1Step 1. Fill your spud bag with a layer of approximately 5 inches (13cm) of good quality general purpose compost and lightly firm with your hand. Set your seed potatoes into the compost so that the shoot is facing upwards, being careful not to damage any shoots. Try to arrange the seed potatoes at equal distance, for example, if you intend to plant 5 seed potatoes, set four around the edge and one in the middle

2Step 2. Add another layer of compost so that the shoots are well covered and then water. Never let the compost dry out but do not over-water, as long as the compost feels damp to the finger the spuds will be ok. An application of high potash fertilizer at the rate suggested will increase the yield but avoid those that are high in nitrogen.

3Step 3. When the shoots push through the compost to about 3 inches (75cm) high add another layer of compost so that the tips of the shoots are just covered. Repeat this process until the level of the compost is about 2 inches (50cm) from the top of the spud bag. The plants can now be allowed to continue to grow. If there is any danger of frost move your Spud Bag to a warmer situation until the frost has passed.

4Step 4. Harvesting time will depend upon planting time, weather, temperature and chosen variety but as a general guide, when the plant develops small flowers the potatoes should be ready to harvest. Try digging a little in to the bag with a trowel to see if they are ready. Harvest them when they are a good size for eating.

Now you can enjoy tastier and more succulent home-grown spuds, the Easy-Gro way.

Seed potatoes a readily available at garden centres and other outlets from january and throughout the spring.

There are a wide range of varieties to choose from but the three main categories are: First ealies, Second Earlies and Maincrop.

First earlies are planted from January to March and are ready from May-July. Second earlies are planted between February and May and harvested from July to October. Maincrop potatoes are planted in April and harvesting is in September and October.

Before planting, lay your seed potatoes in a tray and leave in a cool (but not freezing), light place (avoid direct sunlight) to allow the sprouts to grow to about 1 inch (2.5cm). This process is known as 'chitting' and gives the potatoes a head start before planting. Each Easy-Gro Spud Bag is suitable for planting between 3 and 5 seed potatoes. Planting each of your bags at 1-2 week intervals will ensure that your potatoes will be available over a longer period rather than all at once.

Careful choice of compost and fertilizer will allow you to grow your potatoes organically.
Growing your own potatoes is fun, it also means you can be harvesting and eating the first of the crop while price are still high in the shops.