Best Compost For Growing Potatoes

Potatoes grow best in open textured compost that is rich in organic matter. When it comes to compost, a well-balanced compost that is rich in nutrients and has a neutral pH is generally the best choice for growing potatoes.

The GardenAdvice team recommendation for the best compost for growing potatoes in a container is John Innes number 2 (the number relates to the strength of the compost, number 3 being stronger than 2).

Adding some well rotted garden compost to the John Innes compost will also help.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best compost for growing potatoes:

  1. Look for a compost that is high in nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, as these are essential for healthy potato growth.
  2. Make sure the compost has a neutral pH, around 7.0. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil, but a pH that is too high or too low can cause problems with growth.
  3. Choose a compost that is well-decomposed and has a crumbly, soil-like texture. This will help ensure that the soil is well-draining and will not become compacted.
  4. Avoid using compost that is high in woody material, as this can make the soil too acidic and may inhibit potato growth.

Overall, it is important to choose a high-quality compost that is rich in nutrients and organic mater plus has a neutral pH to provide the best growing conditions for your potatoes.

With potatoes especially early ones its a good idea to pre chit them to get them started Click Here for more details on pre chitting potatoes.