How to Plant Potato Eyes in a Pot

Want to grow your own potatoes but don't have a lot of space? Planting potato eyes in a pot is an easy and space-efficient way to grow your own potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant potato eyes in a pot.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step to growing potatoes in a pot is to choose the right pot. A 10- to 15-gallon pot is the perfect size for growing a few potato plants. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out. Choose a pot made of a porous material like terracotta that allows air to circulate around the roots.

Preparing the Potting Soil

Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil. You can use organic potting soil from a garden center or make your own by mixing equal parts of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Add some perlite to the mix if you want to improve drainage. Fill the pot with soil until it is about ? full.

Preparing the Potato Eyes

The next step is to prepare the sprouting potato eyes. Find a potato with several sprouting eyes. Use a sharp knife to cut the potato into pieces, making sure each piece has at least one eye. Let the cut potatoes dry for a day or two before planting to reduce the risk of rotting.

Planting the Potato Eyes

Place the potato pieces, cut side down, on top of the potting soil in the pot. Cover the potato pieces with about 4 inches of potting soil. Water the pot well, making sure the soil is evenly moist.

Caring for the Potato Plants

Once the potato plants start to grow, keep the soil evenly moist by watering the pot once or twice a week. Fertilize the plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. As the plants grow, add more soil to the pot so the top of the soil is about 1 inch below the rim of the pot. This will encourage the plant to develop more tubers along the stem.

Harvesting the Potatoes

Potatoes are ready to harvest when the leaves start to wilt and turn yellow. Carefully dig up the potatoes using a garden fork. Brush off the soil and let the potatoes dry in the sun for a few hours. Store the potatoes in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them.

Planting potato eyes in a pot is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own potatoes. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of fresh potatoes without needing a lot of space.