Growing Potatoes in Containers – Transform Your Small Space to a Big Harvest

Growing potatoes in containers is a popular and viable option; trust me, it’s easier than it sounds.

Besides the organically grown, adulteration-free, and delicious spuds, seeding them into containers comes with lots of other benefits.

You have to spend less time crawling on the ground for harvest, avoiding weeding completely, and you don’t have to deal with local insects and small animals to enjoy these root veggies.

Be it your balcony gardens or outdoor lawns, it is always exciting to grow your food at home and enjoy the wholesomeness of homegrown organic harvest.

Let’s jump into this article, let’s learn everything you need to know regarding how to plant potatoes in containers.

Brief Overview on Growing Potatoes in Containers

Scientifically known as Solanum tuberosum, the potato is an annual plant grown for its starchy edible tubers.

Similar to plants like the Goji berry, Sweet 100 tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers, or Cherokee Purple tomatoes, these underground gems also belong to the nightshade plant family of Solanaceae, which originated from the Andes Mountains of South America around 7000 to 10,000 years ago.

It can be easily grown in homes, whether you have a garden or not. Take a look at why growing container potatoes is a good idea.

• Space Efficiency: Growing potatoes in containers allows you to produce them in small spaces like balconies, patios, or limited outdoor living areas of urban settings.  

• Pest and Disease Control: Planting potatoes in containers does not attract serious insects and diseases, and it’s easier for you to closely monitor the plant and take effective measures, if any such case arises. 

• Easy Harvesting: Harvesting these tubers is easier in containers than digging them up from the ground. You can simply tip the container over and collect the harvests. 

• Mobility: When planted in pots, it is easier to move them around according to the climate changes and needs. You can easily relocate the pots in case of sunlight needs, and can place them with other indoor plants in case of extreme winters. 

• Elevates your Empty Garden Spaces: Besides its functional appeal, these plants can also transform your home garden into a lush and rewarding space. The occasional purple, blue, pink, or white flowers can add to the beauty.

Do You Know – What Do Flowers in a Potato Plant Signal?

• Potato flowers appear when the plant matures, often signaling that the tubers are developing underground. 
• These flowers produce berries that resemble small tomatoes and are poisonous if ingested. 
• While these spuds don’t need pollination to produce tubers, their flowers still attract various pollinators naturally to the gardens. 

 

With so many pros and the rewarding yield, growing this root vegetable in pots is worthwhile.

Steps to Set up Your Container Potato Garden

Setting up your gardening containers is important before starting to grow these taters. Here’s how to set up your grow bags and pots for a delicious harvest.

• Gather Your Supplies: First, you will need a container, be it grow bags, wooden pots, or barrels.

  Ensure the potato growing containers are at least 5 gallons in size and 12–18 inches deep and wide. A 2–3 feet tall and 10-15 gallon capacity container is ideal to begin your tuber planting journey.

• Add Drainage Holes: Selecting planters with good drainage holes is essential to prevent the tubers from rotting. Four holes around the perimeter and one in the centre are apt for the plant to remain lush and rewarding. If your pots do not have holes, you should drill and make the required holes.

• Cover the Drainage Holes: Next step is to cover the holes with burlap or weed barrier cloth to prevent the soil mix from washing out. You can also use broken pieces of earthen pots and stones to do the same. 

• Locate the Pot in a Sunny Spot: Before filling up the soil, place the containers in a spot where at least 7–8 hours of light is available. 

  These tubers are not shade-loving plants; instead require abundant sunlight to produce their yield. Ample sunlight ensures the container is fresh and ready to be planted.

• Fill the Container with Soil: Finally, fill the first 10–12 inches of your pot with soil mix. These plants are not picky about a specific soil type, but soils mixed with some coarse sand and compost are ideal for plant growth. 

By following these steps, you can make your containers all set to be planted. Let’s read further, how to grow potatoes in a container that has been set and prepared. 

How to Grow Potatoes in a Container?

These earthy staples are a versatile crop for beginners. The best time to plant them is two weeks before the last frost date in your region. It is the best time because the soil in the container will warm up faster when exposed to the sun than in the ground. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to raise spuds in containers.

Step 1. Choose Seed Potatoes

The first step is to choose high-quality seed potatoes. These are not actual seeds, but small whole pieces or a chunk of larger ones that will sprout into new plants. 

If your seed tubers haven’t started sprouting yet, place them in a warm, well-lit area for a few days. Once they have chitted and developed shoots about 2-5 cm, they are ready to be planted.

Step 2. Cut the Seed Potatoes

Cut them into pieces, with each comprising two eyes or growth nodes from where the new plants will sprout. Let the cut surfaces callus over by letting them sit for a couple of days before planting. If your seed spuds are small, you can plant them as it is; you need to cut the big ones only.

Step 3. Prepare the Ideal Potting Mix

For the lush growth of your plants, make sure to use a high-quality potting soil mix with good drainage instead of regular garden soil. An ideal potting mix is half-and-half of commercial potting soil mixed with organic composts. 

If your soil seems nutrient-deficient, you can add a slow-release organic fertilizer to make it more fertile.

Step 4.  Place the Seed Potatoes In the Containers

After preparing the ideal potting mix, place the tubers in the soil with eye buds facing upwards. Place them about 30 cm apart and cover with a layer of compost, as an ideal container can accommodate four small seed taters.

Step 5. Add More Compost Once Shoots Appear

Once the shoots begin to appear, add a layer of compost around the base of the stems to cover them up. This step is called ‘earthing up’, which prevents the light from reaching the spud. The cooler the climate, the less soil it needs.

Step 6. Ensure Sufficient light and Water 

Place the pots in a spot where they receive 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. These plants need plenty of water in their growing phase, so ensure to check the moisture of the soil daily and water thoroughly till the water reaches the bottom. 

Step 7. Hill Around the Plants

When the plants grow about 6 inches, you should start hilling by adding more soil around the stem of the plant. Continue to bury the stem by covering with compost until the container is full. You can also stop hilling once the plants begin to flower.

Tips – Why is Hilling Important?

• Tubers are formed along the underground stems and not roots. Therefore, more coverage means more harvest.
• Hilling also protects the tubers from direct sunlight, which turns them green, making them inedible.

 

Step 8. Harvest the Potatoes

As soon as the plant begins to flower, and leaves and stems start to die off, you should stop watering at this time. This signals that the tubers are ready for harvest.

You can easily grow these root vegetables in your home garden using these simple steps. Usually, these plants take 9–120 days to mature from the time of seeding.

Tips for Harvesting Potatoes – When and How?

Your harvest of tubers depends on when you plant the seeds. 

For a summer harvest, plant your seeds in spring, two or four weeks before the last frost date in your region. Whereas for a fall harvest, you should plant them in mid to late summer, two to three months before the first frost date.

Here’s how you can harvest your spuds without any confusion.

• You can begin harvesting the tubers around 2 weeks after the plants begin to flower. 

• Check the soil and gently dig around the base of the plant to harvest small tubers without disturbing the rest of the plants.

• If you want a full harvest, wait for the vines to turn yellow and die back. This signals that the tubers are fully grown and mature.

• Use a garden fork or your hands to carefully dig up the tubers to avoid damaging them during the harvest.

Once you harvest your fully grown spuds, it’s time to store them effectively to avoid any spoiling. You should ensure to spread the harvested tubers into a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation for about 1–2 weeks. 

There are many different varieties of this root crop, and the harvest time of each variety depends on its type. Read further to learn the best varieties of tubers to grow in containers in your homes.

Types of Container Planting Potatoes to Grow in Pots

Growing tubers in containers is a simple way to turn your boring gardens into productive spaces and enjoy fresh, organic harvests without needing a large plot. 

Here are some of the best varieties of these underground gems to grow in containers.

Type	Sub Variety	Features & Harvest Time
Russet Potatoes	Rio Grande German Butterball	Medium to large oval-shaped spuds. Rough brown skin with floury flaky texture, with a mild earthy flavour. Rio Grande is ready for harvest in just 65 days. German Butterball takes 100-130 days to harvest. High starch content and ideal for baking and frying.
Yellow Potatoes	Yukon Gold Yukon Gem	These varieties get their name due to the golden yellow colour flesh. Low to medium starch level with slightly waxy texture with buttery flavour. These spuds mature in early to mid-season in just 65 to 80 days. Ideal for almost all cooking methods.
Red Potatoes	Dark Red Norland Adirondack Red	Red varieties are small to medium in size with red skin and white flesh. They are waxy with a creamy texture and a bit sweeter taste. These are low in starch content, easy to grow, and get ready to harvest within 70-90 days. Ideal for salads and pot roasts.
White Potatoes	Kennebec Superior Cascade	White varieties are small to medium-sized, round or oblong-shaped, and tan with white flesh. Popular for their thin skin, super moist, and creamy textures. Low in starch content and gets ready for harvest in 80-100 days. Ideal for grilling, tossing into soups, curries, and mashing.
Purple & Blue Potatoes	Purple Majesty Adirondack Blue	These varieties get their name due to their purple or blue skin with purple, blue, pink, red, and white skin. Besides their earthy and nutty flavour, there are amazing health benefits to keeping this plant. Rich in anthocyanins, carotenoids, and antioxidants that help resolve oxidative stress and inflammation. Medium in starch content and gets ready for harvest in 85-100 days. Ideal for roasting, frying, and mashing.
Fingerling Potatoes	Russian Banana Austrian Crescent French Fingerlings	Typically grows up to 2-4 inches tall and narrow, resembling a finger. Firm, wavy texture with a nutty and buttery flavour. Found in various colours like yellow, purple, red, and white. Low in starch content and gets ready for harvest in 95–125 days. Ideal for pan-frying and roasting.

By choosing a mix of these varieties, you can enjoy different flavours, colours, and elevate your home decor and kitchen gardens with beautiful potato plants.

Planting Container Potatoes? Explore the Ultimate Care Guide

Caring for homegrown spuds is easier than it sounds. These underground gems need attention, similar to sweet potato vine plants and other nightshades. The tubers also add beauty with function and thrive beautifully under optimum conditions. 

Here is a simple guide on how to care for and look after your tuber plants at home without any hassle.

Care Aspects	Requirements
Hardiness	Generally thrives in 3-10 USDA zones Grown as a cool-season annual in most zones, but can be grown year-round in frost-free areas.
Growth Rate	Moderate Most varieties take 70-120 days to reach harvest.
Mature Size	Plants grow 2-3 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Sunlight	6-8 hours of direct sunlight for the growth and development of tubers. Unlike low-light plants, they thrive best in bright conditions.
Soil	Well-draining soil rich in organic matter mixed with compost. Fertile soil with a pH value of 5.8-6.5
Watering	Ensure to keep the soil moistened but not soggy. Water deeply 2-3 times a week, depending on the climate.
Fertilizer	Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost every 3-4 weeks. At the planting stage, using low nitrogen and high phosphorus fertilizers helps in root development.
Temperature	Thrives in a soil temperature between 45-55 °F. During the growing stage, these plants need soil temperature between 60 °F and 70 °F.
Mulching	Applying a layer of chopped straw, shredded leaves, or compost around the base of the plants helps in reducing weeds, retaining moisture, and improving harvest quality.

You can balance your plant care with your busy routines by following this easy care guide. With little effort and attention, container potato planting will reward you with fresh harvests.

Explore Some Unique Potato Growing Container Ideas

There is a broad selection of containers to grow potatoes in. Have a look at some container ideas where you can grow your organic tubers.

Grow bags are one of the best options for growing tubers as they facilitate good drainage and have handles, which make it easy to move. They are made in a variety of sizes and dimensions, and their flexible materials allow expansion as the plants expand.

Bales have gained popularity in recent years, although there is some work involved with cultivating spuds in straw bales. They are large and can accommodate dozens of tubers. Also, it is a useful pick if your garden soil is less than ideal.

Wooden barrel planters are one of the most attractive container options and are suitable for stylish gardening. These provide plenty of depth for roots and facilitate a bountiful harvest. You just have to make proper drainage holes for air circulation. 

Buckets are affordable and accommodate many plants at a time. They are made in different varieties and sizes. A plastic bucket prevents the soil from drying up too fast. It is easy to move around and is an excellent planter for beginners.

Trash cans are viable options that are tough, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. Metals and plastics, both of these trash cans are slower to dry, and can save you some watering. You just need to make some drainage holes, and it is ready to be used multiple times.

Tire towers are a unique planter idea that adds to the raw look in your garden. You can stack old tires to build a vertical bed. As plants grow, you can add more soil and another tire layer for increased harvest.

Sometimes, like other hanging plants or indoor vine plants, you can allow the tuber plants to trail and foliage to cascade beautifully while saving up the floor space. These planters are ideal for small balconies and patios. 

Whichever option you pick, just make sure it has good drainage and can handle an expanding root system.

Potato Problems Ruining Your Harvest? Explore the ultimate Solutions

Although these are hardy crops, they have their share of drawbacks. Here are some issues that you may face while planting them in containers and beds. 

Problem	Cause	Fix
Root Rot	Overwatering  Soggy soils lead to tuber decay	Use well-drained soil and pots with good air circulation. Do not overwater.
Pests & Diseases	Infestations by aphids, beetles, and wireworms on leaves and roots.	Inspects plants regularly for insects. You can hand-pick the pests and try companion planting, like marigolds or basil.
Fungal Disease	Early blight, dark leaf spots, and late blight can be caused due to poor soil health. Planting the crop in the same spot more than once also causes these diseases.	To get rid of fungus and gnats, rotate crops and do not plant spuds in the same spot for more than a year. Ensure to space the plants properly.
Green Potatoes	Exposure to direct sunlight causes spuds to turn green and develop solanine.	Hill soil regularly. Cover the exposed tubers with compost.
Poor Yield	Imbalance of nutrients. Lack of hilling. Choosing low-quality seed spuds.	Hilling the soil around stems. You should always select high-quality seed tubers only. Ensure to fertilise the plants from time to time.
Sprouting Issues	Not storing the seed spuds properly. Low-quality seed tubers.	Select healthy and superior quality seed tubers. Ensure proper chitting before planting.

Keeping a regular check and addressing these issues promptly can keep your underground gems thriving and healthy.

Conclusion

To sum up, you don’t need a large plot to harvest these underground gems; even the small balconies and tight spaces can turn into an earthly patch. 

From choosing the right container to tackling the challenges, growing potatoes in containers is undoubtedly a rewarding journey. With proper care and attention, you can harvest not just food on your table, but also experience the joy of growing from seed to full-grown spud.

Read this article and take a first step towards nurturing your delicious homegrown spuds.