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Potato planting Qs

Kirsti PetersKirsti Peters Posts: 19
in Fruit & veg
Hi
I think I have decided to plant my masses of seed potatoes in pots.  I was wondering if there is a really cheap source for those 30ltr or 35L pots with handles?.  
Also
If I changed my mind and wanted to do a no dig method, is it Hay or Straw you use and which kind?
And finally!
Has anyone tried growing potatoes in Hadopots (polythene bags that are reusable) they are used in the industry for transporting trees and shrubs I think?  These seems much cheaper 10 Hadopots for £10?

Thank you again! This is a fabulously great forum.
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Posts

  • WillowBarkWillowBark Posts: 243
    Wilko do a Large Flexi Tub 39L with handles for £5, if that's the kind of thing you're looking for? I've got a few and they seem to be holding up well, even after adding draining holes to the bottom and being hauled about a bit. Got a good crop.

    I've not heard of Hadopots before, but I've bought reusable potato bags from the garden centre before (about £2.50, if memory serves). Got a pretty decent crop from them, too.

    I've used both of the above container types for potatoes and both seem to work well.

    Can't advise you on the no dig method, I'm afraid, but hopefully someone else can.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    No dig is a pretty flexible approach, in terms of what material you use, and potatoes an ideal crop to start with, lots of information here: https://charlesdowding.co.uk/start-here/

  • PlashingPlashing Posts: 328
    If I have any to spare  I plant them in in used tyres that I get from the garage where my son works, I also use them to grow courgettes and summer squashes.
  • delskidelski Posts: 274
    Someone alse recommended me to get some used tyres. I wanted to grow potatoes this year but it doesn't look like it's going to happen unless I either grow them in a bucket or go to a garage and ask for their tyre waste!
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Why not use compost bags @Kirsti Peters , they are good for 3/4 seed potatoes,  rolled half way down at planting and unrolled as needed when earthing up.
  • WilderbeastWilderbeast Posts: 1,415
    It's my 1st year with spud but I'm going with the compost bags this year. Charlotte which were well chitted went in 3 weeks ago and are now ready for a 1st earthing up. Decided that it was worth trying as the cost of big pots and the need to store them all year seemed a pain 
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    I got about 7kg from my Charlotte's from about 10 seed potatoes @Wilderbeast in 2019
  • Kirsti PetersKirsti Peters Posts: 19
    I found some, I’ve ordered 10 from Oakland Gardens.  But might do some in the empty compost bags that I get from filling up the pots....if that makes sense.  I’ve got loads, 5 varieties and I’ve chatted 16-18 of each.  Might be supplying the neighbours lol
  • WilderbeastWilderbeast Posts: 1,415
    @purplerallim I had to earth up the spuds today they are looking great, 1st ever attempt at home grown though I used to be responsible for 1000 acres of spuds many moons ago
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    You must have been in Lincolnshire!😆 @Wilderbeast
    Just checked mine today, no sign of shoots yet, but it's been bitterly cold and windy this week, and a few heavy downpours,  so didn't expect much. I keep seeing all the work others are doing,  and all I can do is watch yet.
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