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Potatoes are a staple vegetable that numerous gardeners choose to grow at home. They can be prepared in countless ways, from chips to jackets, mashed and roasted.

While they rank among the most straightforward vegetables to grow, they still require attention. Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh suggests the key to successful potatoes lies in the planting method. He recommends planting potatoes in rows in your vegetable patch.

Potatoes need to be planted once the crops have sprouted, which can be encouraged by putting them in empty egg trays.

Place the tray of potatoes on a sunny windowsill to encourage sprout growth. Once the sprouts have reached approximately half an inch, they're ready for planting.

In his Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh TikTok video, Alan used a ball of string and two stakes to establish a straight line across his vegetable patch.

He then used this as a guide for planting his potatoes. Alan's main tip for helping potatoes flourish is to "earth them" once the shoots have emerged.

The expert explained: "As the shoots grow and come up above the ground, you earth them up. You pull soil around them for two reasons.

"Reason one is to protect the shoots which are coming up when the frosts are still around. The soil will protect the tender shoots from frost.

"But, it will also make sure that the potatoes are forming on the roots that come out of those spongy planting. The potatoes that are formed there will be kept in the dark."

Potatoes thrive in dark conditions, which helps prevent them from turning green or becoming diseased. However, ensure the potato shoot receives sunlight, as the leaves require energy to produce the potatoes.

Once your potatoes are ready to harvest, make sure they are stored away from damp and humid environments. With the correct storage methods, they can remain fresh for months.

Advice from Tesco said: "By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to six months. Your spuds need air circulation, so don't suffocate them in a plastic bag. They're best kept in a mesh or paper bag.

"It's also crucial that potatoes are stored away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas.

"This means that your fruits and veggies will ripen one another too quickly, so your potatoes should be stored separately to stop this. Potatoes must be kept in a cool, dark place. Otherwise, light will cause them to photosynthesise and sprout."

The supermarket suggested keeping potatoes below 10°C in a porch cupboard or garden shed.