Why Are Potatoes Growing in My New Lawn?

The reason why you’re finding potatoes in your fresh turf rolls and new lawn.

So, you’ve received your order of George Davies turf, laid it perfectly following our step-by-step guide, and thoroughly watered it to help it anchor in – great!

But then you spot something unexpected: a potato.

While it may seem strange, don’t panic. Potatoes in fresh turf are completely normal, especially when that turf has been grown on an old potato farm. In this article, we explain why we grow turf on old potato fields, why potatoes may be appearing across your new lawn and how to remove them.

Content Overview:

• Why are potatoes in my turf?
• Will potatoes damage my lawn?
• How to remove potatoes from turf
• How long will potatoes keep appearing?
• Why is Turf Grown on Potato Fields?
• View Our Fresh Turf
• Speak to the Experts
• FAQs

Why are there potatoes in my turf?

This is because your turf was sown, grown and harvested on a previous potato field.

Potatoes are surprisingly resilient plants. Although farmers do their best to remove all traces of old produce before sowing new, a small number of potato seeds can remain in the ground.

When installing new turf on prepared ground with nutrient-rich topsoil and watering regularly, you’re creating the ideal growing conditions – for your turf and any hidden potatoes.

This should only be a minor issue in the first few months after laying turf and is easily resolved without affecting your beautiful lawn.

Will Potatoes in My Turf Damage My Lawn?

Not at all. If you find a potato growing in your turf, it will not harm your lawn. This includes the grass blades, roots, and the quality or performance of your lawn.

In fact, potatoes in your lawn are often a sign that your soil is rich, fertile and provides healthy growing conditions. This is ideal for your turf, and you can be reassured that it is getting all it needs from the soil.

Potato shoots may stand proud of the ground and above the height of your turf, but this is because they grow faster and have broader leaves, making them easily visible. They pose no threat to your lawn’s health and can be easily removed.

Read More:

• What Stresses Your Turf?
• Why Are Mushrooms Appearing in MY Freshly Laid Turf?
• Guide to Lawn Fungus and Disease

How to Remove Potatoes from Your Lawn

There are two ways to remove potatoes from your lawn. Both are easy solutions and only take a few minutes.

Method 1: Pull Out the Potato Shoot

If you notice a potato plant emerging, do the following:

1. Grasp the shoot firmly near the base
2. Gently pull upwards, away from the turf
3. Remove any attached potato if visible
4. Dispose of the plant in your compost

Method 2: Dig Out the Potato

If the potato doesn’t easily pull away by hand, try these steps:

1. Use a hand trowel and dig into the soil where the shoots are
2. Carefully lift beneath the roots to remove the potato
3. Fill the gap by replacing the soil or adding high-quality topsoil
4. Press the turf back into place and water thoroughly

The aim with both methods is to remove the roots and shoots of the potato. This will resolve the issue, and the potato won’t grow back.

How Long Will Potatoes Keep Appearing On My Turf?

Once removed, potatoes should not reappear on your lawn.

Most customers only notice potatoes during the first growing season after laying their turf. Once they have been effectively removed, they rarely reappear.

As potatoes are removed and the lawn becomes more established and regularly mowed, potato growth is restricted, and sightings become increasingly rare.

Why Is Turf Grown on Potato Fields?

Turf is often grown on old potato fields because the soil is extremely fertile, creating the best growing environment for strong, vibrant and healthy turf.

Many of the best UK turf farms operate on land that has been previously used for arable farming. Crop rotation helps maintain soil structure, nutrient levels, and drainage, creating the ideal condition for whatever you’re growing.

While an occasional potato may surprise you, the benefits of using fertile agricultural soil far outweigh the minor inconvenience of removing a potato.

By growing turf on potato fields, we can ensure premium-quality turf with strong roots, healthy growth and excellent performance for our customers.

View Our Range of Turf

• Trident Turf
• Show Lawn Turf
• Clover Turf
• Wild Flower Turf
• Greens Turf
• Shade-Tolerant Turf
• Species-Rich Turf
• Revetting Turf
• RTF Turf
• View All

Read More:

• How is Turf Made?
• Types of Turf: What’s the Difference?
• How Much Does Turf Cost?

Speak to the Experts

If you have noticed potatoes in your lawn and you’re unsure what to do, our friendly team are on hand to help. Just give us a call and speak to them directly.

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we believe in being transparent with our customers about the turf process from field to garden. We’re also here to supply you with all the premium landscaping materials and advice you need.

If we can help in any way, please get in touch, visit the team at our St. Albans branch, or explore our Turf University articles.

FAQs

Why are potatoes growing in my new lawn?

Potatoes can appear on your lawn if your turf was grown and harvested in a potato field. Potato seeds may have lain dormant, awakening during the growing season once your turf is laid.

Will potatoes kill my grass?

No, potatoes will not kill, damage or weaken your grass. Potatoes grow alongside your grass and can be easily removed without causing any damage.

How do I stop potatoes from growing in my lawn?

The easiest solution to stop potatoes from growing in your lawn is to remove the shoots as soon as they appear. Once the roots have been removed, it cannot grow again.

Are potatoes a sign of poor-quality turf?

Not at all! Potatoes are a sign that your turf was grown in highly fertile conditions, and that your soil is providing the ideal growing environment for healthy turf.

Can I leave potatoes in my lawn?

You can leave potatoes on your lawn, but they will keep reappearing and can hinder mowing. Most homeowners prefer to remove them to improve their lawn’s appearance and make it easier to maintain.