Maincrop: Bigger yields but need more space and time (e.g., ‘Maris Piper’, ‘Desiree’).
For balconies, early or second early potatoes are usually best, as they mature quickly and don’t require large containers.
Preparing Your Containers
Size: Each potato plant needs at least a 10-liter container, but more space means more potatoes.
Drainage: Drill holes at the bottom of your container to prevent waterlogging.
Soil: Use a mix of potting soil, compost, and a handful of sand or perlite for good drainage.
Fertilizer: Mix in slow-release organic fertilizer before planting.
Avoid heavy garden soil—it can compact in containers and suffocate roots.
Planting Potatoes
Chit the potatoes: Place seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot for a couple of weeks until they sprout small shoots (called chitting).
Fill the container: Add about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of soil at the bottom.
Place the seed potatoes: Position 2–3 seed potatoes (sprouts facing up) in each container.
Cover with soil: Add another 10 cm of soil on top.
Water well: Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.
As the plant grows, you’ll need to “earth up”—adding more soil around the base of the stems to encourage more potatoes to form along the buried stems.
Watering and Sunlight
