Growing potatoes is really easy. You don’t even need a garden. A few pots outside your back door is all you need. Do these few things, and you will be rewarded with a tasty harvest.
Container: Various containers, including pots, crates made of wood, and bags, can be used to cultivate potatoes. A minimum of 2–3 feet should be the depth of the container you choose.
Variety: Potatoes come in a wide range of variations. For container gardening, some are more suitable. To save on space, choose compact or petite kinds like fingerlings or new potatoes.
Soil: Potatoes need aeration and well-draining soil. Make a mix by combining garden soil, compost, and peat moss, or use a high-quality potting mix you purchase from your local garden center.
Planting: Chit potatoes before planting, to hasten the growth of your potatoes. Chitting is letting the potatoes “grow eyes,” or sprout. Once chitted, put them in the ground 3 to 4 inches deep. Depending on the type, place them 8–12 inches apart.Potatoes need at least 6 to 8 hours of daily direct sunlight. Put your container on your terrace in a sunny location.
Watering: Maintain a constant moisture level in the soil that is not flooded. Under-watering can produce undersized potatoes, while overwatering can cause rot. When the top inch of soil seems dry, water thoroughly.
Hilling: To cover the stems as the potato plants grow, regularly mound soil or add more potting soil. This promotes more tuber growth and stops them from turning green, which can make them toxic.
Fertilization: Potatoes benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, as over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer tubers.
Potatoes are usually ready to be harvested when the plants begin to yellow and wither. Be gentle so as not to harm the tubers.Potatoes should be allowed to cure for a few days in a cool, dry area with sufficient ventilation after harvest. Then, to avoid sprouting, place them somewhere cool and dark.
