Learn to Grow Potatoes in Containers

If you live in an apartment with a balcony or have a condo with a small outdoor space you can learn to grow potatoes in containers. Anyone who wants has browns for breakfast au graten casseroles for dinner or a baked potato to go with steaks on the grill can have them.

There are many different types of containers you can use to grow potatoes in small spaces. Small plastic trash cans with lids, storage containers, and large planters are all suitable for seed potatoes. Containers with lids are best because the same soil can be stored and used the following year.

For the best results, select seed potatoes. Using eyes from grocery store spuds is not a good idea as they are treated so they do not grow. Seed potatoes are ideal to grow potatoes in planters or containers.

Learn to Grow Potatoes in Containers

The variety of spuds selected is also important. large russets can take up too much space, even in a large container. It is best to select varieties that are smaller in size so that several will have room to grown.

Begin the process to grow potatoes in containers by drilling holes in the bottom of the pots or planters selected. The next step is to fill the pots one third of they way up with potting soil. The sprouts are then placed with the steps pointing up and covered with about 2 inches of soil. When the stems and leaves have grown six inches, another few inches of soil is then added. This process can be repeated several times.

When growing potatoes in planters it is important to remember to water them daily. Letting them go for a week without water than trying to catch up can produce less than desirable results and oddly shaped potatoes. Doing this can also affect the texture of the potatoes and have a less than desirable effect on dishes made with them.

Spacing of the plants is important when planting seed potatoes. Each plant will produce a few pounds. This should be kept in mind when determining how far apart to place the sprouts.

There are other concerns like potato beetles that may need to be addressed. If the egg sacs are see on plants they can be easily removed. When the potatoes are large enough to use many plants will develop flowers. Those that do not flower make it more challenging for gardeners. However, if the size of the spuds is not desirable they can simply be left in the soil to grow longer and gain some size.