Potato Growing Masterclass: My Tips for a Bigger, Better Harvest

Everyone loves potatoes… and anyone can grow them! Take a deep dive into the wonderful world of the humble spud. Discover what types to grow, how to get a big and blemish-free harvest, and the most effective way to grow them in containers - everything's covered! Look forward to the promise of perfect potatoes with this, our Potato Growing Masterclass!
For more details on how to grow potatoes in straw watch this video: • No Digging! Grow the B...
More tips on potato growing, including planting them into trenches, can be found here: • Grow Perfect Potatoes ...
Or binge-watch our entire potato growing playlist here: • How to Grow Potatoes
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[@PacificGardening]

The happiness and energy in these videos always makes me smile

[@iwonakaczmarczyk7839]

Me too ❤

[@barbiec4312]

Same. ❤

[@pajcka]

Exceptional. Like old educational BBC shows.

[@QisGoogle]

Same! Even if I grew nothing, Ben brings great joy to the darkest of days.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much guys! :-)

[@Mastadex]

As a Polish man with an Irish wife, I figured I have spuds in my blood. Yet, I've learned quite a bit here! Didn't know there were indeterminate ones. Thanks dude. I love these master class videos.

[@racebiketuner]

I'm 1/4 Polish, 1/4 Irish and definitely have the gene! 😉

[@GrowVeg]

Great there was something new to learn here. Hope this season's spuds grow beautifully for you. :-)

[@J3mdA]

Irish here just starting out and it's made me realise how little I know about spuds... So many varieties!!

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

I notice US sellers never qualify whether a seed potato is determinate or indeterminate so I really have no clue until they get growing good or until I start pulling them up. I think I must mainly have determinate. Happy spud growing.

[@Muggalomaniac]

​@@selecttravelvacations7472 I've noticed that too. I've ended up keeping a list of varieties commonly available in my area and they're sorted into each category. I've been hesitant about growing determinates because I use 10 gallon potato bags, but after seeing the planting strategy in this video I want to try some red norlands and yukon golds in containers!

[@Gardeningchristine]

Last spring my uncle sent me a sweet potato slip and the eye of a potato, just the eye, no potato attached. So I grew them indoors until they could grow outside. I got 7 nice sweet potatoes and 9 good sized red potatoes. So this winter I’ve been experimenting with just planting the eyes, with no potatoes, and they’ve all gotten on really well! If I can plant the eyes and still eat the potatoes I’m going to try it!

[@ausfoodgarden]

I usually grow just the trimmings from supermarket potatoes with good results so you'll probably do ok. (you know, the kind of chunks most people cut off if they see an eye growing)

[@buddleiabee]

That's intersting about the eyes! I tried swet potatoes last year. Japanese ones. The tendrils grow so long & chaotic.

[@GrowVeg]

What a fantastic trial. Let us know how you get on - in theory it should work well. Good luck with it! :-)

[@MamaMudskipper]

​@GrowVeg can propagate Potato eyes in Water to get some nice roots as well. 🌱🥔🌱

[@HonkyRythm35]

I love this guys enthusiasm. He just seems so happy that it makes me happy

[@jhaugh01]

Apparently they can be grown in a bucket of seaweed. I’m going to give that a go. Love your videos mate, you’re Sunday morning TV presenter quality!

[@GrowVeg]

Let us know how they get on growing in seaweed - it's certainly a different way of growing them! :-)

[@Hellionis]

I stopped purchasing seed potatoes - instead I use any left over potatoes from the store that start to "chit" and they work just as well!

[@kevinhipps1236]

Likewise

[@lmullens75]

I had no idea some potatoes were determinate. That's why I didn't get the harvest I expected!!! Wow, so relieved. The bucket/grow bag method is what I've loved so far so I don't have to dig them, just dump them out.

[@napeekapunpimtongnara9111]

It's interesting that your beautiful black soil is probably rich in nutrients that plants love. The process of dealing with the soil is excellent and free of chemicals at every step. I can say that you are truly a teacher in the world's toxic-free agriculture.

[@brightantwerp]

Harvesting potato's is one of my favorite things to do in the garden. As it is always a bit of a surprise what you will get. Thanks for the great info.

[@jerbear7952]

Its like Christmas but without having to deal with family

[@raaron4315]

Again, this guy has the best on-screen dynamic ever. love him! his passion is infectious

[@GrowVeg]

That’s very kind of you to say. Happy gardening!

[@k.p.1139]

We love Tony! He is a 'spud" 😆😆. Thanks, Ben! 20 days until I dig my potatoes. Very excited.

[@maljunkul]

I felt like this video and the whole channel belongs to a TV channel 😂❤

[@katiekat6768]

I’ve learned a lot from this video… thank you 🤗 🥔🌱

[@MrCliveado]

Excellent standard of video Ben, thanks!

[@charleslewis36]

Glad you mentioned Tony. We are trying this method for the first time. Good video, such enthusiasm. Thank you

[@montaguefilms8852]

I just started watching you as I’ve moved into my new house and there are 2 vegetable patches built in my first task is going to be trying to grow some potatoes. Thanks for the help

[@curiouscat4377]

Best detailed video I’ve seen.

[@valeriezendiver263]

This video was incredibly helpful, I learned SO MUCH! I will definitely be a lot more deliberate when planting my spuds this year, thank you good sir 🙏🏻

[@christ9376]

Another great video with every aspect covered in detail and clearly explained. 👍

[@davidevans533]

Some great tips in there ,thanks for another great tutorial 😊

[@fjalar4856]

Thank you so much. This was so helpful🌱

[@ThePerimeters]

You make gardening look like a happy, happy joy, joy event. And I agree. 😂😂😂😂

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Ben, thank you for sharing all these good tips on growing perfect delicious potatoes whether in a container or direct into the soil. The harvest looks very good and I am sure you are the star at the table when these delicious potatoes are tasted, I must it is a treat to eat such fresh produce. Do take care, have a most enjoyable day. Kind regards.

[@Bexyboo88]

I've done Cara the past two years and I'm hooked on them, so already picked up my Cara's for this year. Absolutely excellent potatoes, touchwood - no blight on them either year, even with blighted tomato plants sat right next to them.

[@simplifygardening]

I love growing potatoes and this video is packed with great info. Brill video Ben . Thank you so much for the mention too I really appreciate that mate.😀

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Tony! Thanks for your kind comment. You are the Prince of Potatoes and have been getting a lot of love in the comments here! :-)

[@lovecara1]

Thanks Tony and Ben I have produced loads of potatoes and other lovely vegetables on my Allotment. Keep up the great work guys.

[@jodalry]

Hi Ben, loved the video. I also follow Tony for his sage potato advice. A good tip I think I heard from Tony was, when planting your determinate potatoes is to line up the first two potatoes with the handles then the next two exactly between the handles. This makes sure they are equally spaced around the pot. 🙂👍🏻

[@markw5779]

I thought of Tony when Ben started layering his spuds,it’s a good tip to remember👍

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that's a great tip, thanks for sharing. :-)

[@care4you432]

This was so enjoyable and informative to watch with such great energy! Thank you 😊

[@toniedalton5448]

The prices of potatoes have gotten out of hand So I'm planning on a bigger planting of them this year. Thanks for this video, its very timely.

[@leeroybrown2461]

Yesssss I love this guy How happy is he dough ?? Legend

[@lunalucid]

What a great video to watch while having a nice warm bowl of potato soup! 😄🥔🥔🥔 Very informative, thank you so much! 😊

[@lovebeautifulthings1.m]

😊

[@bipbip6626]

Do you call that a mash potatoes bowl?

[@rockymountaindiva]

Brilliant video, Ben ~ thank you!

[@kathryncustadio]

Your a month ahead of me, thank you for your videos, your very easy and personable to watch...i just came in from seed shopping, saw Alyssum seeds and thought you may approve with purchase..i can't wait to see them dangling over my pots❤

[@GrowVeg]

I thoroughly approve of alyssum - a great purchase! :-)

[@mytube2010ism]

Great informative video for beginners, well done 👍🏻 I've been doing my own container main crop potatoes here in Ireland for the last 11 years with great success, usually grow Roosters

[@serenityhillhomestead7304]

You always do an excellent job!

[@outdoors459]

Very helpful, thank you ❤

[@sluasidhe4898]

I’m in the West of Ireland (not much, if any, frost). I’ve experimented with planting Roosters (main crop/indeterminate) in late Autumn… in a very sheltered spot. It’s not foolproof, but I have had a decent potato harvest in late Spring for the last few years.

[@GrowVeg]

That's fantastic - worth trying these things if you can. :-)

[@suravijoshi758]

Thank you! Would definitely love to try growing potatoes after watching this video.

[@justyna_w3854]

Hey Ben, thank you so much for this video. I have not heard about determinate/indeterminate before! Brilliant advise ahead of my first potato growing season :) All the best!

[@Bato-ib1qf]

Very well presented, thank you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@benjy545]

Awesome advice, many thanks.

[@SuErdenkind]

Thank you so much for giving us your knowledge.💚🙏 Greetings from saxony, Germany 🫶

[@mbonney62]

Super helpful information, and love the enthusiasm! Really appreciate your channel.

[@oksanap87728]

Very helpful info. Thank you!

[@laurieanne9712]

Perfect timing! You are so thorough! Thank you!

[@maryoshea4531]

Where did you sacks with handles, in early part of video, Many thanks

[@user-qd8rk8zs7k]

Thanks for this! Didn’t know about determinate/ indeterminate either- super helpful! :)

[@MrRF786]

Absolutely fantastic video

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

You never disappoint!! I'm growing potatoes this season but in pots. Your advice let me know I'm on the right track. I'm in Florida so I am well past my last frost and they are in the ground. Now to wait for the signs of life!!😂

[@GrowVeg]

They'll soon pop up - not long to wait. :-)

[@leilafones12]

Thanks for another wonderful video, I'll be using a potato grow bag that blew its way into my garden during the last storm, finders keepers 😂

[@GrowVeg]

Nice find! :-)

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Ben, very interestimg info on indeterminate & determinate potatoes. I grow mine in 30L pots and grow well. Will take your tip on removing some of the chits to get larger potatoes. Great video. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊

[@kentkacs3140]

Very informative, thank you!

[@lyndaturner6686]

Thanks for reminding me about determinate and indeterminate varieties, I must check what I have bought👍

[@voiletwhitehorse]

Well broken down thanks,often wondered the difference ❤

[@ienekevanhouten4559]

I got this from Tony as well, nice to see you all working together and credit each other. One thing I learned last year: do not try to grow two different varieties in one pot

[@cassieoz1702]

Ive just harvested the last of my kipflers (determinate) as we come to the end of summer. I got 14kg of spuds from 800g of seed stock. We're not huge potato eaters but there are plenty of friends and family who help us get through them 😉

[@onehandyangel6132]

I have enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@monaskau1830]

Wow, didn't know about determinate/indeterminate potatoes either. Makes sense because I wondered why my potatoes seemed to be in one layer more than I remember from my childhood. This explains it 😄 I love potatoes as well and they were the first thing I grew myself, when I got the chance to do so as a young adult. I feel very lucky that my parents taught me to grow food in a garden! I have so many fond memories of different fruits, vegetables, berries and nuts being grown and cared for - and even better - prepared and eaten, so fresh and delicious 😋😊 Seing your videos takes me right back to that joy of growing your own food and feeling grounded when doing so. Have a great day and I look forward to the next videos to come 😁

[@GrowVeg]

You have great parents! :-)

[@fionaharvey2720]

Another brilliant video reminding me of things I had forgotten and new information! Also it so nice to see another gardener that loves his dog, they are great company mine have a bed in the greenhouse and spend hours in there with me ! ☘️☘️

[@GrowVeg]

They certainly are great company Fiona. :-)

[@sridhars8669]

Ben thank you so much. I have been growing potatoes for the last 5 years, but didn’t know there were determinate and indeterminate varieties. Also that watering tip is very helpful - will be careful to water the base of the plant this year. Fingers crossed!

[@charlottescott7150]

I didn't either. I've been growing them for about 18 years!

[@dlzmedia2792]

I just planted some today, thanks for this! I'm subbed but actually searched it and you came up which is a bonus!

[@GrowVeg]

That's fab to hear! Thanks for subscribing. :-)

[@markw5779]

Good video Ben,I just love growing spuds,It was watching Tony O’Neils channel that inspired me and I’ve been growing in buckets ever since,this year I’m growing swift,kestrel,Charlotte,king Edward,pink fir apple,Desiree and Sarpo Mira…that calls for a lot of buckets Ben!😂👍

[@GrowVeg]

That's a fantastic variety of potatoes - good job! :-)

[@barbiec4312]

Thank you! ❤

[@DuchessDeckey]

I love this video!! Seeing the outcome is so inspiring 🖤

[@DragonflyenAmber]

Thank you so much, your way of explaining things makes it so much easier to learn. My attempts at potatoe growing went horribly last year, I may just try again after seeing this.

[@GrowVeg]

Do try again. :-)

[@RickallsBushcraft01]

Well explained, thanks 👍🏻

[@darlenebradley6756]

I just love Ben! His enthusiasm, delightful accent, and a garden that sports a certain relaxed, 'shabby chic' vibe (unlike the pristine rows of weedless, perfect plants one sees in other garden videos) is an inspiration and encouragement to those of us who aren't so driven by perfection, or blessed with the kind of time perfection requires. I have grown potatoes in 5-gallon buckets, as a fun gardening project for my grandson and me, following these general instructions, and we had a great 'harvest'! We made french fries and potato chips! It was great fun! Here in the States, people use buckets, tubs, 16 gallon storage tubs, hay bales, cardboard boxes, and even laundry baskets. One statement that fits gardeners universally is that we are a creative and inventive lot!!

[@GrowVeg]

We certainly are a creative lot! 😀

[@henwhisperer]

This info is really good to know.

[@san3ne292]

I've learned so much with your video! thank you😊

[@honestguy6345]

I love your videos and disposition. Your demeanor leaves me with a smile and I have learned a great deal from you. Ive found that with Yukon potatoes, i get a better harvest when planted in a bed of hardwood ashes

[@GrowVeg]

Great to have found a good way to get a better harvest like that. :-)

[@alexandrabillett6451]

Potatoes are the one thing my mum and I consistently manage to grow well in her garden year after year! So fuss-free. Will definitely have to try the bucket potatoes this year, last year we had some issue with a naughty little dog digging the seed potatoes up! Thanks for the great video :)

[@GrowVeg]

Hope the dog desists this time round!

[@FitzroySymisterArt]

Amazing information 😮 thank you 🙏🏿

[@iwonakaczmarczyk7839]

Thank you ❤

[@thebutterfly1356]

Im growing my first ever potatoes this year in potato bags. Im growing a variety valled Rocket. Thanks to your video I now know they are determinate and how to put them in the bag. Thanks so much for your brilliant videos 😊😊

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you're giving potatoes a grow - hope they do well for you! :-)

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you Mr Ben : )

[@hkschubert9938]

Our local feed supply store just got in its raspberry & blueberry shoots & it's seed potatoes. So I bought a bunch of them all today & put them down in my root cellar until springtime. And I also already have 26 10-gal buckets for the potatoes !!!

[@looneygardener]

Great video as usual❤

[@myrustygarden]

It was minus 2c in my poly tunnel this week so I’ll wait 🤭🤭. But great information Ben and I looked up my potato variety and learned something new. Happy gardening 👩‍🌾, Ali 🌦️🇨🇦

[@ericandrachallotmenteers]

Me too Ali, I'm excited to have better tatties this year 😍🥔

[@GrowVeg]

Happy gardening! :-)

[@sc00bieskylin34]

Great video, love the dungeon.

[@sandracarli1110]

Great advice, thanks!

[@RawLondonGardener]

Great spuds are, will definitely grow a few, very good shelf life

[@paulinephillips8305]

Thank you so much for this video! I've attempted growing spuds before, but without much success. You've made it simple, and understandable, and I think I'm going to give it another go 😊

[@GrowVeg]

Great to hear you'll be giving it another go! :-)

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thanks for sharing a great video on how to grow potatoes

[@user-kp5vd1tg3r]

Chitting my Russet Burbank, Kennebec and Red Norland this morning. My older grandson asked to grow potatoes this year. They will be on their way when he gets here!!!

[@GrowVeg]

Great job! :-)

[@user-vq5ls5um4n]

Hi Ben, very interestimg info on indeterminate & determinate potatoes. I grow mine in 30L pots and grow well. Will take your tip on removing some of the chits to get larger potatoes. Great video. Thanks for sharing and take care

[@angelaphan3346]

Great video! 9b here (states)and we’re just a few weeks away from harvesting some fall sewn spuds! Potatoes are some of the best crops to harvest, it really is like a treasure hunt each time!

[@GrowVeg]

Always a joy hunting for the tubers! :-)

[@juliehartley3652]

Thank you Ben. I might try container potatoes this year. 👍

[@powaqqatsi8]

Thank you for explaining the difference between determinate and indeterminate potatoes. 👍 It is already potato planting season here in east Texas. Hilling potatoes is such laborious work since we get heavy rains and will just push the soil around, so I combine a few methods into one that works well here. I can also plant potatoes in the late summer for fall growing season. I found that Idaho really is one of the best places to grow potatoes due to the dry climate. Love your channel❤

[@GrowVeg]

Glad potato season's already started for you there. Hope you get a weighty harvest! :-)

[@nico29568]

Great Video, thank you🙂

[@lovebeautifulthings1.m]

Thank you for your videos. I've learned so much from them.

[@anthonystevens749]

Useful timely reminders and as entertaining as always - thanks Ben! I first got the gardening bug about 60 years ago when my grandad took time off from his allotment to show me the art of growing potatoes... the magic of pulling those tubers from the soil never gets old! My own tip: I use similar mixes of materials as you do, for tubs of spuds, tomatoes and cukes - so I bulk mix using a small concrete mixer. Works a treat 😎😁

[@GrowVeg]

What a great way to mix things up - love it! :-)

[@JL-hw5hu]

❤love your techniques simple easy to follow teachings. On Sweet Tomato Vine Homestead she's using her whole property as well growing food every way possible. Love how different gardeners in different states are using similar techniques to grow food. Look forward to the next video. Thanks.

[@petergarcia8225]

Great video, very inclusive and interesting..🎉Keep up the schooling.

[@PatrickODoherty]

10/10! I really enjoy your content :)

[@mirk6172]

Excellent depiction Sir

[@txgirl4ever716]

New subscriber here, found your video while searching how to grow a larger harvest for potatoes. I have tried to grow potatoes for the last 3 years and failed. Thank you for taking the time to educate your followers on growing potatoes. I learned so much from the video. I actually did not know there were determinate and indeterminate potatoes. I knew tomatoes had the difference but not potatoes. Thanks again.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you've found this video useful. Hope you succeed next time round! :-)

[@bensonkattenhorn1495]

Simplify gardening pioneered this method

[@GrowVeg]

Yes indeed - Tony has a great system with his potatoes tubs. :-)

[@Lesendorf]

What a great ‘how to’ video.👍🏻

[@ericandrachallotmenteers]

Hi Ben and thanks for this. I've learnt a lot more about tatties. We have buckets so will be trying this. I have a couple of varieties so I'm excited to see how they do. We are in the north east uk and it's always cold up here 😂 frost in May! Great video 👍🏽 Rach 👩🏼‍🌾🌱

[@GrowVeg]

Hope you get a great harvest from them. :-)

[@ericandrachallotmenteers]

@@GrowVeg thanks Ben 👏🏽 so do we 🥔

[@AndreaDingbatt]

❤ Thank You so Much!!❤ I didn't manage to get much gardening done last year. But, I'm already a lot better now and looking forward to the Taste of homegrown potatoes!!❤ Quick question,,,Does anyone else Clamp their late spuds to overwinter//store them nowadays?!!❤

[@GrowVeg]

I find it easier to just hang them up in the dark to store, but if you have lots and lots of potatoes, then you may find clamps work well.

[@Kitchenlabofficial]

Hello friend good work and beautiful potato growing

[@ShelitaRN]

I first learned how to grow potatoes from you several years ago! I was so afraid that they wouldn't grow but you assured me they would but it would take a few weeks and they did! I've been growing potatoes ever since but I just learned about indeterminate and determinate and I do really want to grow the different varieties like you mentioned in this video to have a continual harvest. Thank you for all your hard work over the years and for this awesome very detailed masterclass!

[@GrowVeg]

This is lovely to read - I'm so pleased you're a potato-growing pro - nice work! Hope you get a good crop this year also. :-)

[@ShelitaRN]

@@GrowVeg Thank you!