How to Plant Potatoes in Pots

Planting potatoes in pots is a great way to grow your own potatoes even if you don't have a large garden. Growing potatoes in pots is easy and can be done by people of all skill levels. Follow these steps to learn how to plant potatoes in pots for a bountiful harvest:

Step 1: Choose the Right Pots

The first step in planting potatoes in pots is to choose the right pots. You will need at least a 5-gallon pot with good drainage holes. You can use plastic or clay pots, but make sure they are big enough to accommodate the number of potatoes you wish to plant.

Step 2: Select Seed Potatoes

Before you can start planting, you need to select seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are potatoes saved from the previous year's crop. You can also buy seed potatoes online or at a garden center. Make sure to choose seed potatoes that are disease-free and have no soft spots or blemishes.

Step 3: Prepare the Pot

Fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil and compost. The soil should be loose and well-draining. Leave 2-3 inches of space at the top of the pot.

Step 4: Cut Seed Potatoes

Next, cut the seed potatoes into pieces that are about 2 inches in size. Each piece should have at least one "eye," which is the sprout from which the potato will grow.

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

Place the seed potato pieces on top of the soil in the pot. Allow 8-10 inches of space between each potato piece. Cover the potatoes with 2-3 inches of soil, leaving some space at the top of the pot for watering.

Step 6: Water the Potatoes

Water the potatoes regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. As the potatoes grow, you will need to keep them well-watered to prevent the soil from drying out.

Step 7: Add Soil

When the potatoes reach a height of 6 inches, add another layer of soil to cover the stems. Keep adding soil every time they grow another 6 inches to encourage more potatoes to grow.

Step 8: Harvest the Potatoes

Harvest the potatoes when the leaves start to turn yellow and the stems begin to dry out. Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork. Leave them to dry in a cool, dry place for a few days before eating.

Planting potatoes in pots is a fun and rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With the right pots, soil, and seed potatoes, you can grow your own delicious potatoes in the comfort of your own backyard. Follow these simple steps to get started today!