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| What's the best container mix for potatoes? I tried straw and dirt last year (I know, bad idea) and yields were horrible. I'm using 5 gallon tubs for purple Peruvian fingerlings. |
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| Any soil-less potting mix should work fine. No soils. There are many brands available. Dave. |
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| If you're trying to grow potatoes in containers, you might be interested in reading about the Kenosha Potato Project where they are trying to identify potatoes that produce well in containers. So far, most of what they've identified is the things that don't work, like using straw and failing to maintain constant moisture. I think you'll find it pretty difficult to produce more than a few potatoes in a 5-gallon container. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Kenosha Potato Project
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| I'm experimenting this year. I had some left over seed potatoes and planted them in 30 gallon Rubbermaid tubs. We will see how it goes. I used just a general purpose potting mix I picked up at the hardware store, can't remember the brand though. |
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| First, you will need a deep container. You fill your container about 10" from the bottom. Place the seeds on it and covert with about 3 to 4 inches of additional soil. So far you have used about 13-14" of depth. Tomato will grow roots (NOT TUBERS) in this portion of the soil and will get the moisture and the nutrient from that part. After the tomato sprouts and grows, you start filling around/between the stems: THIS IS WHERE THE TUBERS WILL GROW. This part needs NOT to have ANY nutrients but has to be fluffy so the tubers can grow in it easily. This part should have a depth of about 8". So this results in an over all container depth of about 20 -22 inches. Therefore it is important that the lower 13" (wher the roots will grow) to consist of very rich and balanced nutrients, before you plant in it. I will mix in some compost, manure , pine bark fine, peat moss and some perlite. Or use something like ProMix with added CRF. anatomy of potato plant. Though not a very good one. |
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