Determined to earth up your Tatws?

Ever noticed how tomatoes come in "Bush" (determinate) and "Cordon" (indeterminate) types? Well, it turns out their potato cousins share those exact same traits - which makes sense since they’re both members of the Solanaceae family. Whilst you don't need to worry about side shooting your potatoes like you do with tomatoes, understanding their growth habits could be a game-changer for your harvest.

Comparison of Determinate and Indeterminate potato growth habits

Determinate Potatoes: The Speedsters

Think of these as the "Bush" version of potatoes. They are stockier plants that set all their tubers in a single, shallow layer just under the soil surface.

• Maintenance: Because they don’t grow potatoes up their stems, you don't really need to earth them up in high mounds. Just keep them covered with a bit of mulch or soil to stop them from turning green in the sun.
• Timeline: These are usually the sprinters of the allotment, often ready to harvest in as little as 65 - 90 days. Because they spread out horizontally, they appreciate a bit more elbow room in the row.
• Varieties to look for: Anya, Charlotte, Kestrel, Rocket and Pentland Javelin.

Indeterminate Potatoes: The High-Rise Producers

These are more like "Cordon" tomatoes - unruly, tall, and constantly reaching skyward. They produce tubers in vertical layers along the buried part of the stem as the plant grows upward.

• Maintenance: Earthing up (mounding soil around the stems) is essential here. The more stem you cover, the more layers of potatoes the plant can produce. Plus, that extra soil helps support their taller stems so they don't fall over.
• Timeline: Expect a longer wait - typically 90 - 120 days - but the yield is usually much higher.
• Popular choices: Maris Piper, King Edward, Desiree, Rooster and Nicola.

Tips for Container Growing

If you’re growing in a large container, as well as allowing around 10 litres of soil/compost per tuber, your strategy should change depending on the variety:

• For Determinate types: Since they only grow in one layer, try planting your tubers at staggered depths. This ensures you’re using every inch of that vertical space in the bucket.
• For Indeterminate types: Plant all your tubers a few inches from the bottom of the bucket. As the stems grow, keep adding more compost until you reach the top. The plant will happily fill that entire bucket with layers of potatoes!

Comparison of container planting techniques (30L bucket)

You’re now officially in on the secrets of the potato world! Just pick your fighter: the shallow-growing determinate or the sky-reaching, multi-layered indeterminate. Whichever path you choose, keep those stems and tubers covered and get ready for a serious spud-fest. Happy planting!