experimentation. Your garden is not meant to be perfect. It is meant to teach you.
🥔 Harvesting
Harvesting potatoes is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. It feels a little bit like digging for treasure, because you never quite know what you are going to uncover.
There are two main ways to harvest, depending on what you are hoping for.
New potatoes:
- Harvest while plants are still green
- Smaller, tender, thin-skinned
- Incredible flavour, especially with early varieties like Warba
Storage potatoes:
- Wait until foliage has fully died back
- Thicker skins for longer storage
- Better suited for curing and keeping
When it comes to harvesting, technique matters more than people think. Potatoes can sit deeper and wider than expected, so it is easy to accidentally damage them if you rush.
In garden beds or in-ground spaces, I like to use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the plant. The goal is to lift the soil, not stab into it. If you pierce or nick the potatoes, they will not store well and are more likely to spoil.
Take your time and work from the outside of the plant inward, lifting and sifting as you go.
If you are growing in containers, harvesting is even easier. You can simply tip the entire container out and sift through the soil by hand.
I like to dump mine into a kiddie pool to contain the mess and make it easier to see what I am doing. It keeps everything in one place and makes cleanup much simpler.
It is a slower, more intentional process, but that is part of the experience. And there is nothing quite like pulling your own potatoes out of the soil for the first time.
🌾 Curing & Storage
If you want your potatoes to last beyond just a few weeks, curing and proper storage make all the difference. This is what allows you to extend your harvest and actually enjoy your homegrown food for months.
Curing helps toughen the skin and heal small nicks or abrasions from harvesting. It is a simple step, but it has a big impact on how well your potatoes store.
Curing basics:
- Do not wash before curing
- Gently brush off excess soil
- Store in a dark, well-ventilated space
- Ideal temperature: 10–15°C
- Cure for 1–2 weeks
Once cured, your potatoes are ready for longer-term storage.
🥔 Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, the goal is to slow everything down. You want to reduce sprouting, moisture loss, and rot while preserving quality for as long as possible.
Ideal storage conditions:
- Cool (around 4–10°C)
- Dark (light causes greening)
- Well-ventilated (prevents moisture buildup)
- Moderate humidity (not too dry, not damp)
A cool basement, cold room, or garage (as long as it does not freeze) can work well.
Avoid storing potatoes in sealed containers or plastic bags. They need airflow to prevent condensation and spoilage.
🥔 Which Potatoes Store Best?
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to storage. Some are meant to be enjoyed fresh, while others are ideal for keeping.
Best for long-term storage:
- Russets
- Late-season varieties
- Thick-skinned potatoes
These are designed for storage and can last for several months under the right conditions.
Best for fresh eating (short-term storage):
- Warba (early, thin-skinned)
- Many fingerlings
- Early or “new” potatoes
These have thinner skins and higher moisture content, which makes them incredible for flavour, but less suited for long-term storage.
🌿 Storage Tips That Make a Difference
A few small adjustments can significantly extend how long your potatoes last.
Helpful tips:
- Keep them out of the light to prevent greening
- Store in breathable containers (paper bags, crates, baskets)
- Check periodically and remove any soft or damaged potatoes
- Do not store with onions (they release moisture and gases that speed up spoilage)
If a potato was nicked or pierced during harvest, use it sooner rather than storing it long-term.
🌱 A Simple Way to Think About It
Some potatoes are meant to be eaten right away, and some are meant to be stored. When you grow a mix of varieties, you naturally create a system where you can enjoy fresh potatoes early in the season and store others for later.
It is one of the simplest ways to extend your harvest and get more out of what you grow.
🌎 Why This Matters
We are living in a time where fuel and fertilizer costs are rising, and that impacts everything from how food is grown to how it is priced at the store.
One small but meaningful thing you can do is grow some of your own food and support local farmers.
Even a small garden or a few containers can make a difference. It builds resilience, reduces waste, and reconnects you to your food in a way that changes how you see it.
Supporting farms like the Heppell family also matters. These are multi-generational farms that are deeply rooted in their communities and actively working to improve food access.
📓 Want to Take This a Step Further?
If you’re serious about growing more of your own food, one of the most powerful things you can do is start tracking what you plant, when you plant it, and how it performs.
That’s exactly why I created The Knotty Garden Journal.
It is designed to take the guesswork out of gardening and help you build a system that works for your space and your climate.
Inside the journal:
- Seasonal planting charts
- Monthly garden planning pages
- Seed starting and transplant tracking
- Harvest logs and notes
- Space to experiment and learn
👉 Digital Download: Grab it on StanStore
👉 Amazon Print Version: Grab it on Amazon
Because gardening gets easier, more productive, and more enjoyable when you can see what is working.
🛒 Where to Buy (Affiliate)
If you are ready to grow your own potatoes this season, you can find the same Heppell Seed Potatoes I am using here:
👉 Shop Heppell Seed Potatoes HERE
Use code: KNOTTY5
- 5% off your order
- I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
🌱 Final Thoughts
You do not need a perfect setup to grow food. You do not need a large space or years of experience. You just need a starting point and the willingness to try.
A bag of soil, a seed potato, and a bit of curiosity is enough.
Because once you grow your first potato, something shifts. And you realize that this is not complicated, it is just unfamiliar.
And that is a very powerful place to begin.