Potatoes in buckets

[Kimbo]

Hi All

I have been looking at the B&Q orange buckets for growing spuds in this year and I was wondering if anyone used them or similar buckets last year, if so what varieties did u plant, how many seed potatoes to a bucket and how was your crop?

I am looking to grow charlotte's for definite and maybe pentland javelin as I grew them in polypots last year and had a great crop but had problems keeping the pots upright when they had loads of compost in.

Any info would be gratefully received.

Kim

[mazel-bee]

I can't remember who it is but there is a HUGE fan of the b&q bucket on here!!
I think it is just one potato for a bucket like that. There are loads of pot solutions on here for spud growing.
Car tires are popular, I use the bags made of tarpuline ( spelling?!) which you can get loads of different sizes for. Some people use carrier bags.

[Kimbo]

I can't remember who it is but there is a HUGE fan of the b&q bucket on here!!
I think it is just one potato for a bucket like that. There are loads of pot solutions on here for spud growing.
Car tires are popular, I use the bags made of tarpuline ( spelling?!) which you can get loads of different sizes for. Some people use carrier bags.

where do you get your bags made from tarpauline (my spelling isnt so great)

[mazel-bee]

Last year they were really cheap in woolies, and they were green which was nice. And my Dad also had one kicking around. I think some people have even used the ones from builders yards as I think they are not reused and they just get in the way.

[shirlthegirl43]

I used the black flower buckets that Morrisons sell off at 99p for 8.

One spud to a bucket and each bucket provided enough spuds for a meal for 4 - brilliant value!!!

[Kimbo]

I think a trip to my local Morrison's is in order

[Alice]

I used B&Q buckets Kimbo. 99p which is a real bargain. I put a bit of weed suppresant membrane in the bottom to stop undesirables crawling in and mixed some manure with the compost. I grew Charlotte, Nadine, Nicola and Rooster. They were all great but Charlotte had the best flavour and the Rooster were great roasters. The earlies I put 3 in bucket and got over 4lbs from each bucket. The Rooster I put 1 in a bucket and got over 6lbs. I was very pleased with the whole performance. I've got some Charlotte in buckets in the greenhouse now. Good luck with the project.

[Kimbo]

I used B&Q buckets Kimbo. 99p which is a real bargain. I put a bit of weed suppresant membrane in the bottom to stop undesirables crawling in and mixed some manure with the compost. I grew Charlotte, Nadine, Nicola and Rooster. They were all great but Charlotte had the best flavour and the Rooster were great roasters. The earlies I put 3 in bucket and got over 4lbs from each bucket. The Rooster I put 1 in a bucket and got over 6lbs. I was very pleased with the whole performance. I've got some Charlotte in buckets in the greenhouse now. Good luck with the project.

Wow that is some crop I love charlotte. Rooster sounds a great cropper will be looking out for some.

[JennieAtkinson]

Not being near a B&Q - how big are the buckets Alice? And I assume they don't have a bottom if you had to put membrane on the bottom.

[Snadger]

I used B&Q buckets Kimbo. 99p which is a real bargain. I put a bit of weed suppresant membrane in the bottom to stop undesirables crawling in and mixed some manure with the compost. I grew Charlotte, Nadine, Nicola and Rooster. They were all great but Charlotte had the best flavour and the Rooster were great roasters. The earlies I put 3 in bucket and got over 4lbs from each bucket. The Rooster I put 1 in a bucket and got over 6lbs. I was very pleased with the whole performance. I've got some Charlotte in buckets in the greenhouse now. Good luck with the project.

Hi Alice

Was fancying growing a few earlies in buckets this year!

I wonder, can you tell me, do you plant the potatoes in a full bucket or half fill it and add the rest of the growing medium when there is some top growth (earthing up)?

[sewer rat]

Snadger
I planted my earlies in buckets last year and just put in enough compost to get them going then topped up every time there was about 4-5" of growth showing. Strange really, considering I earthed up my maincrops at the time of planting and just left them to get on with it.

[lyndap]

Fill about third of bucket,then earth up as you go along.I used B&Q buckets for tatos,carrots,aubergines,peppers,and toms last year(carrots were better grown in the buckets than on the alottment!)

[JennieAtkinson]

I just filled the bucket up at the time of planting. Seemed to do ok.

[Peardrop]

Hi,,another newbie here.
I have been lurking around on this forum for a while and fimnally decided to take the plunge!
Re potatoes in buckets..what kind of compost would be best..I have a couple of grow bags from last year, could I use those?
Thanks.

[JennieAtkinson]

Welcome Peardrop! We look forward to you posting.

Potatoes are "hungry", so generally I try and use either my own compost or some from a new grow bag.