M. F. B for potatoes

[rary]

I have used a number I log MFB to grow potatoes this year and with some I drilled holes on the bottom of the bucket and others I put the holes in the sides about an inch up from the base, and consistently the resulting potatoes from the buckets with the side holes have been better, they have been bigger and possibly one or two more, I know there would be a reservoir of water in these pots but is it due to the fact this has been a drier year or could anyone say if it always gives better results

[Small pumpkin]

That's very interesting. I'm guessing you have the same variety of spud in both types of MFB. Out of curiosity what variety?
I can't help answer your question sorry. But I'm thinking of trying the holes in the sides of MFB ( I've still got a couple I haven't put holes in yet ) on my chillies next year.
Thank you rary

[HoneyChild]

When I had holes in the sides I found the potato rotted. Maybe I was watering too much.

I've also cut a big hole in the bottom and then placed the bucket onto the soil so the roots can go down and that worked well too.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Providing the tubers are sitting above the 'high water' mark I would think it would help in a year like this to have a reservoir after all a potato is over 90% water at harvest.

[rary]

That's very interesting. I'm guessing you have the same variety of spud in both types of MFB. Out of curiosity what variety?

They are the same variety of potato in the buckets, but don't know what variety they are, your not expecting me to keep records, are you

[rary]

Just to add SP, I don't think that you would have HoneyChilds problem with side holes as there is no tuber involved when growing chillies, and the roots can use the reservoir