We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
This space requirement to grow potatoes is off-putting for many gardeners as it means either removing plants to make room or giving up on the idea of eating tasty, homegrown potatoes. Normally potatoes require a lot of space to grow. When planted in the ground, it is recommended to leave at least 45 cm between each row. However, gardening experts are Fantastic Gardeners have shared a method of growing potatoes that doesn’t require a lot of space and is, arguably, “easier than growing traditionally” – growing them in pots.
Growing potatoes in pots will allow gardeners to harvest them without hours of backbreaking digging, and the plants are much less susceptible to disease as well as harmful pests.
Before starting to plant potatoes, the experts have shared several rules gardeners need to follow. The first is all about knowing how many to plant.
They said: “The first and most critical rule is knowing how many plants a container can support and to not overload it. As a general guide, a 10 litre bucket can support one potato plant and adding any more will result in either tiny potatoes or no potatoes at all.
“For large containers which will hold multiple plants, it is important to give each plant as much room to grow as possible so avoid placing the potatoes too close to each other.”
Even the type of potato being grown has an impact on the end result, most gardeners prefer growing early potatoes in pots. The experts said: “The early type are ready to harvest by mid-summer, this means they are not affected by the late summer potato blight like other varieties.”
The last rule is the same for all plants grown in containers – keep them well watered. The gardening pros advised: “Keep in mind that, normally, plants can extend their roots deep into the soil in search of water, but when grown in containers the roots are confined and as such are reliant on you to keep the soil moist.”
Once gardeners are equipped with the correct rules, they will need the right equipment, the first being a container. Almost anything can be used as a container for potato plants, 10-litre buckets, large plant pots, an old bin – whatever can hold enough soil can be used as a container.
The experts said: “It is vital that your chosen container has adequate drainage, otherwise, the potatoes will rot. If it doesn’t have any holes for water drainage, then make some yourself.”
Don’t miss…
I used effective 29p kitchen staple to fix my stiff towels in one wash [COMMENT]
8 things to ‘avoid’ cleaning with white vinegar – ‘damages’ appliances [INSIGHT]
‘Best’ solution to remove ‘tough’ grout stains without scrubbing [TIPS]
Gardeners will then need seed potatoes and potting soil. For the “best results”, the highest quality of soil should be used, look for soil which is suited to container gardening as this type allows water to drain easily.
Fertiliser can also be used, but it is not essential – the decision to use fertiliser comes down to personal choice. Some gardeners prefer to mix slow releasing fertiliser into the soil during potting, whereas others prefer to use natural liquid plant feed once the foliage has developed. Regardless of what method is chosen, read and follow the fertiliser instructions and “do not overfeed the plant”.
All living things need water to survive, however, potato plants “need extra care and attention” when watering. The soil should be kept at a relatively consistent level of moisture, not too wet and not too dry. If the ground is allowed to dry up “the plant and foliage will die” but if there is too much water in the soil “your potatoes will rot” in the ground.
When the needed supplies have been gathered it is almost time to start planting. First, gardeners will need to prepare the potatoes. They can either choose to plant whole or cut the potatoes in half.
Planting whole is the “most common” method, simply plant the whole potato once it has started to sprout. Following closely in second place is the cutting method, this is good to use if gardeners don’t have many seed potatoes.
Now that the potatoes are prepared it is time to plant them, follow the steps below to ensure this is done “correctly”. Start by filling the bottom of the container with eight to 12cm of soil. For those planning to use a slow releasing fertiliser, mix it into the soil now.
Place the seed potatoes on top of this layer of soil while making sure there is as much space as possible between them. Don’t try to cram more potatoes in, remember that a 10 litre bucket can only support one plant. So for those who have a 30 litre container, they can plant a total of three potatoes.
Cover the potatoes with approximately five to 10 cm of soil, don’t worry if this doesn’t seem like enough. Add water until the soil is moist.
The experts said: “An easy way to tell if you need to add more water is to stick your finger in the soil until it is around two knuckles deep if it is moist stop watering but if it is dry add more water.”
When the potato plants have sprouted and grown to around 12cm in height, it is time to start “hilling the soil”, claimed the pros. This is basically adding more soil to the container.
Add four to 5cm of soil around each plant so that they are all surrounded by a small hill which covers around one third of the showing plant. Don’t worry about the covered leaves dying, the plant will grow more.
Repeat this process as the plants grow, and potato plants grow very quickly so check them regularly. Keep repeating the hilling process until the soil reaches the top of the container.
Source: Read Full Article