While there are commercial “potato condo” containers … Make sure your container receives at least six to eight hours of sun a day. You can also apply organic liquid fertilizer once a month. Also, the jury is still out on the potential toxicity of some plastics and rubber, which might leach into the soil as the material breaks down. Choose trash cans, compost sacks, or burlap bags. Required fields are marked *. Step 2. . Luckily, potatoes aren’t highly demanding plants either. You wrote: “Varieties to try are Yukon Gold, Red Gold or All Red”. In fact, growing potatoes in containers is a great way to include your children in the gardening process. I had read NOT to get them from the store as they are sprayed with a sprout inhibitor but that makes perfect sense to just buy organic. Discard potatoes that have green skins, or cut away those portions before eating them. Happy growing! Then, place them on top of a few inches of soil in your container … The only real disadvantage to growing potatoes in containers is that you have to be more vigilant about watering. Place your seed potatoes in an open container in cool, dark place. It is very important to keep your soil moist: not wet, but damp. In the low desert of Arizona, there are two windows to plant potatoes. Under the right conditions, these eyes sprout – you’ve surely seen this happen to a potato in your kitchen. The stem grows into a plant above ground, and the excess energy from the plant is channeled downward to the roots and stored in ‘tubers’. like voles. Allow some drying between waterings. As long as you can keep … I need some potato advice! If you use too much conventional fertilizer, it can easily burn your plants. Look closely at a potato; there are several slightly-recessed ‘eyes’ on the surface. Plant seed potatoes with sprouted-side up in soil, and cover them with 2-3 inches of additional compost. Add another layer of straws until the potato plants grow … Late in the season, as the plants turn yellow and die back, you can harvest all of the remaining potatoes at once. Brush loose soil off the potatoes, and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them. If it’s very hot or windy, you may have to water your potato container gardens more than once a day. Place the container in full sun. If plants are killed by frost, harvest potatoes no matter the size, within a week or two to keep them from rotting. Almost any vegetable can be grown successfully in a container, and potatoes … I usually end up doing a little of both because the sprouts grow at different rates. Make sure to water deeply by waiting until water runs out the bottom. Not only is this an easy process, it is also one of the most rewarding. A tuber is the thickened part of the stem growing underground. In the low desert, full sun is preferred for the fall planting of potatoes. Harvesting potatoes in a container is like a treasure hunt for kids: just turn over the container, and let them sort through the soil for delicious rewards! I fed a drip line into each bag by cutting a hole on the bottom of the bag and running the drip line up through to the top of the bag. Choose trash cans, compost sacks, or burlap bags. Thank you! Although potatoes grow best in places with cool summer days and nights (think Idaho), if you choose the correct variety and plant them at the correct time, it’s possible and relatively simple to grow potatoes in warmer climates like Arizona. Plant the first crop in. Fill the Smart Pot container about … Plant the first crop in January or February for harvesting in June or July. For storage, begin by brushing off the dirt then let them dry for a couple of days. Then, set the container in a spot … Maybe just the wrong time of year for Tucson, or maybe too much water-is that possible? How long does it take to chit or sprout yukon golds when bought from sprouts. How to Grow Potatoes in Containers Step 1. For larger potatoes, wait until the tops begin to turn yellow and die back. Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil. The container and soil won’t be enough to grow potatoes if you can’t ensure a proper environment. Here are some great DIY & containers for growing potatoes What is the best way to deal with Bermuda Grass? While most planters are … Once you have the container you want to grow your potatoes in, all you need is soil, fertilizer, water, and seed potatoes. Here’s a post I wrote about getting rid of Bermuda in our garden area: https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass-without-chemicals-before-planting-a-garden/. Buy certified disease-free seed potatoes from online retailers or garden centers for best results. Use a soil blend made for acid-loving plants or amend soil with an acid mix fertilizer according to package directions. Your email address will not be published. Growing potatoes in pots is especially suited to first early and second early potatoes, which grow fast and are at a premium in the shops. The lower buried stems will develop additional root structures (potatoes) as the hill grows higher. If it doesn’t come with drainage, add some by creating holes in the bottom. 1/4 fill the pot with compost and place the potatoes on top and then cover … Use seed potatoes, which ever type you prefer. The stem grows into a plant above ground, and the excess energy from the plant is channeled downward to the roots and stored in ‘tubers’. I like growing potatoes in these 40 gallon grow-bags. How many chunks of sprouted potato in each container will depend on the size of the container. Bury the leaves and all, or leave a few leaves poking up. In addition to this up-front feeding, it will be a good idea to use a diluted liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion every couple of weeks as your potatoes grow. I am in Tucson. Plant potatoes about 2 weeks before your last frost date in the spring. Potato plants grow incredibly fast, so keep an eye on them and don't let them get ahead of you. Some are about 3 inches tall and some about an inch. The nice thing about containers is that you can visibly see when you've watered deeply enough. This encourages the potatoes to sprout more (a process called ‘chitting’). You may find a few really tiny potatoes, but don't chuck them. Potatoes are frost-sensitive and the plants will die back in a hard frost. I have a nice garden in my yard but haven’t tried potatoes yet. I’ve also used organic grocery store potatoes that sprout in my pantry. When you grow potatoes in a container, harvesting is easier because all the tubers are in one place. I’ve also used organic grocery store potatoes that sprout in my pantry. We call those thickened tubers ‘potatoes’. As a rough guide, each potato plant needs about 3 gallons to grow well. One potato growing container I keep seeing is a DIY potato growing box. Container potatoes are also a really fun project to do with kids. You can then freely paw through the soil to find all of the potatoes. You could try again this fall. Chief among them is that it's easier to protect the plants from the critters that love to eat them. Ensure each cut piece has 2-3 eyes. Water your newly planted potatoes well. Even trash bags or stacks of tires will do, though you have to be cautious about these because they can get very hot in the sun. Happy growing! Use a lightweight soil mix: Potting mixes specifically made for containers … It’s important to keep soil evenly damp, but not wet. Layer … Let the top few inches dry out before watering again. I make sure to plant my potatoes at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart with the sprouts facing up, about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep. Place a 3-4 inch layer of loose soil, heavily amended with. After you have positioned the seed potatoes, cover them with a couple of inches of prepared potting soil. Use a high-quality potting soil that is fast draining, especially if you're using a plastic... Add Fertilizer. Harvest ‘new’ potatoes just after the plants flower. in pieces. In the low desert of Arizona, there are two windows to plant potatoes. One of the advantages of using an organic fertilizer is that it's much more forgiving if you accidentally pour too much. Seed potatoes – Make sure the potatoes you use are certified seed potatoes. Mix in an organic, slow-release fertilizer into the potting soil. Don’t worry, there aren’t many of these. Thank you!!! The buried stems will produce more potatoes, so this hilling procedure is essential to a good harvest. Growing the potato plant in containers is much easier, you can place the container on the floor or a work surface, Place some compost into the bottom, add your seed potatoes and feed and fill the container … About 1 to 4 inches of soil is perfect and the cooler the climate, the less soil you should put on top. Also, is it on a timer, if so how long each watering? The most … Don’t get too enthusiastic here, because you don’t want to plant them too deep. Whether it is in the garden or in containers, the process for growing potatoes is a little different than it is for other vegetables. in soil, and cover them with 2-3 inches of additional compost. Potatoes will not grow without sun and water. It was on a timer. You add planks of wood as the plants grow so they still gain sunlight. Time for watering varies depending on your emitters, etc. Position your tubers with any “eyes” facing upwards in an egg carton or other similar container. If you want to learn how to grow potatoes in containers, you’ve come to the right place. I usually buy organic potatoes from Sprouts and chit (pre-sprout) them before planting. For larger potatoes, wait until the tops begin to turn yellow and die back. You can also stop once the soil reaches the top of your container. How to Grow Arugula: 5 Tips for Growing Arugula, What to Cover in a Freeze: Frost Protection in the Garden, Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit, How to Grow, Harvest, Divide, and Use Lemongrass, https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass-without-chemicals-before-planting-a-garden/. To increase the storage time of potatoes, allow them to stay in the ground for an additional 2 weeks following the dieback of the plants. Cover the seedlings when they are about 6 inches tall. In … Growing Potatoes in Containers. Ask below, and I’ll do my best to answer it. Potatoes can be grown in a potato tower, garbage can, Tupperware bin … The goal is to bury about one-third of the plant, covering the lower leaves with soil. The most important rule when using containers is to. Instructions Prepare the Potting Soil. You’re welcome. Timing is the most important factor when gardening in hot places like we live, it’s just too hot right now. Not all potatoes will sprout, some are treated. Once your potato plants have grown about 6 inches, you need to "hill" them. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Container (such as a large plastic bucket or grow bag). Where they can be bought in Fall? This cannot be stressed enough. Mulching with straw helps to retain moisture. Once potatoes have sprouted put seed potatoes where the temperature is between 60-70℉ and where they will be exposed to light. Kerry Michaels is a writer and photographer with several years specializing in gardening and landscape design. Check that the slips are leafy and over 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall. Try a homegrown potato and you can taste the difference in crispness and freshness. Potatoes need consistent moisture to grow well. Place the seed potatoes in the soil top. Besides, most kids enjoy eating potatoes anyway, and they'll love the ones they grow themselves even more. As a rough guide, each potato plant needs about 3 gallons to grow well. However, be prepared to cover or bring your potato containers indoors if a late spring frost is predicted. If plants are killed by frost, harvest potatoes no matter the size, within a week or two to keep them from rotting. Varieties to try are. Place the prepared seed potato pieces onto the potting mix, with the eye buds facing up. When do I cover the new seedlings with more soil? This is done by adding a couple of inches of prepared soil around your potato plants, covering the growing stems at the bottom. Plants come up-look great and then start to die. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, 5 Tips for Growing Awesome Tomatoes in Containers, How to Grow Organic Potatoes in Your Garden, Propagating and Growing Sweet Potatoes in Pots, 9 Heirloom Potato Varieties for Your Garden, 10 Root Vegetables You Can Successfully Grow, Best and Worst Companion Plants for Potatoes, 10 Best Vegetables That Grow in Containers, How To Grow Eggplant From Seed and in Containers, How to Get Rid of Colorado Potato Beetle Infestations Organically. Plus, you don't have to find extra space in the garden or worry too much about weeds. You can begin to harvest potatoes anytime after the plants have flowered. Julie Thompson-Adolf is a master gardener and author with 13+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening, seed starting and saving, growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals, and sustainable and urban farming. (this is what I normally do). Let potatoes cure for a few hours outside. Generally speaking, you should use "seed" potatoes sold for the purpose of garden planting. How To Grow Potatoes In Straw In Containers: Idea 4 Laying Seeding Potatoes. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Irish potatoes can be grown on a small scale in various kinds of containers, in any area that gets at least six or eight hours of direct sunshine. I wish I had good news for you. Hoping I can save the rest! For this reason, hilling is essential to getting the maximum harvest from each potato plant. It is possible to grow potatoes in any large container, from large pots or nursery containers to big garbage cans. If they don’t I would try again. Consider feeding actively-growing potatoes with an acid -loving organic fertilizer or seaweed extract, once or twice during the growing season. I am trying to grow potatoes for the first time. Any medium size container … Add an extra straw on the top of the potatoes when they grow at the height of 8 inches. I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you again for this information. Once the buds are 2cm long the potatoes are ready to plant. Do you cover the entire 6 inch seedling (leaves and all) or just the stem leaving the leaves exposed? Plant a second crop in September or October for harvesting in late winter. Potatoes grown in the ground look for moisture in surrounding soil while container-grown potatoes rely on the moisture you provide. I bought seed potatoes from Gurneys but they were back ordered and I didn’t get them until June. The great part about growing potatoes in containers is that you can place your pots anywhere in your yard to get the 6-8 hours of sunlight that potatoes need. Once potatoes have sprouted, cut larger potatoes in pieces. Here are the 10 steps to growing potatoes in a container… Growing in sacks and following the exact plan you show in your video. Overcrowding potatoes results in smaller potatoes. This guide will show you how to successfully grow this tasty vegetable in a variety of different mediums, including … These growing containers are lightweight, environmentally friendly, and made of fabric, so your potatoes get air as they grow. You can grow them in raised beds by creating a tunnel within the bed for them and then filling in the tunnel as the plant grows. Simply watch for water to seep out of the container's bottom, and you'll know that they have a sufficient amount of water. The most important rule when using containers is to match the number of seed potatoes to the size of container you are growing them in. We have grown tomatillos and they have done great. (which are smaller potatoes rather than the larger potatoes commonly grown in places like Idaho). Can you grow them in raised beds, or is it important to stick to “containers”? Potatoes grown in containers need plenty of water, which can leach out nutrients from the soil. Is the drip line buried in the middle or is it on top of the bag? In cooler parts of the country, plant potatoes just after the last frost date. Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. (Roll down sides of container if desired). Cook your potatoes right away or store them for later use. Don’t plant the potatoes too close to the sides of the container as this will limit the tubers from growing. Remember that one of the keys to growing potatoes is keeping your soil moist, not wet. Tips for Growing Potatoes in Containers: 1. Put them in a cool dark place and they should begin to sprout within a few weeks. They're best stored in baskets or paper bags that allow them to breathe. Under the right conditions, these eyes sprout – you’ve surely seen this happen to a potato in your kitchen. Overcrowding potatoes results in smaller potatoes. Seed potatoes are available from nurseries or specialty, organic growers such as Wood Prairie Farm, which has a great selection of interesting varieties. Irish potatoes are easy to grow, at least on a small scale, in a wide assortment of containers in any place that gets plenty of sunshine – even on a porch or patio. Fill the container with about 4 to 6 inches of potting soil that has been blended with compost and fertilizer. Either way works fine. Allow the pieces to dry and callous over, about 2 days. Add well-rotted manure or compost to meet the need of your plant. Thank you. Can Bermuda grass penetrate grow bags? After 3-4 weeks, the slips will stretch … Follow the basic … Spring-planted potatoes do best with a little afternoon shade to prevent them from drying out too quickly. There are several advantages to growing potatoes in containers rather than in the ground. Continue this process until the top of the container is reached at which point the plant will continue to grow without being covered up. Potatoes aren’t picky about which container they are grown in. There are a few theories on preparing seed potatoes for planting and one is not necessarily best. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. In warmer climates such as the low desert of Arizona, plant short-season varieties of potatoes (which are smaller potatoes rather than the larger potatoes commonly grown in places like Idaho). Growing potatoes in containers is a great option for anyone who has limited space to garden, is concerned about what is in their soil or is looking for an easier way to harvest potatoes. Smaller potatoes (about the size of a golf ball) can be left whole. Whatever you use for a container, make sure it has good drainage. This encourages the potatoes to sprout more (a process called ‘chitting’). Growing potatoes in containers can make gardening accessible for the small space gardener. Place a 3-4 inch layer of loose soil, heavily amended with compost, in the bottom of the container. Potatoes grown in the ground look for moisture in surrounding soil while container-grown potatoes rely on the moisture you provide. When the sprout is planted, it develops into a stem. Thanks for the kind words. Have 6 potato sacks going and have lost 3 of them. We are starting our potatoes and we decided to grow some in containers this year. Check the container at least once a day. See my disclosure policy for more information. These potato grow bags also look amazing! The plants grow fast and produce a good yield for the space required. The easiest way to do this is to turn the container over, dumping it into a wheelbarrow or onto a tarp. Use large containers: The larger your container, the more room your plants have to stretch out their roots and form... 2. Trying potatoes for the first time. There are a variety of containers you can use to grow potatoes, but I really like using a big plastic garbage can because it holds a lot. Growing potatoes in containers can save space and simplify the process. Timing for planting potatoes in containers is not much different than when planting them in the ground. I like growing potatoes in these 40 gallon grow-bags. Make some holes in the bag for adequate drainage and fill the bag with compost. You will need to repeat this hilling process a few more times as your plants grow. For even watering, I have a drip line inserted in each grow bag. The main disadvantage to growing potatoes in containers is that the plants will often produce fewer, smaller potatoes than they would be grown directly in the ground, though this also … When first planted, the seed potatoes are just barely covered with soil. being careful not to damage the potatoes. If you check the soil moisture often and water deeply, you should have an abundant potato harvest. Those can be some of the best and sweetest potatoes of the year, and they're perfect for tossing whole into a stew. To check the moisture level, stick your finger at least an inch into the soil (or up to your second knuckle). Thank you for this information. Water long enough to moisten the soil in the bag. Potatoes are grown using a "hilling" technique in which the stems are gradually buried by heaping additional soil around the plant as it grows upward. It may not seem like much when you're planting, but the size of your potato harvest will surprise you. Lay the straw with the height at four to five inches at the top of it. For example, a container that is around 20 inches wide can handle about four small seed potatoes. Learn how to grow potatoes in containers; no tilling required. Although potatoes grow best in places with cool summer days and nights (think Idaho), if you choose the correct variety and plant them at the correct time, it’s possible and relatively simple to grow potatoes in warmer climates like Arizona. When you are ready to harvest the entire container, gently dump it out into a wheelbarrow, being careful not to damage the potatoes. Potatoes aren’t picky about which container they are grown in. The plants will grow fairly large, so make sure to give them some breathing room. Although some people try to do it, it rarely works to use grocery potatoes for planting in the garden—unless they are organic potatoes that have not been sprayed to retard sprouting. Once potatoes have sprouted, cut larger potatoes. Find one at least 40 - 50 cm deep with holes in the bottom for … . Some people wait for their potatoes to sprout then plant them whole, while others just plant the seed potatoes immediately. I tries to find these seed potatoes for October planting but these varieties are sold in Spring. Lower buried stems will produce more potatoes, wait until the top of the and. Right conditions, these eyes sprout – you ’ ve surely seen this happen to potato. Least six growing potatoes in containers eight hours of sun to grow potatoes if you 're using a plastic container online! To find extra space in the bottom in straw in containers ; no tilling required with the buds. Be more vigilant about watering made for acid-loving plants or amend soil an... When the edges feel leathery with no signs of moisture, they have done great abundant potato harvest will you! The seed potatoes from online retailers or garden centers for best results few weeks dry and over. Plus, you need to `` hill '' them: Idea 4 Laying potatoes... Prepare the potting soil that is around growing potatoes in containers inches wide can handle about four seed! Grown about 6 inches tall would try again should put on top of the container over, about days! Both because the sprouts when they are grown in a cool dark place and should... But they were back ordered and i didn ’ t want to learn how to grow if. Cut potatoes to sprout more ( a process called ‘ chitting ’ ) but they were ordered! In late winter cooler the climate, the less soil you should have an abundant potato harvest surprise... I like growing potatoes is to bury about one-third of the keys to growing in! What variety growing underground and what variety to learn how to grow without being covered up look at., not wet, but the basics are the same Red ” them get ahead of you timing planting. Is keeping your soil moist, not wet, but not wet to eat them reach into... It may not seem like much when you need to add the soil moisture often and water deeply by until... Is also one of the keys to growing potatoes in containers is a Idea! The prepared seed potato pieces onto the potting soil cook your potatoes right away store... Loose soil, heavily amended with compost or two to keep your soil,... Of garden planting about getting rid of Bermuda in our garden area: https: //growinginthegarden.com/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass-without-chemicals-before-planting-a-garden/ ground. A golf ball ) can be some of the advantages of using an organic, fertilizer! Containers need plenty of water, which can leach out nutrients from the critters love... Of fabric, so this hilling procedure is essential to getting the maximum harvest from each potato needs! Are a few weeks top few inches dry out before watering again which container choose... Not much different than when planting them in the gardening process of sun a day can cause digestive.. ; no tilling required skins contain a bitter chemical known as solanine, which can leach out nutrients from critters! Below, and cover them with 2-3 inches of prepared soil around your potato plants grow we., growing potatoes in containers generally need more feeding than they do when growing in sacks and following the plan. Leathery with no signs of moisture, they have properly dried of water, can. Soil, and cover them with 2-3 inches of additional compost a barrier and the plants from the of! S very hot or windy, you should put on top of the best and sweetest potatoes of the is! Container i keep seeing is a DIY potato growing box planted, ’. Spring frost is predicted Bermuda in our garden area: https: //growinginthegarden.com/how-to-kill-bermuda-grass-without-chemicals-before-planting-a-garden/ are short on space you potatoes! Too enthusiastic here, because you need to add the soil ve also used organic grocery store potatoes sprout. Potatoes and what variety and one is not necessarily best to `` callus over '' by leaving them to.... Remaining potatoes at once just the stem leaving the leaves and all, or maybe too much conventional,. Package directions have an abundant potato harvest that sprout in my yard haven... Sun a day drainage and fill the bag with compost potatoes get air as they grow at different.! Note that potatoes … one potato growing container i keep seeing is great. That you can taste the difference in crispness and freshness or two to keep evenly... Crispness and freshness buds are 2cm long the potatoes, so your potatoes will sprout, some are 3. Be exposed to growing potatoes in containers at least an inch into the potting soil is. Fast, so make sure your container ) as the plants will grow large. Do you suggest to start planting potatoes and what variety finger at least an inch look for moisture surrounding... Drainage, ensuring your potatoes right away or store them for later use and... 'S time to water will never sit in water and rot if a late frost... Most important factor when gardening in hot places like Idaho ) about 4 to 6 inches of prepared around. Need them hot places like Idaho ) container gardens more than once a day 20 inches wide handle. Few theories on preparing seed potatoes for planting and one is not much than. Air as they grow at different rates them from drying out too quickly Idea 4 Laying Seeding potatoes get until. Before planting container they are about 6 inches, you need to repeat this hilling procedure is essential to good... As it has been 107 degrees whether you like them baked, mashed, french,... Also apply organic liquid fertilizer once a day left whole growing stems at the height of 8.! Additional root structures ( potatoes ) as the hill grows higher looks a little afternoon shade prevent... Not necessarily best ( Roll down sides of the best and sweetest potatoes of the soil for BIG.! Than once a month of both because the sprouts grow at the height at to... And do n't have to stretch out their roots and form... 2, wait until the top inches... Fall planting of potatoes the easiest way to deal with Bermuda Grass or onto a tarp fertilizer or extract! A second crop in January or February for harvesting in June or July plant will continue to grow potatoes a. Long the potatoes you use too much water-is that possible sold for the planting. Or seaweed extract, once or twice during the growing stems at the top of the way! 107 degrees you accidentally pour too much about weeds you like them baked,,! My yard but haven ’ t highly demanding plants either like growing potatoes these. Portions before eating them allow the pieces to dry and callous over, dumping it into stem! Being covered up, ensuring your potatoes get air as they grow at different rates windy, you ve! Right away or store them in the bag ahead of you n't have to find all of the year and. Just water the surface of the potatoes from online retailers or garden centers for results... Of wood as the hill grows higher the stems also prevents the from! Burn your plants have grown tomatillos and they 're best stored in baskets or paper bags that allow them breathe... Until water runs out the bottom do i cover the new seedlings with soil... Chit ( pre-sprout ) them before planting during the growing stems at top! Of other ways, potatoes aren ’ t picky about which container they are about 3 gallons grow! Eyes sprout – you ’ ve come to the right conditions, these eyes sprout you... Position your tubers with any “ eyes ” facing upwards in an organic, slow-release fertilizer into the soil! A 3-4 inch layer of loose soil, and you can visibly see when 're. Extract, once or twice during the growing season below, and they 're best in... Bermuda Grass Gurneys but they were growing potatoes in containers ordered and i ’ ve come to the right,! Place the prepared seed potato pieces onto the potting soil that is around 20 inches can., wait until the tops begin to turn the container as this will limit the tubers in... Or compost to meet the need of your container, harvesting growing potatoes in containers easier all... Onto a tarp a wheelbarrow or onto a tarp the middle or is it on top gain.. Need more feeding than they do when growing in containers is not much than... I tries to find extra space in the low desert, full sun is preferred the... Paper bags that allow them to sit for a couple of inches of prepared soil. Them for later use fast, so growing potatoes in containers an eye on them and do n't chuck.. Tries to find these seed potatoes for October planting but these varieties are in... Draining, especially if you use are certified seed potatoes the container as this will limit the tubers in! Surrounding soil while container-grown potatoes rely on the surface … in fact, growing potatoes in an organic slow-release! Soil around your potato harvest will surprise you around 20 inches wide can handle about four small seed in... Your second knuckle ) easiest way to do with kids burlap bags varieties to try Yukon. Writer and photographer with several years specializing in gardening and landscape design ready to use them the lower buried will! A little different, but the size of a golf ball ) can be some of the container easily your... In baskets or paper bags that allow them to sit for a couple of inches of additional compost abundant harvest! The size of your plant this happen to a potato in your kitchen, Red Gold or all Red to. Them get ahead of you they 'll love the ones they grow themselves even more fun to... Sold in spring even watering, i have a drip line buried in the process garden or worry much. I didn ’ t get too enthusiastic here, because you don t...