Want to grow potatoes but short on space?
No problem!
You can grow them in containers. It’s easier than you think. Here are 9 handy tactics to get you started.
Let’s grow some spuds together!
Choose the Right Container
When growing potatoes in containers, size matters! Pick a container that’s at least 16 inches deep and has good drainage.
Think buckets, large pots, or even a sturdy bag. Make sure it has holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.
This helps to keep the soil from getting waterlogged and doing a number on your spuds.
Select Your Seed Potatoes
Grab some seed potatoes from your local garden center or order them online. Avoid using regular store-bought potatoes, as they’re often treated to prevent sprouting.
Look for certified disease-free seed potatoes. Smaller ones can be planted whole, but larger ones should be cut into pieces, each with at least one eye.
Prepare Your Container
Fill the bottom of your container with about 4 inches of good quality potting soil mixed with compost. This mix will provide the nutrients your potatoes need to thrive.
Lightly moisten the soil before planting. This will help the seed potatoes settle in nicely, kind of like how you fluff a pillow before sleeping.
Plant Your Potatoes
Place your seed potato pieces (with the eyes facing up) on top of the soil. Cover them with another 4 inches of soil.
As the plants grow, you’ll need to “hill” them by adding more soil around the stems. This encourages more tubers to develop and keeps them from being exposed to sunlight.
Water Regularly
Potatoes like consistent moisture. Water your container thoroughly and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soaking wet.
Think of it like keeping a sponge that is damp but not dripping. Make sure the container never dries out completely, as this can stress the plants.
Provide Plenty of Sunlight
Potatoes are sun lovers, so place your container in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This is their version of a tropical vacation!
Too much shade will lead to smaller yields and fewer tubers, so make sure they’re sunbathing enough.
Feed Your Plants
Your potato plants will appreciate a little snack now and then. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to feed them every couple of weeks.
This will help them grow big and healthy. Read the instructions on your fertilizer package and don’t overdo it!
Harvest Time
Your potatoes are ready to harvest when the plants start to flower. This usually takes about 10-12 weeks, depending on the variety.
Gently dig into the container and pull out a few baby potatoes for a delicious early harvest. For a full harvest, wait until the foliage turns yellow and dies back.
Dump out the container and pick out all your homegrown treasures!
Store Your Harvest
After you’ve gathered your potatoes, let them sit out in a cool, dark place for a few days to cure. This helps toughen up their skins for better storage.
Once cured, you can keep them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Enjoy your bounty in soups, salads, or mashed with lots of butter—yum!