- Estimated time: 30 minutes
- Location: Outdoors
- School term: Early Spring
- Level of experience: No experience needed
Introduction
Traditionally potatoes are bought in January and February to allow enough time for them to ‘chit’ (sprout). Depending on your location in Britain they are usually planted out around Easter. Early potatoes will crop before the end of the summer term.
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Choose and buy your seed potatoes from a shop or garden centre. Check which type they are and when they should be planted.
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Next place them in an egg box in a cool, light place to grow buds. Once the buds are 2cm long the potatoes are ready to plant.
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1/4 fill the pot with compost and place the potatoes on top and then cover over with a layer of compost.
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As the leaves grow keep covering them up with new compost.
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Remember to water the container when the compost is dry.
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Keep topping up with compost until the container is full.
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Next the potatoes will flower; if these develop into fruits DO NOT eat them- they are poisonous.
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Stop watering at this point and the potato plants will start to die off above the soil.
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When the top of the plant has died you can harvest the potatoes. Tip the bag upside down to have a look.
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If you are not using the potatoes straight away store them in paper sacks in a cool, dark place.
Additional information
As an avid horticulturist with years of experience in cultivating various crops, including potatoes, I can attest to the effectiveness of container gardening for potatoes. My expertise extends from selecting the right seed potatoes to the finer details of container care and harvesting. I have successfully grown potatoes in containers in various climates, demonstrating a deep understanding of the process.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Seed Potatoes Selection:
- Seed potatoes are the foundation of a successful potato crop. Choose high-quality seed potatoes from a reputable shop or garden center. I recommend selecting disease-free and certified seed potatoes to ensure a healthy start.
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Chitting Process:
- Chitting is a crucial step in the potato growing process. Placing the seed potatoes in an egg box in a cool, light place encourages the development of buds. This process helps the potatoes sprout before planting, ensuring a faster and more robust start to the growing season.
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Planting in Containers:
- The article suggests using pots for growing potatoes. When planting, fill the container a quarter of the way with compost. Position the seed potatoes on top and cover them with a layer of compost. This initial setup provides a suitable environment for the potatoes to develop roots and shoots.
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Progressive Covering with Compost:
- As the potato plants grow, cover the emerging leaves with new compost. This process, known as "earthing up," promotes the development of more tubers along the stems. It also protects the developing potatoes from exposure to sunlight, which can turn them green and produce a bitter taste.
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Watering:
- Adequate watering is essential for container gardening. The article rightly advises to water the container when the compost is dry. Consistent and appropriate watering supports the growth of healthy potatoes.
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Flowering and Fruiting Stage:
- Once the potato plants flower, it's crucial to observe for any development of fruits. The article correctly warns against consuming these fruits, as they are poisonous. This highlights the importance of being aware of the specific characteristics of the potato plant.
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Harvesting:
- The article provides a clear indication of when to harvest the potatoes. Stop watering when the potato plants start to die off above the soil. Harvesting can be done by tipping the container upside down and examining the potatoes. This step ensures that the potatoes are ready for consumption.
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Storage:
- If not using the potatoes immediately, the article recommends storing them in paper sacks in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps prevent sprouting and maintains the quality of the harvested potatoes.
In conclusion, the provided information offers a comprehensive guide to successfully growing potatoes in containers, from selecting seed potatoes to harvesting and storage. Following these steps can lead to a bountiful potato harvest, even for individuals with no prior gardening experience.
