Growing potatoes in containers

[stevemac]

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[kittyk]

I'm just thinking about planting my chitted spuds in the same tubs as last year, (the green recycling boxes,) as I had good success with this last year, my first year.

The problem is, they take up quite a bit of compost which means pound for pound, the potatoes cost a lot to produce!

Do I have to completely replace all the compost with new or is there a more economical way of doing it, for example half old mixed with half new or something? I have had a compost bin going for almost a year but it does not look ready yet which is a shame.

I grew a lot in pots and tubs last year, (tomatoes did brilliantly,) and the same goes for them-do I need to refill them ALL?

Thanks for any tips.

[kittyk]

Ooops!
P.S I also left some of last years crop in a paper bag-they have chitted like crazy but I thought I read it was not good to use them-shall I bother?

[frias]

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But I want to know the question!

[Pumpkin Becki]

I've just watched Tattieman's video clips, and they're absolutely brilliant - clear, concise and informative. Well done that Tattieman!

[tattieman]

Glad you found them useful Becki.

[timemellowed]

Would ericaceous compost be okay?

[tattieman]

Would ericaceous compost be okay?

Just read about it and it seems perfect for the job. Should give you perfect skin finish

[timemellowed]

Thank you for replying and your very valuable advice.

[Maddie106]

If you want new spuds for Christmas, then put any left over early seed potatoes out in the garden in egg boxes when there is no chace of frost (mid/end May)
Watch out for greenfly!

Plant them up according to Tattiemans instructions in JULY and you should have some home grown new potatoes for Christmas dinner!

I've impressed the family for the last 2 years!!!!!

[21again]

I have 6 Vivaldi seed potatoes from the Thompson and Morgan offer and I'm going to put one into 2 morrison flower buckets, one into one of the small potato bags that came with the kit and 3 into the 30litre bag that came with the kit (they only sent me 2 bags instead of 3).

I have the compost but no fertilizer.

Can anyone recommend a fertilizer that is available from Wilkinsons please as that is the most convenient place for me to buy it from.

Also, do you actually need to use fertilzer?

[FionaH]

Apparently you do need fertiliser, I use wilkies blood fish and bone. Its not exactly right but it will do, or so I am told

[Iamhanuman]

this whole thread is excellent

[21again]

Apparently you do need fertiliser, I use wilkies blood fish and bone. Its not exactly right but it will do, or so I am told

Thanks for the info, I shall get some later in the week.

Ta!