The most beloved vegetable around the world for its wonderful taste is potatoes. You might be thinking now, “can potatoes be grown in containers?” Though they are typically grown on ground by farmers or gardeners, you can grow them at home in your containers. Surprising?! Yes, it will be fun to grow potatoes in a container. You can use any container from large round pots to buckets or drums, from boxes to grow bags or gunny bags. The great thing about planting them in containers helps in better harvesting.
Want to give this method a try? Read this for further information about growing potatoes in containers, the methods, and benefits, and even more.
What Are The Advantages Of Growing Potatoes In Containers?
Won’t it be a great choice to have your own vegetable garden? And when it comes to potatoes, you might be thinking, can potatoes be grown in containers? Well, potatoes being a root vegetable, it is certain to think that they might need a vast area to grow and it grows only on the ground including garden, field, farm, or backyard of your home. And the amazing fact is it can be grown in containers.
The benefits of growing potatoes in container are:
- You can manage your soil composition and efficiently monitor the pests and disease.
- Harvesting becomes easy as it requires less digging.
- It saves space in your garden
The only disadvantage of growing potatoes in containers is that they have to be watered frequently.
When To Plant Potatoes In Containers?
You can plant potatoes in containers depending on the time when you want to harvest them.
- In Winter: Plant them 2 to 4 weeks before the frost date.
- In Summer: Plant potatoes in mid to late summer, that is, about 2 to 4 months after the last frost date.
- The soil heats up faster in a container than on the ground.
- You can even grow potatoes indoors in containers in winters if you have enough warmth and sunlight.
- Remember to plant soil in warm soil as it allows them to sprout, but on the other hand, cold soil may rot the potatoes.
What Types Of Containers Are To Be Used To Grow Potatoes?
Potatoes are to be grown in a nontransparent container of about 5 gallons capacity. A container with 2 to 3 m height and having a 10 to 15 gallons capacity is better. Don’t use containers higher than 3 feet as it becomes harder to water the plants equally.
The best containers include wooden barrels, plastic tubs, garbage bins, plastic laundry baskets, grow bags, canvas tote bags, or burlap sacks. You can get specialized potato sacks from stores or online marketers. Whatever materials you use, it has to be made from food-safe materials. But it is not advisable to use old tires as they may contain harmful chemicals.
Make sure that the containers you use have good drainage facilities.
What Types Of Potatoes Can Be Grown In Containers?
When you want to grow potatoes in containers, you need to keep their size, growth rate, and yield. Some potatoes grow very well in containers due to their small size and high yielding. The potatoes that are suitable for container gardening include red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, purple potatoes, etc.
Steps To Grow Potatoes In Containers:
Things You Need
- Garden trowel
- Seed potatoes
- Containers
- Soil
- Fertilizers
How To Grow Potatoes In Containers?
- Cut seed potatoes into small pieces with at least two eyes or growth nodes from where the potatoes start sprouting. Allow them to sit for a few days before planting.
- Fill your container with soil that is rich in nutrients and can be drained well. Leave a few inch gap at the top to cover it afterwards.
- Place potato seed pieces by keeping the seed pieces in upward direction and at 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Cover them with a potting mix.
- Keep on watering constantly to maintain the moisture throughout the growing period.
- Keep your container in such a place where there will be enough sunlight.
- When the stems grow about 6 to 8 inches, start hilling and place new soil around the stems.
- Repeat this for two to three times throughout the growing period with an interval of 2 to 3 weeks.
- Once the potato plants start flowering, you can harvest them anytime. Carefully go to the bottom of the soil in your container and pluck a few new potatoes at a time. But when the plants turn yellow and die, you can completely harvest all the potatoes.
- You can do this by turning the container upside down and separating the potatoes.
- You can either use them immediately for cooking or keep them stored for using later.
Tips For Taking Care Of Potatoes In A Container
It is necessary to keep your potatoes healthy until you harvest them. The tips are as follows:
- Potatoes need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to grow.
- Grow potatoes in a well-draining soil mixed with organic compounds such as compost.
- Potatoes need at least 1 to 2 inches of water per week for proper growth. Let the soil be moisturized throughout the period and don’t let it clog.
- Potatoes are the crops of cool season and need the temperature of about 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
Growing potatoes in containers is best suitable for anyone who has limited space. You can grow various veggies in containers, including potatoes. If you provide the right growing conditions and consistent care, a large number of potatoes can be grown successfully in containers. Still wondering can potatoes be grown in containers? Yes, they absolutely can! Follow the methods in this article to start your own potato harvest today.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q1. How Long Does It Take To Grow Potatoes In Containers?
Potatoes usually grow within 70 to 120 days from planting. This may vary based on the types of potatoes. Some potatoes grow within 60 days while some may take more than 140 days.
Q2. Can I Grow Potatoes From Store-Bought Potatoes?
You can grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes if you select the right variety and follow the right methods. Select organic and non-treated potatoes. Select the ones that are firm, healthy, and free from any signs of damage or rot.
Q3. Can potatoes be grown in containers on a balcony or terrace?
Yes, potatoes can be grown in containers on balconies or terraces as long as they receive enough sunlight and have well-draining soil.
Q4. Can potatoes be grown in containers using regular garden soil?
While potatoes can be grown in containers with garden soil, it’s best to mix it with compost or potting mix for better drainage and nutrients.
Q5. Can potatoes be grown in containers all year round?
Potatoes can be grown in containers year-round if you provide the right temperature, sunlight, and indoor conditions during colder months.
