Garden How TO

How to Grow Potatoes in Pots

from Planting to Harvest

Growing potatoes in containers is a fun and easy way to turn a sunny spot of your porch or yard into a productive little home garden. 

THE BEST CONTAINERS FOR GROWING POTATOES

Choose a container that’s about 18 inches deep so that you can fill it with about 15″ of soil. Some great options include: 1. Barrels (wine and whiskey barrels) 2. Buckets 3. Grow Bags 4. Large Pots

THE BEST SOIL FOR A POTATO CONTAINER GARDEN

My favorite soil for growing potatoes in containers is a mixture of good-quality potting soil and compost. 

THE BEST POTATO VARIETIES TO GROW IN CONTAINERS

1. Fingerling potatoes 2. Red potatoes 3. Gem potatoes

HOW TO PLANT POTATOES IN CONTAINERS

1

PREPARE THE CONTAINER

Put container in area that receives 6-8hrs of sunlight. Add potting mix and some compost leaving 5"-6" to the top of the container. Add balanced organic fertilizer.

2

SOW THE POTATOES

Place sprouted potates 4"-6" deep into the soil of the container and about 10" apart. Cover the potatoes with soil mix. 

3

WATER

Water the planting area well. While you don’t want the soil to be swampy, you never want to let it dry out completely. 

4

Hill the potatoes

When sprouts have grown about 4″ to 6″ above the soil, it’s time to hill them by carefully pushing more soil and compost around the base of the plant.

5

WHEN TO HARVEST POTATOES

New potatoes can be harvested about 6 to 7 weeks after planting. Otherwise, wait for your potato plants to give you signs they’re ready for harvest. The plant tops will turn yellow, die back, and flop over. You’re only about 2 to 3 weeks away from harvest time.

I’ve spent the last decade teaching my followers how to grow their own food. Growing veggies doesn't always mean you need a ton of space. Learn more about growing potatoes by tapping the link below.