Compost for potatoes

[GeordieGymRat]

Hi all

This is my first year growing potatoes in bags I think I have all the information I need to get started however wanted to ask about compost. I currently have some New Horizon organic peat free compost, canna terra professional soil mix are either of these suitable for growing potatoes?i am guessing any multipurpose would do fine but I would rather have the best option so that i can give my spuds the best start.

I have my own chickens so I was thinking of mixing in some chicken manure too, I have kept some in some bio bags to mix in. My soil in the garden is not suitable plus it's a small garden therefore growing in bags.

Any help would be great

[Penellype]

I grow my potatoes in wahtever I have available - this year I have a bin full of used compost from last year's containers and I'm mixing it with fresh compost out of the hotbin, a bit of well rotted horse manure that I happen to have lying around, and some vermiculite. I'm adding blood fish and bone to the bottom layer to replace anything that's got used up from the old compost. As I am filling 10 30l pots and 2 potato bags I'm glad to have plenty of reusable compost otherwise it woudl cost a fortune.

Last year I grew potatoes in a variety of composts from fresh MPC to 100% hotbin compost to previous year's old compost and found there wasn't a lot of difference to the crop, so I wouldn't be too concerned about planting them in very expensive stuff. I haven't ever used chicken manure but I don't see why it shouldn't be ok - someone else may be able to advise on this better than I can.

[Potstubsdustbins]

As said above^^^^^ it really matters not as you will have to supplementary feed after about week six any way. The main thing is to keep them well watered a spud is 80% water so lack of water lack of harvest.

Don't put your trust in rain, once the haulm has grown it is the best umbrella in the world.