Here is how to grow potatoes in containers in eight easy steps.
However, be prepared to cover your potato containers if a late spring frost is predicted.
Potatoes can also be grown in containers indoors in the winter, provided they receive sufficient warmth and light.
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Begin by barely covering the seed potatoes with soil.
As the plant grows, heap additional soil around the plant at regular intervals until the container is filled.
Specialty potato sacks are available at garden centers or online garden retailers.
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Whatever container you choose, check that it has good drainage.
A good option is a half-and-half mixture of commercial potting soil and quality compost.
Mix an organic,slow-release fertilizerinto the potting soil.
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If you use too much conventional fertilizer, it easily burns your plants.
Position the Seed Potatoes
Place the container in full sun.
Fill the container with about 4 to 6 inches of potting soil blended with compost and fertilizer.
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Place the prepared seed potato pieces onto the potting mix with the eye buds facing up.
A container about 20 inches wide fits about four small seed potatoes.
Cover the Seed Potatoes
Cover the seed potatoes with 1 to 4 inches of soil.
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Dont plant them too deeply; the cooler the climate, the less soil you should put on top.
Check the container at least once a day to ensure the soil is moist.
Stick your finger at least an inch into the soil.
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If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water deeply by waiting until water runs out the bottom.
Use a diluted liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every couple of weeks as your potatoes grow.
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Potatoes grown in containers need plenty of water, which leaches out nutrients from the soil.
Be careful not to break the plants in the process.
The goal is to bury about one-third of the plant, covering the lower leaves with soil.
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Repeat the hilling process a few more times as the plants grow.
Stop once the soil reaches the top of your container.
Harvest the Potatoes
Potatoes can beharvested anytimeafter the plants have flowered.
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Carefully reach down into the soil of your container and pull out a few new potatoes at a time.
The easiest way to do this is to turn the container over onto a tarp and separate the potatoes.
Warning
Potatoes with green skins contain a bitter chemical known as solanine, which is mildly toxic.
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Discard potatoes that have green skins, or cut away those portions before eating them.
Store Harvested Potatoes
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Potatoes can be cooked right away, orstored for later use.
If storing, brush off the dirt and let the potatoes dry for a couple of days.
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Store in baskets or paper bags that allow air circulation.
One plant will produce about two pounds of potatoes.
The small tender new potatoes are harvested earlier, usually once the plants have flowered.
What is the best way to grow potatoes in containers?University of New Hampshire.
Fertilizer or Pesticide Burn - Vegetables.
University of Maryland Extension.
Are Green Potatoes Dangerous?USDA.
