HOW TO GROW POTATO IN CONTAINERS/ POTS

 

 

 

Potatoes are one of the favourite home grown vegetable throughout the world.  It is very easy to grow.  The science of growing potatoes in containers is very simple.

 

COMPANION PLANTS

Cabbage, Beans and Marigold are the best companions for Potato plant.

 

SEASON/ TEMPERATURE

Best to grow them in spring season, can be grown in summer and warm climatic conditions.  They will not grow in Winter Season as they are very sensitive to low temperature.  They grow best in partial sunlight/ under the shade.  Direct exposure of Sun for a long period should be avoided.

Potato plant requires a good amount of sunlight during the day for growth. The optimum temperature is 15-25 degree celsius for potato planting.

 

PROPAGATION

Pick a potato with some eyes.  Keep it in a cool dark place to allow some eyes to sprout.  Sprouts will come out within 5-7 days.  Once sprouted keep 3 or 4 healthy sprouts and remove the rest by rubbing off with your fingers/ thumb.  Now cut the potato in 2 or 3 parts ensuring everyone has at least one or two eyes on it.  Leave them for another week’s time to dry.  Your potato plant is ready to be planted in container.

 

 

Fill the container with soil up to 4 or 5” from the bottom.  Now place the seeds on it and cover it with another 2 or 3”of soil.  Cover your container with more soil after your seedling reaches approximately 7” in height.  Add more soil once your seedlings start to grow up.

 

CONTAINER/ POT SIZE

Minimum container size is 10” (H) x 14” (W) with big drainage holes to allow excess water to leave

 

SOIL

Potatoes like loose, well-drained soil with enriched organic material.  Add manure or home garden compost for best results.

 

WATERING

Pay close attention while watering your plant and do not overwater.  The soil should be moist, never wet or not completely dry.  Use your fingertip for checking the soil.  Imbalance of moisture level results in rough-skinned/ knobby tubers.  Overwatering will drain out organic material of soil and also cause root and tuber decay.

 

FERTILIZER

Cow dung or garden compost works best for Potato plant.  In case of using fertilizer use organic fertilizer.  Do not feed them with non organic fertilizer as it can harm tubers and also not good for your health.

 

CARE

Potatoes are prone to diseases such as blight, leaf hopper.  Do not keep potato plant near tomato, cucumber or squashes.

 

HARVESTING

Potatoes are ready to harvest after 10-11 weeks.  By this time the plant will flower and leaves/ stems of your plant will be completely yellow.  Harvest all potatoes else they will rot.  Dig out your potatoes; brush off the soil clinging to the potatoes.  Don’t wash them until right before you use them. Washing potatoes shortens their storage life.

 

Look forward to your comments and suggestions.

 

My best.

 

WARNING: ANY PESTICIDES SPRAYED/ USED ON PLANTS CAN BE HARMFUL.  ALWAYS CHECK WARNING LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICAL TO A PLANT.  WASH YOUR FRUITS, VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMING.