Container Gardening: A Revolutionary Way to Grow Spuds
Introduction
Growing potatoes in the garden can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging to harvest them all without leaving any behind. Over time, these forgotten spuds can take over your entire garden, becoming a hidden menace the following spring.
Introducing Tater Tubs: The Self-Watering Potato Revolution
To solve this problem, many gardeners have turned to container gardening, using self-watering containers called “tater tubs.” These ingenious devices make growing and harvesting potatoes a breeze.
How to Make Tater Tubs
Making tater tubs is surprisingly easy. All you need is a large plastic container, a smaller plastic container that fits inside it, a PVC pipe, and some drainage holes.
- Drill a large hole in the bottom of the larger container, just large enough to fit the PVC pipe.
- Drill several smaller drainage holes in the bottom of the larger container.
- Place a bit of soil in the bottom of the larger container and plant your potato starts.
- Insert the smaller container into the larger one, leaving some space between the two.
- Fill the PVC pipe with water. The water will fill the space between the two containers and wick up through the smaller holes, keeping the soil moist.
Benefits of Growing Potatoes in Tater Tubs
Growing potatoes in tater tubs offers several key benefits:
- Self-watering: The PVC pipe ensures that your plants stay moist for several days, even when you’re away.
- Easy harvesting: When it’s time to harvest, simply dump the potatoes out onto a tarp. No more digging and searching for hidden spuds.
- Portable: Tater tubs are lightweight and easy to move around, making them ideal for small spaces or balconies.
- Versatile: Tater tubs can be used to grow other crops as well, such as sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Tips for Growing Potatoes in Tater Tubs
- Choose the right potato varieties: Some potato varieties are better suited for container gardening than others. Look for varieties that are compact and have a short maturity period.
- Chit your potatoes: Before planting, “chit” your potatoes by placing them in a warm, dark place for a few weeks. This will encourage them to sprout, giving them a head start when you plant them.
- Hill your potatoes: As the potato plants grow, gradually add more soil around the base of the stems. This process, called “hilling,” encourages the plants to produce more potatoes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, tater tubs are a game-changer for growing potatoes. Their self-watering design, easy harvesting, and versatility make them the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes without the hassle.
