Potatoes (in containers again)

[kevinb]

Hi,

Last year I put my seed potatoes in a large sack using spent compost. Plants looked healthy but leggy - didn't get any flowers or potatoes. Questions are =

Can I use spent compost in containers for potatoes?

Can I use same compost as last year if I didn't get potatoes?

Does light play a big part to get flowers / potatoes?

If I move to a sunny part of my patio closer to tomatoes plats will this be a problem (saw blight mentioned in another post)?

Thanks

Kevin

[Naga]

I personally wouldn't use spent compost as it could have bacteria in it or other nasties that your spuds won't like, could be the reason why you didn't get anything. B&Q do 3 75L bags of multipurpose compost for £10 or Wilki's do their own brand, £1 for 10L.

As for light, I wouldn't put them anywhere that gets full sun, I think a partially shaded position would be best. And for blight, I think it is carried by the wind etc. so maybe try covering the containers with something..... like a fleece?

Someone more experienced should give you some better advice.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Did you feed your potatoes? Using spent compost means it will have very little nutritional value to feed your potatoes (possibly one reason for no pots). Potatoes do like feeding -try chicken pooh

[Gryfon]

When I last did mine they were done in black sacks using B&Q compost. Didn't have to feed them and ended with with loads of potatoes. I used the left over compost for planting some flower and shrub pots! Mine was also in partial shade, got the morning sun but at lunch time the shade was there.

[tattieman]

Have a look here TOP TIPS

[kevinb]

Thanks all will try again this year

[Victoria26]

dont plant tomatoes, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash or Sunflower near them they dont like each other- in fact I try and plant my potatoes quite seperate from the rest of my crops.