Growing Potatoes Advice

[inicholson]

I am going to grow some potatoes in large pots that I have bought (it's a charity competition thing!!). I have 3 seed potatoes which I am currently chitting (I got that advice from the internet) but when I went to look at composts to fill the containers there was a huge number of them.

Can anyone advise the best type to use? and also what feed I would then put in as they grow (if any).

Basically any help/advice you can give would be appreciated!!!

Thanks

[Clanad]

You don't say how large the pots are, but keep in mind that the deeper the dirt available to the root system the more and better quality potatoes you'll harvest.  Drainage is very important.  One of the best methods for container growing is to use 2 plastic 5 gallon painters buckets available new at DIY stores for very little money. Make sure there are numerous 1 inch diameter drainage holes in the bottom of the first container and place about 3 inches of compost/garden soil mix (potatoes aren't fussy) in it.  Plant 3 to 5 of the seed eyes and cover with only about 3 inches of the compost/soil mix. Cut the entire bottom out of the second bucket, leaving about 1inch around the edge for strength.  As the potatoes grow in the first bucket, continue to add compost/soil mix.  When it's full, place the second bucket on top of the plant filled first and fill it with soil.  Continue to water about every other day.  This will provide about 6 gallons of soil for the growing potatoes.  Our first attempt at this method produced prolific numbers of good sized potatoes.  It's not as complicated as I have probably made it sound. Generally, additional fertilizer won't be required, but water profusely as long as the system drains properly...Best of Luck!