Three Tips for Growing Potatoes in Containers
Potatoes make excellent container plants: growing potatoes in containers saves garden space, reduces the necessity of weeding, reduces the risk of exposure to pests and fungi, and reduces the risk of damaging the potatoes during harvest. Not sold on containers yet? Potatoes are hilled: soil is “hilled” up around the stems of potato plants to protect the developing potatoes from sun damage. Containers can make the hilling process much easier. And containers enable you to produce a large amount of food in a small area.
Type of container. Use a 50-gallon food-grade barrel, a half whiskey barrel planter, or a commercially-available potato planter as a container for growing potatoes. GardenZeus does not recommend using stacks of old tires. Good drainage is critical for the cultivation of healthy potatoes. Regardless of the type of container, it should have a series of holes in the sides and bottom. Alternatively, place holes in the sides of the container and simply cut out the bottom of the container, placing the container on a well-drained dirt surface.
Type of soil. Take advantage of growing potatoes in containers by providing your potatoes with just the right type of soil. Potatoes like loose, fertile, well-drained sandy-to-loam soil, high in organic matter with sufficient calcium. Potatoes prefer acidic soil with a soil pH from 4.8 to 5.2. Tuber formation occurs when soil temperatures are between 60 and 70˚ F.
Watering needs. The main drawback of growing potatoes in containers is that they need consistent soil moisture and will tend to dry out more frequently in containers, so be sure to monitor as needed and provide sufficient water. Before planting, fully water container soils for several days. Avoid watering soil after planting and before sprouts emerge. This has been found to reduce a variety of potato diseases, and to noticeably increase crop yield. Use compost or mulch to retain soil moisture as long as possible. Check soil a few inches down and feel for moisture. Water only if the soil feels dry. Water regularly once sprouts emerge, keeping soil moist but not wet. Monitor soil level regularly and water deeply by applying water to the root zone, approximately 1 to 2 times per week. Make sure water runs out of the container after each watering. Potatoes are particularly sensitive to dry soil during the time plants flower and immediately after, during the period when tubers are forming. If you plan to store your potatoes, eliminate watering a few weeks before harvest; this helps to “cure” the skins and increases the length of time the potatoes can be stored.
When potatoes are ready to harvest in containers, simply tip the container over on its side.
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