subject: How to grow potatoes in bins [print this page] Potatoes originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru and have been grown for the last 2400 years. Commercially, the potato crop is established from seed' tubers. Potatoes are grown more extensively than any other vegetable. They were brought to Europe from South America. It spread from South America to Spain and from there to the rest of the world after the European colonization.
Potatoes soon became an important field crop. Today, it's the most widely grown tuber crop. Also the fourth largest food crop grown next to wheat, rice and maize.
Potatoes basically require relatively mild temperature during early growth. It thrive bests in cool regions where there is moisture and fertile soil. Planting potatoes involves digging, hilling and more digging. Now there is a way to grow potatoes that requires no digging!
How to grow potatoes in bins is a way of no dig potato growing. Living in the city and having a minimal space to grow your own vegetables you can still grow your own potatoes.
Soil preparation is important. For optimum yields a deep well-drained loam or sandy loam soil with pH 5.5-6.0 is required. Soil rich in organic matter is essential for the potato to grow well. As potatoes are heavy feeders, it is important to have them grow on a well-fertilized, moist soil.
How to grow potatoes in bins you would need to prepare your bins. Make sure that there are holes on the bottom of the bin to ensure drainage so that the soil won't get soggy with water.
Seed potatoes with pre-sprouted tubers about 2-3 centimeters long are good for planting. The best time to plant is at the onset of early spring. Cover your bins with soil about 4-5 inches deep before planting the seed potatoes.
How to grow your potatoes in bins is easy because you won't have to dig deep. Cover the plants lightly with soil as they grow giving more room for the roots to spread and tubers to develop. Remember that potatoes cannot tolerate excessive rainfall or too much soil moisture or even frost. Good drainage is required to allow moisture level at an optimum. Put straws over the early plants to prevent from frost.
How to grow potatoes in bin takes to mature in 70-120 days from seed planting to harvesting. The best time to harvest is when the weather is cool and less humid.
Harvest your potatoes when the vines have died. After harvesting allow the potatoes to stand on top of the soil for an hour under the sun to toughen the skin. Potatoes should be stored in cool, dark and dry place to prevent them from turning green. Don't wash them until they're ready to be cooked.
