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How to Grow Potatoes in Containers
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This is something the most amateur gardener
can do with success. It's also an excellent way of growing
potatoes in a small space.
Because the potatoes are grown in a container of fresh
multipurpose they are very unlikely to be affected by any soil
borne pests and diseases. The only care they require is earthing
up a few times and to be kept watered and fed. Our step
by step guide takes you through the process with pictures. |
What You Will Need
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1. |
A container to grow the potatoes in (see main
article below). |
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| 2. |
Enough multi-purpose compost to nearly fill the
container. |
| 3. |
Between one and three seed potatoes (see main
article below), preferably sprouted. |
| 4. |
Concentrated liquid tomato feed for use later
in the season |
When to Plant Seed Potatoes in a Container
The average time for planting potatoes in the open ground in the UK
is around mid-March, a few weeks later in colder areas, a few weeks
earlier in warmer areas. When you grow potatoes in containers you can
plant them a few weeks earlier as long as you make sure they are in a
relatively warm position. For example, near the side of a house wall out
of strong winds is a good position. The Container
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Any size of container can be used from 30cm (1 ft) wide and deep up
to a full-sized dustbin. They can be rigid plastic, plastic sheet
(as above), dustbins, almost anything. The only requirement is that they
have good drainage holes in the bottom.
We used a reinforced plastic container specially designed for growing
potatoes in. From experience we know these will last several years.
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The Seed Potatoes
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The seed potato on the left has been chitted or sprouted.
Click
here to go to the main potato article for more details
on this process. Chitting is not necessary but it will give an
earlier crop of potatoes.
Depending on the size of the container you will need between one
and three seed potatoes. For a 30cm (1ft) container use 1 seed
potato. For larger containers use two to three seed potatoes.
Don't use more than three. |
Planting the Seed Potatoes
| Fill the bottom of the container with about 10cm (4in) of
multipurpose compost. As you add it to the container, break up
any lumps. This will allow the potatoes to grow more easily and
bulk out the compost. Place the seed potatoes on the top of
the compost with the side that has the most sprouted eyes
uppermost. |
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Complete the Planting
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With the seed potatoes in place add another 10cm (4in) of
multipurpose, breaking down any lumps as you go. Water the
container well and then mark it up with the variety of potato
being grown.
Place the container in a light and airy position out of any
chance of frost. |
Earthing Up the Potatoes
| After a few weeks shoots will begin to appear from the
compost. When they reach about 15cm (6in) above the soil level,
add about 10cm (4in) more multipurpose compost so that only 5cm
(2in) of the shoot is above soil level. Repeat the above
process until the shoots reach above the top of the container. |
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Care of Potatoes While Growing
The main care required is watering and feeding. Water when the compost
starts to dry out. Check it by uncovering 10cm (4in) or so of compost
and checking if it is drying out. The weight of the container will also
indicte if the compost is drying out. Feed every couple weeks with a
concentrated tomato feed, diluted as per the instructions on the packet.
If the potato plants start to produce flowers then pinch
these off to encourage the plant to produce larger potatoes and not
seed.
Harvesting The Potatoes
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Potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage starts to
turn yellow. Maincrop potatoes especially can be left in the
compost for several weeks longer. Early potatoes can be
harvested before the leaves turn yellow for small tasty new
potatoes. Sometime in early June, carefully feel through the
soil to judge the size of the potatoes with your hands. Harvest
the by twisting and pulling gently. The remaining potatoes will
continue to grow. |
BACK
TO MAIN POTATO PAGE
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