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Homesteading Growing potatoes in a barrel is an efficient way to produce a substantial crop in a small space. Here's how to do it: 1. Choose a Barrel: Use a clean, large barrel, about 30-50 gallons. Make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water-logging. 2. Prepare the Barrel: Place a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the barrel to enhance drainage. Cover this with a layer of landscape fabric or garden cloth to prevent the soil from washing out. 3. Add Soil and Potatoes: - Fill the barrel with about 6-8 inches of good quality potting soil mixed with compost. - Place your seed potatoes on this soil layer. You should use seed potatoes that are certified disease-free and have several eyes (buds). Space them evenly, about a few inches apart. 4. Cover Potatoes: Cover the seed potatoes with another 3-4 inches of soil. Water the soil just enough to moisten it without making it soggy. 5. Add More Soil as Plants Grow: - As the potato plants grow and sprout through the soil, continue to add more soil around them, leaving just the top few inches of the plant exposed. This method is called "hilling" and encourages more tubers to form along the buried stems. - Continue this process until the soil reaches about 2 inches from the top of the barrel. 6. Watering and Care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Potatoes need quite a bit of water, but poor drainage can cause the tubers to rot. 7. Harvest: Potatoes are usually ready to harvest when the foliage starts to die back, typically about 10 weeks after planting. At harvest, you can tip the barrel over to access the potatoes or reach in to find them. By following these steps, you can grow a healthy, productive crop of potatoes in a barrel, making efficient use of vertical space in your garden. |