Prepare the Buckets:
- Clean buckets thoroughly.
- Drill drainage holes at the bottom and lower sides.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Chit seed potatoes by placing them in a cool, light area until they sprout.
- Cut large potatoes into pieces, ensuring each piece has an eye or sprout. Let them dry for a day.
Plant the Potatoes:
- Fill buckets with 4-6 inches of potting soil.
- Place 2-3 seed potatoes or pieces with eyes facing up.
- Cover with 4-6 inches of soil.
Water and Care:
- Water soil thoroughly.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Add soil as plants grow, covering stems but leaving top leaves exposed.
- Place buckets in a sunny spot (6-8 hours of sunlight daily).
- Mulch (Optional):
- Add straw or mulch on top of the soil.
Harvesting:
For baby potatoes, harvest 2-3 weeks after flowering by carefully digging around plants.
For mature potatoes, wait until foliage turns yellow and dies back. Dump bucket to harvest.
Tips for Success:
- Choose early or mid-season potato varieties.
- Regularly check for pests.
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- By following these steps, you can successfully grow potatoes in old paint buckets.
