Quandary: potato bags v dustbin?

[Containergardener]

Thanks PTD

[SaraJH]

I use MPC with extra granular potato fertiliser. Then after 5 to 6 weeks start to feed, first high nitrogen for green growth then change to high potash as the tubers form.

Watering is the real key, once the haulm is up forget rain the greenery is the best natural umbrella ever. Further just because the surface of the compost is wet doesn't mean its wet down below. If your not sure stick your hand in to find out.

Absolutely, and of you have the 30l pots off flea bay then you can stick your fingers in the lower drainage holes to see how damp the soil is.

[Potstubsdustbins]

There is a 80ltr dustbin under there not much chance of rain helping

[Containergardener]

I have some planter bags with 'side slots' to check for potatoes. I have little hands and wrists and I can hardly get mine in the gap ..god help anyone else.

[SusieG]

This time of year I drop your seed onto 3 to 4 inches of compost and cover with about the same. You want the haulm up and doing its magic soonest.

Well I planted my Lady Christl yesterday - I used 3 x potato grow bags (dustbin will be utilised another time, as DH was otherwise engaged so wasn't able to get drill to make holes in it ...)

I put 2 tubers each into 2 bags and 3 in the third. Put some fertiliser in first, watered, then topped up with compost, about 5". Left them in GH as there's a cold wind and it was so cold last night, too.

[BUFFS]

There is a 80ltr dustbin under there not much chance of rain helping

I have 9 of those sitting in the rear garden and am giving each one a 10 second flow from the mains water using the hose I unearthed, that's about 1- 2gal a time til it runs out of the bottom, now we have quite a cold day and rain forecast for tomorrow, so its back to my armchair, such a relief...

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have 12 scattered around, when the hot weather finally arrives I cheat. I always leave about a 4" space above the top of the compost, dip a 2 gallon bucket in the pond and empty it in a one big slosh. That way I know everywhere gets its share and its quick...........