Can You Plant Potatoes in a Container?
Potatoes are tubers that grow on short runners that develop from the underground part of the plant's stem, so if you want to harvest an abundance of potatoes from your plants, they need plenty of space. As long as a container is deep enough for the stem to grow and wide enough for tubers to develop, potatoes can be grown successfully in containers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Containers
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When planting potatoes in a pot, think big. While it's possible to grow a few potatoes in a container 12 inches tall and 12 inches across, a larger container is necessary for a more substantial crop. Some gardeners have had success with tires that are stacked atop one other and filled with soil as the plant grows. Others have found that a 20-gallon plastic trash container is an effective potato-growing container as long as you drill drainage holes in the bottom.
Presprout Seed Potatoes
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To speed the time from planting to harvest, presprout the seed potatoes. Two weeks before the last spring frost, spread them in a single layer in a shallow pan and spray them lightly with liquid seaweed. Sprouts will form in about two weeks. As soon as sprouts are 1 inch long, the seed potatoes are ready to be planted.
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Potatoes in Potting Mix
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The traditional method for starting container-grown potatoes involves filling the container one-third full with potting mix. Plant presprouted seed potatoes 5 to 6 inches apart, keeping them 4 inches from the edge of the container. Cover with 2 inches of soil. When the plants have grown to 6 inches, add 3 inches of soil. With every additional 6 inches of growth, continue to cover the bottom half of the plants with potting mix. Stop when the soil is 1 inch from the top of the container. Mound potting medium around the base of each plant, but leave enough space for watering. Water regularly and consistently.
Potatoes Mulched With Hay or Straw
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An alternative cultivation method makes use of dried materials such as hay or straw. Almost fill a container that's at least 20 inches wide with potting soil. Lay presprouted seed potatoes on the soil and press them in gently. Using chicken wire or a piece of plastic grid, create a cage around the perimeter of the container. Anchor the bottom in the soil so that the cage is about 1 foot tall. Cover the seed potatoes with 1 inch of straw or hay. Dry leaves will work, too. As the plants grow, add more hay or straw to cover the bottom half of the foliage. Be sure the tubers are completely covered at all times.
Harvest
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The first harvest can take place in about two months. If your potatoes are a variety that produces blossoms, the start of flowering is a signal that some potatoes are ready. In the absence of flowers, you'll have to dig down and manually check the size of the potatoes to determine if they're ready. According to the authors of "The Bountiful Container," you should be able to harvest 2 to 4 pounds of potatoes from each plant.
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References
- "The Bountiful Container"; Rose Marie Nichols McGee, et al.; 2002
- University of Florida Extension; You Can Grow Potatoes in Escambia County; Libbie Johnson, et al.
- Ohio State University Extension; Container Vegetable Gardening; Karen Demboski, et al.
- "Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers"; Edward C. Smith; 2006
Resources
- Photo Credit plants de pommes de terre image by celeste clochard from Fotolia.com
