How to grow potatoes in a pot

Short on space? Discover how to grow delicious potatoes in a pot - ideal for a small garden, patio or balcony.

Potatoes grow surprisingly well in a pot. It’s the ideal way of growing them if you’re short on space – you can grow even them on a patio or balcony. 

Growing potatoes in pots is especially suited to first early and second early potatoes, which grow fast and are at a premium in the shops. Discover the different types of potato.

Compared to growing potatoes in the ground, growing potatoes in pots is less labour-intensive. You don’t need to prepare the soil, or weed. Plus, your crop will be less vulnerable to slugs and other soil-based pests. All you need to do is top up the compost from time to time and water regularly.

Choose the largest pot you can find – an old plastic pot that is at least 40 litres, or even a dustbin, is ideal. Make sure it has some drainage holes at the bottom. Be sure to plant prepared, chitted seed potatoes from a reliable supplier. Place in a sunny, frost-free spot. Harvest your potatoes when the plants start to flower – empty the pot to reveal your crop.

Here’s how to grow potatoes in a pot.

Potatoes grow surprisingly well in a pot. It's the ideal way of growing them if you're short on space.

You will need

• Large pot
• John Innes No.3
• Well-rotted garden compost
• Chitted seed potatoes
• Watering can

Step 1

Line the bottom of the pot with a 10cm layer of John Innes No.3 mixed with a little well-rotted garden compost. Put four chitted seed potatoes on the surface and cover with another layer of compost mix. Water well.

Step 2

Put the bags in a sheltered spot that gets sun for at least half the day. Keep the compost moist and when the shoots are 15-20cm tall, cover them up to their tips with more compost and water thoroughly. Continue to add compost at stages as the stems grow.

Step 3

Water regularly during the growing season – potatoes like plenty of water. Avoid using rainwater from a butt in the summer as this can contain blight spores. Soak the pot thoroughly every two or three days, allowing the compost to almost dry out between watering to promote steady potato formation.