Growing your own potatoes is one of the most satisfying things you can do as a gardener. There’s nothing quite like digging your hands into the soil and pulling out fresh, homegrown spuds—especially when they came from a container on your patio or balcony!
Potatoes are one of the easiest crops to grow in containers and the best part? You don’t need a big garden or a lot of space to do it. Whether you have a small backyard, a tiny balcony, or just a sunny spot by your doorstep, you can grow potatoes in pots, buckets, or even fabric grow bags.
Why Grow Potatoes in Containers?
If you’ve ever tried growing potatoes in a traditional garden, you know they take up a lot of space. But when you grow them in containers, you can:
✔ Save space – Perfect for small gardens, balconies, or patios.
✔ Control soil quality – No more worrying about bad soil or diseases in your garden.
✔ Reduce pests and diseases – Fewer chances of soil-borne problems like blight.
✔ Easier harvesting – No digging required—just dump out the container and collect your potatoes!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing potatoes in containers—from choosing the right potato variety to harvesting your crop. By the end, you’ll be ready to start your own potato-growing adventure, no matter how much space you have.
So, grab a container, some seed potatoes, and let’s get started! 🚀
Choosing the Right Potato Variety
Not all potatoes grow the same way, and if you want a good harvest in containers, picking the right variety is key. Some potatoes grow deep into the soil, while others spread out. Since space is limited in a container, you want a variety that thrives in a compact environment and produces plenty of potatoes.
Early vs. Maincrop Potatoes – Which One is Best?
Potatoes come in two main types: early potatoes and maincrop potatoes.
- Early Potatoes (New Potatoes)
- These grow quickly and are ready to harvest in about 60–70 days.
- They’re smaller, tender, and perfect for boiling or roasting.
- Great for containers because they don’t need as much space.
- Examples: Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Norland, Charlotte.
- Maincrop Potatoes (Larger, Storage Potatoes)
- These take longer to grow (90–120 days), but they produce bigger potatoes.
- They store well and are ideal for mashing, baking, and frying.
- Need larger containers because they grow deeper into the soil.
- Examples: Russet, Kennebec, King Edward, Maris Piper.
👉 If you’re new to growing potatoes in containers, start with early potatoes. They grow fast, take up less space, and you’ll get a quicker harvest!
Best Potato Varieties for Container Gardening
If you want the best results, these varieties are known to grow well in pots and bags:
✅ Yukon Gold – Great flavor, medium size, early harvest.
✅ Red Pontiac – A fast-growing red-skinned potato, perfect for small spaces.
✅ Fingerling Potatoes – Long, narrow, and delicious, these grow well in containers.
✅ Russet Potatoes – A good option if you have a deep container and want a bigger harvest.
Where to Buy Seed Potatoes
- Garden Centers – Most local nurseries sell certified seed potatoes.
- Online Suppliers – Many websites offer a variety of seed potatoes with delivery options.
- Grocery Store? – Technically, you can plant potatoes from the store, but they might be treated to prevent sprouting. For best results, always go with certified seed potatoes.
Picking the right variety makes all the difference when growing potatoes in containers. Once you’ve got your seed potatoes, it’s time to choose the perfect container!
Choosing the Right Container
Picking the right container is just as important as choosing the right potato variety. The size, material, and drainage of your container will all affect how well your potatoes grow. Luckily, there are plenty of options, and you probably already have something at home that will work!
What Size Container Do You Need?
Potatoes need space to grow downwards, so your container should be at least 12 inches deep. The bigger the container, the more potatoes you’ll get. Here’s a general guide:
✔ 5-gallon bucket – Grows 2–3 potato plants.
✔ 10-gallon grow bag or pot – Grows 4–5 potato plants.
✔ 15–20 gallon container – Grows 6+ plants for a bigger harvest.
👉 More space = bigger potatoes and higher yields!
Best Containers for Growing Potatoes
There’s no “perfect” container—just the one that works best for your space. Here are some great options:
- Grow Bags 🥔✅
- Made of breathable fabric, which prevents soggy soil.
- Easy to move and store when not in use.
- Great for drainage, preventing root rot.
- Plastic or Wooden Bins 🥔✅
- Large enough to grow a big crop.
- Be sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom!
- 5-Gallon Buckets 🥔✅
- Super cheap and easy to find.
- Drill at least 5–6 drainage holes in the bottom for proper water flow.
- Old Tires, Laundry Baskets, or Trash Cans 🥔✅
- Get creative! Anything deep enough can be used.
- Make sure to add holes for drainage.
Drainage – The Most Important Factor!
Potatoes hate sitting in soggy soil. No matter what container you choose, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes. If your container doesn’t have holes, drill or poke some in the bottom before planting.
Where to Place Your Container
Potatoes love sunlight, so place your container in a sunny spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Patios, balconies, and driveways all work well—just make sure your potatoes aren’t in a spot where they’ll get waterlogged when it rains.
Now that you have the perfect container, it’s time to prepare the soil and get planting!
Preparing the Soil for Potatoes
Potatoes aren’t too picky, but they do love loose, well-draining soil packed with nutrients. The right soil mix can mean the difference between a small harvest and a container overflowing with fresh potatoes!
Best Soil Mix for Growing Potatoes in Containers
Regular garden soil is too heavy for container-grown potatoes—it can get compacted and stop the potatoes from growing properly. Instead, use a light, fluffy mix that holds moisture but drains well. Here’s the best mix for happy potato plants:
🌱 1 part potting soil – A good-quality organic mix works best.
🌱 1 part compost – Adds nutrients to feed your potatoes as they grow.
🌱 1 part coconut coir or peat moss – Helps retain moisture without making the soil too dense.
🌱 A handful of perlite or sand – Improves drainage and prevents soggy roots.
👉 Avoid using regular garden soil—it’s too heavy for container gardening!
Soil pH and Nutrients
Potatoes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can mix in a little sulfur or pine needles to lower the pH.
For nutrients, potatoes love phosphorus and potassium but don’t need too much nitrogen (too much nitrogen will cause lots of leaves but fewer potatoes!).
✔ Bone meal or rock phosphate – Provides phosphorus for root and tuber growth.
✔ Wood ash or kelp meal – Adds potassium for strong, healthy potatoes.
✔ Compost or worm castings – A natural way to feed your plants throughout the season.
How to Fill Your Container
- Add a drainage layer (optional): If your container is deep, you can add a layer of small rocks or broken pottery at the bottom for extra drainage.
- Fill ⅓ of the container with soil: Start with about 4–6 inches of soil at the bottom—this is where you’ll plant your seed potatoes.
- Save extra soil for later: As the potatoes grow, you’ll add more soil on top (a process called “hilling”) to encourage more tubers to form.
With your container filled and ready, it’s time for the fun part—planting your potatoes!
Planting Your Potatoes
Now that you’ve got your container and soil ready, it’s time to plant your potatoes! This is the exciting part—where you set up your plants for a great harvest.
Step 1: Preparing Your Seed Potatoes
Before planting, you need to prep your seed potatoes (the small potatoes or potato chunks you’ll be planting). Here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Choose Healthy Seed Potatoes – Pick firm, disease-free potatoes from a garden center (not grocery store potatoes, which may be treated to prevent sprouting).
2️⃣ Cut Larger Potatoes into Pieces – If your seed potatoes are bigger than a golf ball, cut them into chunks. Each piece should have at least one or two “eyes” (the little sprouts).
3️⃣ Let Them Dry (Optional, but Recommended) – Leave the cut pieces in a warm, dry spot for 24–48 hours. This helps them form a protective layer, reducing the risk of rot.
👉 Small seed potatoes (egg-sized) can be planted whole—no cutting needed!
Step 2: Planting Your Potatoes
1️⃣ Fill Your Container – Add about 4–6 inches of soil to the bottom of your container.
2️⃣ Place the Potatoes – Lay the seed potatoes cut side down, eyes facing up, leaving 6–8 inches of space between each piece.
3️⃣ Cover with Soil – Add another 3–4 inches of soil over the potatoes. Don’t fill the container all the way yet—you’ll add more soil as the plants grow.
How Many Potatoes Can You Plant?
- 5-gallon bucket – 2 to 3 seed potatoes.
- 10-gallon container – 4 to 5 seed potatoes.
- 15–20 gallon container – 6 to 8 seed potatoes.
Step 3: Watering After Planting
After planting, give the soil a good soak to help the potatoes settle in. The soil should be moist but not soggy—overwatering at this stage can cause rot.
👉 Pro Tip: Keep the container in a warm spot (around 60–70°F / 15–21°C) to encourage sprouting.
Now that your potatoes are in the soil, all you need is a little patience. In 2–3 weeks, you’ll see the first green shoots! The next step? Taking care of your growing potato plants.
Caring for Your Potato Plants
Once your potatoes start growing, they don’t need much attention—but a little care will go a long way in getting a great harvest. Here’s what you need to do to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Watering Your Potatoes
Potatoes like consistent moisture, but too much water can lead to rot. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist—not too dry, not too soggy.
💧 How Often to Water?
✔ Check the soil every 2–3 days. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
✔ In hot weather, you may need to water every day.
✔ Always water deeply so the moisture reaches the growing tubers.
👉 Avoid Overwatering! Too much water can cause rot, especially in containers without good drainage.
Hilling – The Key to More Potatoes
Hilling is one of the most important steps in growing potatoes. As your plants grow taller, you’ll add more soil around the stems to encourage more tubers to form.
🛠 How to Hill Your Potatoes:
1️⃣ Wait until the plants are about 6–8 inches tall.
2️⃣ Add 3–4 inches of soil around the base of the plants, covering the lower leaves.
3️⃣ Repeat every 2–3 weeks until your container is full or the plants stop growing taller.
👉 Why Hill Potatoes? It prevents the tubers from being exposed to sunlight, which can turn them green and make them toxic. More soil also means more potatoes!
Feeding Your Potato Plants
Potatoes are heavy feeders, so they’ll need a little boost during the growing season.
✔ Compost or organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to keep plants healthy.
✔ Low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) helps tubers grow instead of just producing leaves.
✔ Liquid seaweed or fish emulsion can be used every 2 weeks for an extra nutrient boost.
Dealing with Pests & Diseases
Growing in containers helps reduce pests, but you still need to keep an eye out.
🐛 Common Pests:
✔ Aphids – Tiny green or black bugs that suck sap from leaves. Spray with neem oil or wash them off with water.
✔ Potato beetles – Striped yellow and black beetles that eat leaves. Pick them off by hand and drop them into soapy water.
✔ Slugs – If you see holes in leaves, set out beer traps or crushed eggshells to deter them.
🦠 Common Diseases:
✔ Blight – Brown spots on leaves; remove affected leaves immediately and avoid watering from above.
✔ Rot – Caused by overwatering. Make sure your container drains well and don’t let the soil stay soggy.
Supporting Tall Potato Plants (Optional)
If your plants get tall and start flopping over, you can use small stakes or a tomato cage to keep them upright. This isn’t necessary but can help keep your plants looking tidy.
👉 With proper care, your potato plants will thrive! Next, we’ll talk about the best part—harvesting your homegrown potatoes.
Harvesting Your Potatoes
The wait is almost over! After weeks of watching your potato plants grow, it’s time to dig up your homegrown potatoes. But when should you harvest, and how do you do it without damaging them? Let’s break it down.
When Are Potatoes Ready to Harvest?
The right time to harvest depends on whether you want new potatoes (small, tender ones) or full-sized potatoes.
🥔 For New (Baby) Potatoes:
✔ Ready 8–10 weeks after planting, when plants start flowering.
✔ Carefully dig around the base and pull out a few small potatoes.
✔ Leave the rest to keep growing for a bigger harvest later.
🥔 For Full-Sized Potatoes:
✔ Wait 14–16 weeks after planting, when the plants start turning yellow and dying back.
✔ Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest to help the skins toughen up.
✔ Once the foliage is completely dry, your potatoes are ready!
How to Harvest Without Damaging Your Potatoes
1️⃣ Gently Tip Over the Container – If using a flexible grow bag, turn it on its side and empty it out. For a rigid container, scoop out the soil carefully.
2️⃣ Dig with Your Hands or a Small Garden Fork – Avoid using sharp tools that could cut or bruise your potatoes.
3️⃣ Pick Out the Potatoes – Sort through the soil and collect every last one. Even the tiny ones are edible!
4️⃣ Brush Off Excess Soil – No need to wash them yet; just shake off loose dirt.
👉 Be careful! Freshly harvested potatoes have delicate skins and bruise easily.
Storing and Using Your Homegrown Potatoes
Now that you’ve harvested your potatoes, you’ll want to store them properly so they last as long as possible. Whether you’re planning to keep them for months or cook them right away, here’s what you need to know.
Curing Potatoes for Long-Term Storage
If you want your potatoes to last for months, you’ll need to cure them first. Curing helps toughen up the skin, making them less likely to rot.
✔ How to Cure:
1️⃣ Lay your potatoes out in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated place. A garage, basement, or cupboard works well.
2️⃣ Keep them at around 10–15°C (50–60°F) with high humidity for about 1–2 weeks.
3️⃣ Avoid washing them—just brush off excess dirt.
👉 Once cured, your potatoes are ready for storage!
Best Way to Store Potatoes
To keep your potatoes fresh, store them in the right conditions:
✔ Cool temperature: 4–7°C (40–45°F) is ideal. A basement, cellar, or a dark pantry works well.
✔ Dark place: Exposure to light makes potatoes turn green, which can make them taste bitter (and slightly toxic!).
✔ Proper airflow: Store them in paper bags, mesh bags, or baskets—never in plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause rotting.
👉 Avoid storing potatoes near onions! Onions release gases that make potatoes spoil faster.
How Long Will Potatoes Last?
- New potatoes (thin-skinned) last a few weeks in the fridge.
- Fully cured potatoes can last 3–6 months in proper storage.
Using Your Homegrown Potatoes
Now comes the fun part—cooking and enjoying your homegrown potatoes! Here are some easy ways to use them:
🥔 For New Potatoes:
✔ Boil with butter and herbs for a simple, delicious side dish.
✔ Roast with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for crispy bites.
✔ Toss into salads or soups for extra texture.
🥔 For Mature Potatoes:
✔ Mash with butter and cream for classic mashed potatoes.
✔ Slice and bake into homemade fries or chips.
✔ Make potato gratin, hash browns, or even gnocchi!
👉 Homegrown potatoes taste fresher and better than store-bought ones, so enjoy them while they last!
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even the best gardeners run into problems now and then. But don’t worry—most potato-growing issues are easy to fix if you catch them early! Here are some of the most common problems you might face and how to deal with them.
1️⃣ Leggy or Weak Plants
✔ Cause: Not enough sunlight.
✔ Fix: Move your container to a sunnier spot where it gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2️⃣ Yellowing Leaves Too Early
✔ Cause: Overwatering or lack of nutrients.
✔ Fix: Let the soil dry out slightly before watering again. If the plants still look weak, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mix).
3️⃣ Small or Deformed Potatoes
✔ Cause: Crowded container, not enough soil depth, or inconsistent watering.
✔ Fix: Make sure your container is at least 12 inches deep and you’re covering the stems with soil as the plant grows. Keep the soil evenly moist.
4️⃣ Green Potatoes
✔ Cause: Exposure to sunlight.
✔ Fix: Always hill up soil or add more mulch to keep potatoes covered. Green potatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic if eaten in large amounts. If only a small area is green, just cut it off before cooking.
5️⃣ Rotting Potatoes
✔ Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
✔ Fix: Use a well-draining soil mix and make sure your container has drainage holes. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
6️⃣ Pests (Aphids, Potato Beetles, or Slugs)
🐞 Aphids: Tiny green or black insects that suck the sap from leaves.
✔ Fix: Spray the plant with a mixture of water and mild soap, or introduce ladybugs (natural predators).
🐞 Potato Beetles: Yellow-orange beetles that chew leaves.
✔ Fix: Hand-pick them off and drop them in soapy water. Rotate crops each year to prevent them from coming back.
🐌 Slugs: These slimy pests love damp conditions.
✔ Fix: Sprinkle crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants to deter them.
7️⃣ Diseases (Blight, Blackleg, or Scab)
🦠 Blight: Brown spots on leaves that spread quickly.
✔ Fix: Remove infected leaves immediately. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
🦠 Blackleg: Stems turn black and rot at the base.
✔ Fix: There’s no cure, so remove the plant and start fresh with disease-free seed potatoes.
🦠 Scab: Rough, scabby patches on potatoes.
✔ Fix: Keep soil slightly acidic (pH below 5.5) by adding a little peat moss or compost.
Final Tip: Prevention is Better Than Cure!
✔ Use good-quality seed potatoes to avoid diseases.
✔ Rotate crops—don’t plant potatoes in the same soil every year.
✔ Keep an eye on your plants and act fast if something seems off!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions gardeners have about growing potatoes in containers. If you’re wondering about something, chances are, others have too!
1️⃣ Can I grow potatoes indoors?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Potatoes need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight to grow well. If you don’t have a sunny window or balcony, you’ll need a strong grow light to keep them healthy.
2️⃣ How many potatoes can I grow in one container?
It depends on the size of your container. A 10-gallon container can grow about 3–4 potato plants, while a 5-gallon bucket is best for just one plant. The more space, the better!
3️⃣ Do I need to fertilize my potatoes?
Yes! Potatoes are heavy feeders. Mix in compost or slow-release fertilizer when planting, then feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during growth.
4️⃣ Can I grow potatoes from store-bought potatoes?
You can, but it’s not the best choice. Store-bought potatoes are often treated with sprout inhibitors and may carry diseases. It’s better to buy certified seed potatoes for the best results.
5️⃣ How deep should I plant my potatoes?
Plant seed potatoes about 3–4 inches deep at first. As the plant grows, keep adding soil (hilling) until the container is full. This encourages more potatoes to grow.
6️⃣ What’s the best soil for growing potatoes?
A light, well-draining mix works best. Use a mix of:
✔ Potting soil (not garden soil—it’s too heavy)
✔ Compost (for nutrients)
✔ Perlite or sand (for drainage)
7️⃣ Can I reuse potato soil for the next season?
It’s best not to reuse the same soil for potatoes, as it can carry diseases. You can, however, use it to grow other vegetables like lettuce or herbs.
8️⃣ How do I know when my potatoes are ready to harvest?
For new potatoes, harvest when the plant starts flowering. For full-sized potatoes, wait until the leaves turn yellow and die back.
9️⃣ Why are my potato plants growing lots of leaves but no potatoes?
This usually happens if:
✔ You’ve used too much nitrogen fertilizer (which promotes leaves but not tubers).
✔ Your container isn’t deep enough or doesn’t have enough soil coverage.
✔ The plant isn’t getting enough sunlight.
🔟 Can I grow potatoes all year round?
If you live in a mild climate, you can grow potatoes almost year-round. In colder areas, plant in early spring and late summer for two harvests. You can also grow them indoors in winter with the right setup!
Final Thoughts
Growing potatoes in containers is easy, fun, and rewarding—and nothing beats the taste of homegrown spuds! 🥔 Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this method lets you enjoy fresh potatoes without needing a big garden.
Got any more questions? Drop them in the comments (or ask a fellow gardener)! 🌱😊
