Patio Potatoes - Advice for a First Timer

[s.penny91]

I am thinking about growing potatoes next year in patio planters and have been reading others various posts, however, getting slightly put-off by others' negative experiences! Are they that difficult? and which are the best variety for a good all-rounder to be grown in a pot?

[Nannysally99]

This was the first year for us, and we were impressed with the amount of spuds we got. It wasn't difficult, used a lot of compost though, so be prepared for the costs. I know the earlies were Charlotte, but cannot remember the other one. We are definitely going to have another go next year, and vow to give them twice as much water once they are flowering. Also, not to panic and harvest them once the haulms start dying off, they can stay in the earth till you need them. We used heavy duty plastic sacks and recycling bags with handles to grow them in. Hope you enjoy as much as we did


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[Two_Sheds]

make sure you read this post: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...asy_26499.html



In a nutshell, container grown potatoes will not give the yield that those grown in the ground will give you: they have no access to water & nutrients, except for what you give them.

Most people plant too many in a container as well, which is counterproductive ~ you get fewer, smaller spuds

[Potstubsdustbins]

Growing spuds in containers is well worth while if you look after them. Don't be put off by the negativity shown by some. My friend an old allotmenteer tried it for the first time last year and is now a firm advocate of growing in containers. His word 'better spuds and more of em'.

First earlies can be grown in something as small as a Morrison's flower bucket, whilst for main crop you are better of with something like a 80ltr plastic dustbin.

Your biggest expense in the first year will be the compost, but this can be saved and reused the year after.

Get your drainage right, keep them well fed and watered and you will succeed where others have failed.

Potty

[bearded bloke]

I agree with potty ^^ the problem I had with slug damage when sown in the soil has been obviated by growing on moreasons fower buckets & cut in half blue barrels,try Picasso as an all rounder

[Potstubsdustbins]

Funny you should mention Picasso BB one of my favourite main crops.

Potty

[Bren In Pots]

I also grow mine one to a flower bucket then I put two in my now redundant recycling boxes. I always seem to get a good harvest.

[Bill HH]

Funnily enough I just harvested one of my maincrop bags, 3 seed potatoes yielded 7lb 12 ozs of spuds. They were maris piper. The most noticable thing is how clean they are, no worm holes or scabs etc. I have had to give them a lot of water. The haulms havent died down yet so the other 8 bags should produce even more.
I am not impressed with bags, next year i am buying 40 or 50 litre plastic tubs, i thought the bags looked a mess. I have a couple of ordinary compost bags and they are hopeless, they keep falling over and the neck is so small it makes watering a problem.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Like you Bill I tried the bag route and gave up.

This year after planting my dustbins and old plastic water tanks I had one Picasso tuber left. Being a tight wad I found a pot and planted it. The results just over 4lbs weren't to shabby if I may say so.

Potty

[bearded bloke]

Funny you should mention Picasso BB one of my favourite main crops.

Potty

It was a result of your posts last year that inspired me to grow them this year bud


Oh yer,Mrs.BB thinks they are "scrummy" so a double thanks from me

[Potstubsdustbins]

Makes a change for me to be useful, I am usually

Potty

[bearded bloke]

nutter Have you tried Kerr's Pink ? absolutely definitely the very best spud for mashing,I got a tub reserved especially to have with haggis & "neeps" Give them a go bud,you will not be disappointed

[Inastate]

I've had pretty decent results myself. Always use good compost & keep them well watered.

[Potstubsdustbins]

BB I have a problem there, with limited space and SWMBO to please I have to compromise.

I grew Red Duke of York this year for the first time and we have both settled on that as a first early. As you already know Picasso for main crop. Then I have been growing Lady Christl as my mashing spud, mainly because it tastes good but also for its versatility. I can leave it in the ground to grow on and get some very nice chippers and bakers as well as good mash.

And its SWMBO's favourite.

Thanks for the tip Potty

[s.penny91]

Read a lot of conflicting advice on container potatoes. Do i completely cover the plants as they grow or leave the leaves exposed?!