Sunday, March 16, 2025 - Do It Yourself Potato Planters

 

The potato is a herbaceous annual that grows up to 100cm (40 inches) tall. As the potato plant grows, its compound leaves manufacture starch that is transferred to the ends of its underground stems (or stolons). The stems thicken to form a few or as many as 20 tubers close to the soil surface. The number of tubers that actually reach maturity depends on available moisture and soil nutrients. Tubers may vary in shape and size, and normally weigh up to 300g (10.5 oz) each.

A potato planter has become an effective method to produce a large quantity of potatoes in a small space. All potato planters use the same concept… keep adding soil to the planter and hilling as the plants grow. The idea is to force the potato plant to stretch upwards instead of outwards as it grows to allow more area of the plant to produce potatoes.

Potato Grow Bags

Grow bags are made of sturdy fabric material, allowing roots to breathe and making plants have thick stems and roots. Available to buy in stores or online.

Laundry Basket

Great way to recycle your old laundry baskets. Keep in mind that the large openings in the sides means moisture can evaporate more quickly from the soil.

Add-a-Board Planter

The name speaks for itself. Just keep adding one level of wood boards as your potatoes grow. By adding boards at regular intervals, you maintain a uniform level of soil coverage around the potato plants.

Old Tires

Old tires are very easy to use. This is the same concept of the add-a-board planter, except you use tires instead of boards.

Wire Cage

This kind of planter is also one of the easiest to build and can use any kind of wire from chicken wire to concrete wire mesh. The flexible and malleable nature of the wire lends itself to crafting potato planters that adapt to your needs with relative ease. Its construction is uncomplicated, and simplifies both planting and harvesting afterwards.

These are just a few ideas found online. Anything that will contain soil can be used. You are only limited by your imagination!




 



 


 


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