A Little Bit of Luck in Every Row: The Folklore of Planting Potatoes
There’s an old gardener’s tale that drifts through allotments and kitchen gardens every spring, a quiet little whisper passed between muddy hands and knowing smiles. It says that if you plant your potatoes (or any seeds, really) on Good Friday, they’ll grow all the better for it.
Now, whether it’s the timing, the soil warming just enough, or simply the gardener’s optimism reaching its peak, no one can say for certain. But that’s the charm of it. It’s not about rules or rigid science, it’s about tradition, a bit of seasonal rhythm, and the simple joy of getting your hands into the earth at just the right moment.
There’s something wonderfully reassuring about these bits of folklore. They remind us that gardening isn’t just a process, it’s a story we step into each year.
Planting on this particular day? Well, it feels a bit like joining a long line of growers who’ve done the very same, all hoping for a generous harvest and a bit of good fortune.
Planting Your Potatoes the Right Way
Of course, folklore aside, giving your potatoes the best possible start will always tip the odds in your favour.
Start with good-quality seed potatoes. If you’ve had the chance to “chit” them (letting them sprout in a cool, light place), even better; those sturdy little shoots will give them a head start once they hit the soil.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Potatoes don’t like to sit in water, so avoid heavy, soggy ground. Dig a trench around 10–15cm deep and place your seed potatoes about 30cm apart, with the shoots facing upwards. Cover them gently with soil and give them a good watering.
As they grow, keep earthing them up, drawing soil around the stems to protect developing potatoes from the light and encourage a bigger crop. It’s a simple step, but one that makes all the difference.
And then comes the hardest part… waiting. But that’s part of the magic too.
A Little Extra Help for Your Garden
If you’re planning to get planting, now’s the perfect time to give your soil a boost.
From Good Friday until the 12th of April, our multi-purpose compost is available for just £6.99 per bag, and even better, buy two and get the third one free. A small investment in your soil can make all the difference, whether you’re following folklore or simply trusting your green thumb.
Either way, here’s to a season of strong growth, full baskets, and a garden that rewards you every step of the way.
