Posted by 
Potatoes are a tasty and easy-to-grow vegetable that you can cultivate at home, even if you don’t have a garden. In fact, growing them in containers offers several advantages. When you plant potatoes in pots, you can control the soil quality and easily keep an eye on pests and diseases. Plus, harvesting is a breeze since you won’t need to do much digging.
Container gardening can be highly productive and helps protect your potatoes from common pests like wireworms and voles. It’s also an ideal solution if your garden space is limited or if the soil in your area is too rocky for planting.
Potatoes tend to take up a lot of room in traditional garden beds, so using containers like trash cans or burlap bags can save space while still giving you a great harvest. You can start planting potatoes in pots in early spring—just wait about two weeks after the last frost.
Ready to try growing your own spuds in containers? Follow these tips and techniques from gardening pros to successfully plant and harvest potatoes right at home!
Why should you grow potatoes in containers?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging up your own homegrown potatoes from rich, dark soil—it’s a rewarding experience that embodies the essence of growing your own food.
Personally, I can’t imagine a season without my annual potato harvest. They’re simple to grow, and every year, I look forward to the abundance of fresh tubers that never fail to impress.
But let’s be honest—not everyone has the space for a traditional potato patch. Potatoes need a lot of room, with rows requiring about 45cm (18 inches) between them. What starts as a few seed potatoes can quickly turn into a space dilemma. So, what’s the solution? Containers!
I grow most of my potatoes in 30-liter buckets, and it’s been a game-changer for a couple of reasons. First, you can control the growing conditions. You don’t have to worry about soil drying out, cracking, or unpredictable frost. If there’s a cold snap, you can simply move the container into a protected area like a polytunnel.
Second, containers allow you to start your crop early. You can keep them inside until the plants start to peek above the compost, then move them outside when the weather improves. Plus, using containers can speed up your harvest—black buckets absorb heat, helping plants grow faster by improving nutrient uptake.
For gardeners short on space, containers are a fantastic option. Whether you use pots, sacks, old tires, or even an old sink, potatoes are surprisingly adaptable and can thrive almost anywhere with the right care. A few well-placed pots on your patio can even add a lush, green touch to your garden space.
Beyond aesthetics, growing potatoes in containers offers practical benefits. You avoid common soil-borne pests and diseases like eelworm and scab, get a break from heavy digging, and can experiment with multiple varieties without worrying about mixing them up or crop rotation.
It’s also a fun and easy project for kids! So, if you’re not already growing potatoes in containers, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
When to Plant Potatoes in Containers
You can start planting potatoes in containers about two weeks before the last frost in your area. However, if a late frost is in the forecast, it’s a good idea to either move your containers to a sheltered spot or cover them until the weather warms up.
The timing of planting also depends on when you want to harvest. For a summer crop, plant your potatoes in early spring, around two to four weeks before the last frost. For a fall harvest, plant them in mid to late summer, roughly two to three months before the first frost.
Be sure the soil is warm enough for sprouting, as potatoes won’t grow well in cold soil and may rot.
How to Choose the Best Container for Growing Potatoes
When it comes to growing potatoes, picking the right container is crucial. Start by ensuring the container is big enough—each potato plant will need about 2.5 gallons of space to thrive. That’s roughly 10 liters.
Avoid overcrowding; it might seem like you’re making the most of your space, but it could lead to puny potatoes or none at all. For example, a standard garbage can size works well for about four plants.
Make sure your chosen container has sufficient drainage holes to let any excess water escape. This is vital to prevent waterlogged soil which can harm your plants. Containers on the market like potato growing sacks are specifically designed for this and usually accommodate three plants.
The type of container you go for doesn’t matter too much as long as it meets these criteria. It should also be made from a material that’s safe for growing food. Avoid using containers like old tires, which can leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
Instead, consider using barrels, trash cans, plastic storage tubs, or specially made fabric potato grow bags, which are great due to their breathable fabric that allows for good drainage.