Growing potatoes in containers is really easy and the perfect solution if you want to grow your own but have limited space. There is also much less chance of soil borne pests and diseases.

Now is the perfect time to get started and we're fully stocked with everything you'll need.

Why not have a go?! Our easy to follow, step by step guide will tell you how...

What you need:
Potato bag or container
Multipurpose or vegetable compost
Seed potatoes 3/5 depending on size of container 
Potato fertiliser 

How to do it 
Fill the container up with the compost.
Plant the potatoes 12-15cm into the compost and cover.
Incorporate fertiliser into the top 10cm of compost.
Water in well.
Place in a bright, frost free place and water when the compost begins to dry out. 

Chitting 
First and second early varieties particularly benefit from chitting which is the process of producing shoots before planting. This will  produce faster growth and heavier crops.
Sit the potatoes in egg boxes with the most “eyes” facing upwards and place in a bright frost free room.
Plant out when the shoots are about 2.5cm tall between early March and end of May.

Harvesting
First and second early varieties can be harvested when the plants begin to flower. Have a dig under the compost to make sure they are big enough. With main crops wait until 2 weeks after the leaves have withered.   

Storing
Lay out to dry, then store in hessian or paper bags in a dark, cool place.

Handy info
Smaller early new potatoes take 10 weeks from planting to cropping, second early 13 weeks and large main crop varieties for baking take 15 -20 weeks. Main crop are better suited to growing in the ground but can also be planted in containers!

Seasonal nursery staff required. Temporary Position.

Vacancies are available at our nursery for people to help grow young plants.

We have various jobs, from sticking cuttings, to running transplanting machines, moving plants, watering, picking and packing.

We are looking for quick manual workers with nimble fingers.

You will be fully trained on the jobs we are offering.

We need successful candidates to work 5 days out of 7. This will include some weekend work.

Part-time workers are also required, however we are looking for people to work regular part time hours and days agreed in advance.

Immediate start. Hourly rate £7.83

We are located on an easy bus route from Edinburgh - 37/47

Apply by sending your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please specify in your CV if you are applying for full time or part time

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Join us on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th January at 2pm for Pentland Plants 'Big Garden Birdwatch'!

Alie will be giving you some great ideas on how to get the birds flocking to your bird feeders, whatever your outdoor space.

Find out how to create the perfect haven for birds and why we should be encouraging wildlife to our gardens.

RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch 2019 - Join the fun

The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch takes place this January. Sign-up today to request a FREE postal pack, or take part online and get access to Big Garden Extra. Here you can access exclusive articles, downloads and celebrity interviews. Once you've signed up, you'll also benefit from 20% off in our shop and FREE delivery*. 

Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?fbclid=IwAR1iLkaEOEu16f6h2EVBWsZVM7IF928BEPzW2UMIGiB3WNLG_k9XbI9CnNM#wgY5g62hQ6krvsMe.99

JANUARY Snowdrops are beginning to emerge, scented winter flowering shrubs are coming into the fore and Hellebores begin to show their faces in the shadiest patches of the garden.

One of the first jobs for the gardener is forcing (known as chitting) seed potatoes. Pentland Plants have the first delivery of potatoes mid January where you will find everything you need to get started. Remember to place the seed potato eye upright on a tray in a light, cool, frost free place. Getting in an early crop can see a first harvest by the end of June. 

With a good selection of seeds in store, January is the month to plan this year’s crops and flowers for the season ahead. There are many seeds suitable for propagation in January and sowing them indoors now will allow you to transplant once the weather warms up. 

A great variety of houseplants are available at this time of year, but reduce watering as plants aren’t growing much and leaves don’t lose moisture in cool conditions. Speak to one of our experts who will advise you on how to best care for plants in your home.

Now is a great time to get your greenhouse ready to house this year’s seedlings and crops. Use a Greenhouse fumigator which will eradicate any dormant red spider mite, flying and crawling insects. A good greenhouse disinfectant can be used on benches, tools and is suitable for cleaning capillary matting and any irrigation system.

So together let’s get this season off to a Blooming great new year… we have expert advisers in store on hand to help you plan ahead! 

Thank you to everyone who came and visited Penelope and Rebecca in December - the beautiful miniature donkeys from The Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary!
We're delighted to announce that we raised over £1200 for the charity. Thank you all for your donations and support!