How to Take Care of Potato Planted in Pot

Potatoes are a staple food in many households worldwide. They can be grown in large fields or small pots. Growing potatoes in pots is an excellent way to ensure that you have fresh potatoes all year round. Taking care of potatoes planted in pots requires commitment and patience, but with the right knowledge, anyone can do it. Here are some essential tips on how to take care of potato planted in a pot.

Choose the Right Containers

The first step to growing potatoes in a pot is to select the right containers. The containers must be large enough to accommodate the potato plant as it grows. A 10 to 15-gallon container is perfect for growing potatoes. The container should also have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Choose a container made of plastic or ceramic for the best results.

Prepare the Potato Seedlings

The next step is to choose the right potato seedlings. You can choose to plant seed potatoes or repurpose sprouted potatoes from your kitchen. The potatoes should be chitted, which means allowing them to sprout before planting. To chit potatoes, leave them in a cool, dark place for several weeks until they start to sprout. Once they sprout, cut them into pieces, with each piece having at least two or three sprouts. Leave the pieces to dry for a day or two before planting.

Planting the Potatoes

After preparing the potato seedlings, it's time to plant them. Fill the container with potting soil, leaving a few inches at the top. Allow the soil to settle before planting the potatoes. Plant each potato piece with the sprouts facing upwards and cover them with soil, leaving around two inches of soil on top. Water the soil lightly to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing the Plant

As the potato plant grows, it requires constant fertilizing to provide the necessary nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting the potato, and thereafter, fertilize every two weeks to boost growth. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizers, depending on your preference. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can damage the plant.

Watering the Potato Plant

Watering the potato plant is essential for its growth. However, you need to be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but not completely dry. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently than during cold months. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Harvesting the Potatoes

After several weeks, the potato plant will start to flower, indicating that it's close to the harvest time. The plant will start to yellow, and the leaves will wither when it's time to harvest the potatoes. To harvest the potatoes, tilt the container to the side and use your hands to carefully dig out the potatoes. Allow the potatoes to dry in a cool, dark place before eating or storing them.

In conclusion, growing potatoes in pots is rewarding, but it requires effort and patience. By following the tips mentioned above, you can enjoy fresh potatoes from your pot, all year round. Remember to choose the right containers, prepare the potato seedlings, fertilize and water the plant, and, finally, harvest the potatoes for the best results.