I may have mentioned that I had some potatoes in the kitchen that had sprouted so I cut out hunks around the sprouts and planted them in buckets in the greenhouse. I planted 5 buckets.
They’re growing like crazy but the chances of getting potatoes are slim. Potatoes don’t transplant very well . . almost impossible. These are going to be really big by the time the weather is warm enough to transplant them, which further reduces the chance of a successful transplant. This time of year, it’s fun to plant anything and have it grow, even if it’s probably not ever going to produce. It just took a bit of dirt and a few 5 gallon buckets which were sitting around.
We do have some huge water tubs and I think I’d have a better chance of successfully transplanting them if I put them in those tubs when it gets warmer, but the tubs would have to have holes drilled in them and that would ruin their intended purpose as a water tub. We keep those out in the woods for the wild animals and they probably need water more than I need potatoes.
Donnalyn says
Judy I have seen people grow potatoes in large bags of soil, that might be something to look at. It would be fairly inexpensive and you could easily reuse the soil after.
Joan says
I’ve successfully grown potatoes in five gallon buckets. Harvesting is a breeze – just dump over the bucket and collect them. You won’t get as many potatoes as those grown in the ground, but it’s better than losing them all during a transplant.
Susan Nixon says
I was thinking what Joan said. Just leave them in the buckets and let them grow.
Sandi B says
Have you seen the potato planters made with old tires? I wonder if you stacked a few of them they’d survive the weather?
Judy Laquidara says
I’ve heard of people doing it but I would not. Too much risk of something toxic in old tires.