Last Updated on September 6, 2021 by Gary Stephen
How to grow potatoes in a container? Potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron. One medium potato with skin provides 620 mg potassium which is 18% of our daily need. Plus, they are low in sodium and free from cholesterol. They are also a good source of fiber and magnesium and antioxidants. You probably also already know all the delicious meals you can make from potatoes, so why not grow your own at home?
Potatoes are one of the many vegetables that you can farm at home. But sometimes it becomes impossible to farm for the shortage of growing space, as growing potatoes in the ground takes up lots of space. But don’t fret, you can grow potatoes in containers! In this article, we will show you simple way of how to grow potatoes in a container. Let’s get started!
How to Grow Potatoes in a Container
The method of How to Grow Potatoes in a Container is surprisingly simple. You can grow potatoes in a very small space by using this process. Hence, growing potatoes in containers are the same as growing them in the ground. First, you have to select certified potato seeds that are disease-free. You can also buy any kind of potatoes from the supermarket. But, the potatoes should be mature potatoes that are 70 to 90 days old.
After selecting seed potatoes, you have to select potato containers and soil. If you choose a plastic container, make sure it has several holes for drainage. Then select a place that will provide six to eight hours of sunlight. Then go after the following steps of below for harvesting:
Step-1:
Cut the selected seed potatoes in two or three pieces. Every piece should have at least one sprout. After cutting, the potatoes will need to heal and callous by drying a few days.
Step-2:
Fill up your container with four to six inches of compost. Be careful about the quality of compost, because the growth of potatoes will depend on it. You can also use pots instead of the container.
Step-3:
Place the pieces of potato on the top of the compost, so the sprouts or eyes will point upwards. Use the maximum of three sprouts for 12-inch diameter.
Step-4:
Now, cover the sprouts with another five or four-inch of compost. Then, water the soil carefully. After that, wait for the plants of the potato to come up above the soil level.
Step-5
This step is known as the “earthing up” process. When the plants of the potatoes grow 10 centimeters or 4 inches above the soil, add eight or more centimeters of compost. Continue this process until the soil reaches the top of the container.
Feeding and Watering Container Potatoes:
Watering is a very important part of the process of how to grow potatoes in a container. The growing potatoes will need continuous watering for the right level of moisture. Thus, the plant will be dead if the soil became very wet or dried out.
The best option is to have a reliable irrigation system. If you don’t have one, then you must be disciplined and always keep an eye on the soil regularly. Besides, you have to water the soil at least twice a week.
You can use nitrogen fertilizers but this will result in lots of foliage at the expense of potatoes. Instead of using nitrogen fertilizer, you can add blood and bones of two fish as the natural fertilizer in the soil.
Disease and Pests
There are some diseases in potatoes which may occur after planting. These include Blight, Aphids, Flea Beetles, etc. Blight is one of the common diseases. It can spread and ruin your potatoes and other crops. To save your potatoes from this disease, plant other crops away from the potatoes. In the time of selecting compost, select organic compost instead of artificial fertilizers. Artificial fertilizers attract more pests.
Harvesting Container Potatoes
The potatoes will be ready for harvesting after the plants start to turn yellow. They will provide a green crop after becoming ready for harvest. Dig your hands into the soil and feel around. If you feel that any potatoes are ready for harvesting, pick them one by one. The green potatoes are poisonous, so avoid these. If you feel the potatoes are not ready for harvesting, then simply leave them in the soil. The plant will generally continue to grow larger.
Freshly harvested potatoes are very good for eating straight away. If you are going to store them, you have to dry them a little bit. You can dry them by putting them under the sun for one or two hours. Then, place them in a paper or cloth bag and store them in a cool and dark place.
How often should I water my potato plants?
Our top tip is to maintain even moisture for your potatoes, especially when your plant’s sprouts appear and while they are blossoming. Around 1 to t inches of water weekly should do the trick. Be careful not to water the plants too much, especially right after planting them, as the potatoes may become misshaped.
Final Word
Potatoes are the most eaten vegetables in United States and fourth-most eaten crops in the world. Potatoes are tasty and healthy at the same time. So why not grow your very own? It’s easier than you might think, and you don’t even need much space to get started. With our top tips of growing your very own potatoes, you’l have delicious veggies in no time. Bon appétit!