Potatoes grow readily in container in all USDA zone . This growing method is n’t likely to relent a root basement full of tasty tater , but it can be a way to decrease the risk of blackleg or try out a new variety . It also means no digging – a blessing to the senior or handicapped gardener . develop potatoes in container is not difficult .
Advantages of Containers
If you struggle with potato scab or other soil - borne disease , container can solve that problem . container also can make it easier to protect your Irish potato from pests that like to run through them , like mice and raccoon . A container can also prevent soil - borne dirt ball pests like wireworms , flea beetle , potato tuberworm and clean eats . Growing container tater is also a keen project for kids .
Disadvantages of Containers
A container filled with potatoes and soil can be very heavy , especially if the soil is wet . It can be more unmanageable to grapple the piss needs of Solanum tuberosum in containers . Some containers – like grow bag – may increase the risk of evaporative water deprivation . Others , like plastic tidy sum with little drain pickle , may not debilitate well , which further root rot .
Choosing Varieties for Containers
There are literally yard of potato varieties useable . broadly speaking speaking , shortsighted - time of year varieties do best in container . Fingerlings also conform well to containers . Here are some possibleness :
Soil for Containers
Potatoes are not particularly finicky about dirt as long as it run out well . weighty clay , for illustration , can cause problems , especially in containers . Commercial potting dirt is a ripe choice and decreases the hazard of stain - borne disease . If you want to mix your own , add plenty of well - rotted organic compost , leaves or older manure – do not habituate fresh manure . A pH between 5.0 and 5.5 lessen the risk of scab .
Watering Potato Containers
potato like slightly moist soil but not always wet conditions . Your climate and the weather will touch watering needs – in teetotal area of USDA Zone 9 , for example , you may need to irrigate daily in summer . Check to make certain the container is drain well – water should never stand around the root . Decrease tearing when tops start to give out down .
Fertilizer for Containers
Potassium is one of the most of import nutrients for sound potato . Wood ash is a good path to add potassium , but it can also raise soil pH , so perform soil run to check . spud also have relatively high atomic number 7 needs . Mix cottonseed meal , bone meal , greensand and kelp for tater plant food . you could also use a commercial 10 - 10 - 10 NPK mix . Apply lightly and water in well .
Choosing Containers
You have plenty of options for container . commercial-grade types include plastic or ceramic pots as well as grow bags . Some gardeners use 30 - gallon shabu containers . you may build or buy a potato tower made of fence in wire , chicken wire , wood , old wooden pallet or discarded tires . commend that many of these will be heavy , so make certain you site them in the right spot . check that the container has bottom drain holes .
Growing Space
One of the big mistake gardener make when growing potatoes in containers is not allowing enough space . Crowded conditions will lead in to a fault small potatoes or specify your full crop . A undivided potato involve the equivalent of 2.5 gallon of turn blank space . If you permit one cubic foot ( a square 12 inch on each side ) or prefer a 3 congius pot , your container should ply equal quad .
Preparing Potatoes
You have two choices when growing potatoes . Either employ small potatoes whole or cut larger potatoes into quarters or third , each with several center . Most gardeners sprout or “ tab ” their Irish potato before planting them , although this is not absolutely necessary . plaza potatoes in a fond , light place and allow them to acquire immature shoots . When you plant , check that the shoots face upward .
Hilling Potatoes
Potato genus Tuber develop along the inhume stem . It ’s best to plant the tubers fairly close to the bottom of the pot – give them 10 to 12 column inch of dirt underneath . As the murphy develop , bring additional soil on top of the plant life . Thishillingprocess allow the tubers to develop under the soil and protects them from spark , which will reverse them green and uneatable . Always leave behind two - tierce of the plant above flat coat .
Harvesting Potatoes
New or former potatoes can beharvestedabout three hebdomad after the plantflowers . You should be capable to reach into the soil of the container and pull out a few the size of a hen ’s egg . As the tubers mature , the vines get to snuff it down . Cut back on water . reap the crop about three weeks afterward .
