Registrations are open for 2024

Welcome to Grow Your Own Potatoes

Free Seed Potatoes for Primary Schools in England, Scotland and Wales

Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House

We are delighted to announce that Grow Your Own Potatoes have won a prestigious award.

πŸ† Celebrating Success at the National Potato Awards 2023!

We are thrilled to announce that Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) has been voted the winner in the categories of Best Marketing Work/Best Marketing Campaign at the prestigious National Potato Awards 2023. This tremendous achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team.

This recognition holds special significance as it comes during a period of transition, moving GYOP from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to Potato House. We are immensely proud of this accomplishment, showcasing the resilience and impact of the GYOP initiative.

This success would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors!Β  Thank you!

We are looking to recruit more sponsors for 2024 - how can you help?

About Grow Your Own Potatoes

Launched in 2005, Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) was one of the first primary school based growing projects. Since then, it has become the largest of its kind with over 6 million children taking part in learning where potatoes come from, how they grow and the health benefits. The straightforward and hands-on nature of the GYOP project makes it perfect for young pupils.

Schools that register to take part (before the end of January) receive a FREE growing kit containing two varieties of seed potato and easy to follow instructions.

GYOP is open to all primary schools in England, Scotland and Wales only.

Benefits of taking part for your pupils

Taking part in the Grow Your Own Potatoes project offers your pupils a number of invaluable benefits. Here are five compelling reasons why this endeavour is essential for their growth and development:

  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Improved Nutrition
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Greater Appreciation of food
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Development of life skills
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Boost confidence
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Getting outdoors

What is included in the pack?

Each pack will have 7 seed potatoes.Β  You will plant 6 and use the remaining one for our great experiment.Β 

Full instructions are included and you will be able to refer to our huge resource bank here.

You will need a container, soil and optional gardening gloves for the children.

Key Dates

Growing Potatoes is a spring time activity, and you can eat the potatoes you have grown before schools break up for the summer holidays.Β  Don't worry if your school schedule (or the weather) means these days are slightly out

  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Registration Closes - 26th January 2024
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Getting your Pack and Chitting - Tuesday 20th February for 2 weeks
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Planting Tuesday 5th March
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Growing period Tuesday 5th March - Tuesday 11th June
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Harvest Tuesday 11th June
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Cooking and Eating your Potatoes - as soon as you harvest
  • Grow Your Own Potatoes | Potato House Entering the Competition - as soon as you harvest