Potato Planters

Easter is a traditional time for planting your potatoes but Easter is a bit late this year.

To get started I am trying a variety of potato planters with my early potatoes.

Types of Potato Planters

• The simplest planter I am using is a large black plastic pot. 12″ in circumference and at least the same in height and it will grow a good few spuds from one or three tubers.
• For main crop potatoes in planters I have used half a large compost bag. Part filled I have then turned down the top so some of the black inner plastic shows and helps the container warm up. (Black draws the sun’s heat to the planter).  As the spuds grow I can fill up with compost to avoid greening on the potatoes.
• I bought a plastic purpose built planter from a local shop. Details on the picture. It has an opening so I can take potatoes from the bottom of the bag as needed. However I think I will empty the bag in one go. If anything it is too small for my taste (and so will the potatoes be).
• Last year I had great success with old damage polypropylene waste disposal sacks as planters.

Tips for Potato Planters

• Keep well watered as the potatoes start to form  (I hope you have included drainage holes in your planters).
• Feed every fortnight in May and June with a dilute liquid feed.
• I put the planters under the eaves of the house for early protection. Then I move them when the frost has finished.
• The black bags and pots get warmer than the light coloured pots and planters. The green planter kits look a bit tidier.

Seed potatoes and various planters are available from Thompson & Morgan