It’s as Easy as Growing Potatoes in a Barrel

For home growers, potatoes are easily one of the most popular root crops to plant. They consistently produce high yields, are relatively easy to grow, keep well in storage and are enjoyed by the pickiest of palates. It’s too bad that, all things considered, growing potatoes in a soil garden is a lot of work.

Digging the trench to plant the seeds, periodically mounding dirt around the growing plant (the key to maximum yields) and general garden maintenance like weeding all require some serious dedication. So, in an effort to simplify, why not try things a bit differently and grow those potatoes in a barrel? Here’s how:

Step 1

First things first, get a barrel. You can buy barrels from retail stores but certain manufacturing facilities will often give away used barrels for free upon request. Companies that use food-grade materials are the best place to ask because they can assure you the barrel did not contain hazardous chemicals. Either way, the barrel should be thoroughly rinsed before planting. Whisky barrels (for visual appeal) and trash cans can also be used but be sure to avoid anything black as it will get extremely hot in the summer sun and ruin the potatoes. If the barrel has a top, cut it off.

Step 2

Drill holes! The key to a successful potato barrel is proper drainage. You want the soil to be moist but not soaking wet, because this can rot the growing spuds. Drainage holes in the bottom of the barrel are a must, but I recommend drilling additional holes around the sides of the barrel about six inches apart for even drainage. It is also a good idea to set the barrel up on a couple cinder blocks to ensure proper drainage from the bottom holes.

Step 3

Add six to eight inches of a loose, high-drainage potting soil to the bottom of the barrel. Including a fluffy compost or some straw in the mix will improve drainage and aeration while helping to combat over-compaction of the soil. Plant seed potato eyes about 6-10 in. apart and cover with more soil mix, about two to three inches. I recommend only planting a maximum of four potato seeds per barrel.

Step 4

Water thoroughly to ensure drainage is adequate. From this point on, depending on weather conditions, the barrel will likely require weekly watering.

Step 5

Once the sprouted plants reach a height of around eight to 12 inches above the soil line, top it off with another six inches of soil mix. Continue this process until the soil line reaches the top of the barrel and eventually the whole thing will be filled with delicious spuds.

Step 6

After the barrel is full of soil and the plants are growing out the top, flowers will begin to form. Once they are pollinated the plants will have completed their growth cycle and begin to turn yellow/brown and die back. After this occurs, simply tip the barrel over onto a tarp and sift through the roots to retrieve the harvest.

Potatoes, along with tomatoes, are a member of the Solanceae family, commonly known as the nightshade plant family. Also like tomatoes, they will grow roots from the parts of the stem that are covered in soil. For potatoes, more roots equal more crops, and this is the reason why the potato barrel concept works so well.

Depending on the overall contents of the soil mix, the plants may need additional fertilization along the way. Watering every two to four weeks with a liquid fertilizer or mixing organic nutrients into the soil mix each time it is topped off should provide adequate nutrition as the potatoes grow and develop.