No garden? No problem! If you’ve been dreaming of homegrown spuds but only have a balcony or patio to work with, I have great news: potatoes actually grow incredibly well in containers. With just a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy that “fresh-from-the-earth” taste anywhere. Here are my top tips for getting started.
The Perfect Spot
Potatoes are sun-worshippers. They love warmth, so find them a sheltered, sunny spot on your balcony or deck. One quick pro-tip: if you’re also growing tomatoes nearby, try to keep them as far apart as possible. Both plants are susceptible to the same fungus that causes the dreaded late blight , and you don’t want them passing germs back and forth!
Even if you *do* have a garden, container planting is a total game-changer. You can set pots next to your compost pile or on a paved path to expand your growing space without digging up another inch of your lawn.
Choosing Your Container
Potato plants can get surprisingly big, so they need plenty of “elbow room” underground. Aim for a pot that is at least 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) wide. If you have even larger pots, use them—your potatoes will thank you for the extra space! You don’t need anything fancy, either; an old, beat-up bucket works perfectly. Just make sure you drill plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Potatoes hate “wet feet,” and standing water is a recipe for rot.
How to Plant
- Late March is usually the perfect time to start your container potato garden.
- Fill your pot with high-quality potting soil or rich compost.
- Pat the soil down gently and dig a hole about 4 inches (10 cm) deep in the center.
- Place your seed potato into the hole carefully, making sure the “eyes” (the sprouts) are facing upward.
- Cover it with soil, give it a good drink of water, and move it to a sunny location.
- Keep the soil consistently moist. I recommend watering in the morning so the foliage has time to dry out, which helps prevent disease.
- When it’s time to harvest , there’s no heavy digging required—just tip the pot over and find your treasures!
Best Varieties for Pots
Technically, you can grow any potato in a container, but some are just more fun than others. Here are two of my favorites:
- Blue Danube: This one is a showstopper. It has striking blue skin, but the plant itself is also gorgeous, featuring dark purple-black stems and glossy foliage. It’s basically edible landscaping!
- Pink Fir Apple (Rosa Tannenzapfen): This is a classic heirloom variety. The potatoes are smaller and finger-shaped, but the flavor is incredible. They are waxy and considered a true gourmet delicacy.
Quick Tip: When you first plant, only fill your pot about halfway with soil. As the plant grows taller, keep adding more soil around the stem (this is called “hilling”). This encourages the plant to grow even more tubers, which means a much bigger harvest for you!
