Potatoes are a popular and beneficial
vegetable rich in vitamins A, B C, potassium, iron, antioxidants, fiber and
carbohydrates. First, potato planting started in America. Later, growing
potatoes spread to different countries of the world. Generally,
potatoes can be grown indoors and outdoors. Nowadays, many people grow potatoes
in their roof gardens as a hobby. Today, in this article, I have shown you how
to grow potatoes in a container or a bucket indoors. First, let's have a
basic idea about potato growing.
Growing Delicious Potatoes
When to plant potatoes
Potatoes are a winter crop. November to
December is the best time to grow potatoes in winter countries. And, in summer
countries, the best time for planting potatoes is March to April. Basically,
potato planting time can be more or less based on the temperature of the
countries.
How to grow potatoes in a container
Step-by-Step Guide
Growing potatoes indoors is very easy. Follow the guide below
step by step to grow potatoes in a container indoors.
1. Choose the Right Variety of Potatoes
First, choose the seed potatoes. Here are some popular and
hybrid varieties of potatoes for you. Let’s have a look at them:
- Yukon Gold: A versatile, buttery-flavored potato.
- Red Norland: A red-skinned variety that matures quickly.
- Fingerlings: These small, elongated potatoes are perfect for small spaces and containers.
2. Prepare the Seed Potatoes
- Chitting: Chit or sprout your potatoes before planting them. Keep them in a cool and bright place for 1-2 weeks until the sprouts are about 1 inch long.
- Cutting: If your seed potatoes are big, cut them into small pieces. Keep at least one or two eyes (sprouts) on each piece. Let the cut pieces dry for a day or two to reduce the risk of rotting.
3. Prepare the Container
If your container doesn't have holes in the bottom, make two holes. Then place two brick pieces over those holes. Then add 1 inch of white sand and 1 inch of brick chips or pebbles. Then fill the pot three-quarters full with potting soil.
4. Plant the Potatoes
- Place the seed potatoes (sprouts facing up) on top of the soil spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
- Cover the potatoes with another 2 inches of soil.
5. Water Regularly
Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when they start
forming tubers. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply so that
moisture can reach the roots.
6. Add More Soil (Hilling)
As the potato plants grow, continue to add soil or compost around the stems. This process, called ‘Hilling’ helps the tubers form and prevents the potatoes from being exposed to sunlight.
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7. Provide Proper Sunlight
Place your container in a sunny spot where the potatoes can
get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Potatoes need sunshine and will grow
well in full sunlight.
8. Fertilize for Healthy Growth
After the plants have grown a few inches, feed them with a
balanced, organic fertilizer. It will help strong plant growth.
9. Harvesting Potatoes
Growing potatoes in containers needs patience. You will have
to continue caring for them until they mature. After a certain period of time,
you can harvest your own grown potatoes.
When to Harvest Potatoes
- New Potatoes: Potatoes can be harvested early about 8-10 weeks after planting when the plants start flowering.
- Full-Sized Potatoes: Wait until the leaves of the potato plant turn yellow. Usually, potatoes are fruitful within 12-20 weeks of planting. Again, sometimes the time can be more or less depending on the variety.
H3: How to Harvest Potatoes
- Wait until the foliage has fully died back.
- Carefully tip the container over and sift through the soil to find the potatoes.
- Brush off the excess soil but avoid washing them if you plan to store them.
10. How to store potatoes
It is very easy to store potatoes. Store
them in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place. Avoid storing them in the
refrigerator. Store them in an airtight bag. Above all, check the potatoes
regularly to prevent them from sprouting or rotting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular grocery store potatoes for planting?
No, it is not recommended. Grocery store potatoes may carry
diseases and prevent sprouting. So, you have to collect certified seed
potatoes.
2. How many potatoes can I expect from one container?
This depends on the size of the container and the variety of
potatoes. On average, you can expect 5-10 pounds of potatoes from a single
container.
3. Do I need to fertilize my potatoes?
Yes, potatoes benefit from additional nutrients. A
slow-release fertilizer or organic compost will help a healthy crop.
4. Can I grow potatoes indoors?
Yes, you can grow potatoes indoors but you have to manage
plenty of sunlight for them. If you don't have a very bright indoor space or
grow lights, it is better to grow them outdoors.
5. How can I prevent my potatoes from turning green?
The potatoes are fully covered with soil or mulch at all
times. Exposure to sunlight causes them to turn green. So, stop exposing
sunlight.
6. When to harvest potatoes?
Harvest potatoes when the potato plants
are fully dead or the plants are turned yellow. Don't harvest potatoes
where the leaves are green
7. How to harvest potatoes at home?
Potatoes can be harvested within 90 days
from planting. Potatoes are ready for harvesting when the leaves of the potato
plant start to turn yellow. While harvesting the potatoes, first the top
potatoes should be carefully collected. Then the potato plants should be
uprooted and all the soils should be removed. Finally, the potatoes should be
separated from the soil.
In conclusion, potatoes are a common
carry. It can be used in any curry. Many people eat potatoes instead of rice in
many countries. However, growing potatoes is very easy. So, if you
wish, you can grow potatoes in a container indoors. I think from this
article you have learned well how to grow potatoes in a container. Thank
you so much for reading the full article.
Are you ready to grow your own potatoes? Grab your seed
potatoes and container and start your gardening journey today. Don’t forget to
share your experience with me in the comments below. Happy gardening!
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