There are several veggie growers here, including me, but I am not a spud grower. I am sure someone will try to help soon, but if you haven't already you can ask on teh vegetable gardening forum too as I am certain a bunch of folks have done potatoes in containers there.

My off the cuff answer is that you could probably get by with even less depth, but as the potatos form on the vine you either cover them or they get green. In this sense I suspect the depth you can bury them to will directly affect yield.

Like I said though, I am not a potato grower.

Here's a post that might help you:

Posted by angie2b (My Page) on Wed, Jul 2, 08 at 17:07

I made 6 of the homemade earthtainers this spring. I used the plans that utilized 2 rubbermaid 18 GAL containers, with one cut in half. Anyway, those 1/2 remains or tops of the rubbermaid containers that were left over, I have used them for growing potatoes.....started with one tub and as potatoe plant grew have been adding more and more potting mix. When I got to the top of the first 1/2 container, I stacked another 1/2 container on top of the filled first one. The potato plant has made it to two filled 1/2 containers. I am going to go for three high and see how it turns out. Just thought I would share a use for those leftovers, to keep them out of the landfill! :-)

sorry, but I didn't understand Angie's directions. How did one plant grow through 2 stacked containers?

you start with around 6 in. of dirt, as the plant grows another 6 in. then you add and more dirt and so on. when it reaches the the top of the first cut off then she attached a second cut off to the top of the first. And contunued with the growth and add dirt etc etc

Anyways, thats how I understand it.

You could do this with any type of container. If you use a sixteen inch container, just put your dirt in the bottom and plant your potatoe eye(s). As the plant grows, you keep adding soil around it. When you get to where the dirt is at the top of the container, cut the bottom out of an identical container and place it on top of the original one and add more soil as the plant grows. The plant will put out roots all along its stem from the bottom and potatoes will grow at all levels. I've heard of people doing this with auto tires as well and when its harvest time, they just start removing tires from the top and collecting the potatoes as they go down. Google growing potatoes and it will explain to you how potatoes grow then you will understand this method a little better.

rawb,
Last summer I grew potatoes in half barrels 19"h x 24"w. All of the potatoes grew in the bottom half of the container so I think you'll be fine - you just may have lower yields. This year I thought I might experiment and add another layer of seed potatoes after I've filled the container halfway - maybe then I'll have some 'taters in the top half too!

bumble doodle

That's interesting, just the lower half..... I know 2 in. isn't much.... but my stupid question are cuz of the nature of this gardening.. LoL. Have to wait a yr before trying something different if things don't work out. LoL
Thanks all for your responses

Rob

bumble doodle, you don't need to add another layer of seed potatoes. If you plant seed potatoes in the ground, you continually pull soil up around them as they grow and you get more and more roots and potatoes below ground. If you will continue to add soil to your container as the plant grows, all the way to the top, you should get tubers all through your container.

I bought a potato sack from garden supply co, I'm going to be trying it out for the first time tomorrow, I have my seed potatoes ready. the directions says to fill it 1/3 of the way, drop the seed potatoes, add more dirt as it grows.

Here is a site that will explain growing potatoes in tires. The same method will work with any stackable container system. It is written on a kiddie site for adults, really. Just follow down the page and you will find directions and pictures. It should answer all your questions.

http://www.kiddiegardens.com/growing_potatoes_in_tires.html

Hi Rob, bcskye & leelee,
Last year was my first year trying potatoes so it was (and still is) a learning experience for me. I did keep adding more dirt - I ended up with a total of 3 layers - still only had 'taters in the bottom half. I followed (and participated in) the "bin again" threads over on the vegetable forum and found that most of the people who built the "high-rise" bins didn't get potatoes in the upper portions of their bins. Sinfonian did some research and found that some potatoes (earlies) will only set 'taters once (resulting in lower half of barrel yield) and that other potatoes (late season) are supposed to continuously set fruit. That's why I thought I'd try adding another layer of my earlies, just as an experiment. I figure the worst thing that could happen is I once again end up with "half" a half-barrel of potatoes.

leelee, them sacks are 18" high aren't they? I thought about those. But if I remember the description said you get maybe 2 yrs out of them.

I figured for the cost a tub or 20 gal. trash can would give plenty yrs of service. But don't be no stranger, will like to know how they work out! If the yield is like what they show in the pic. I would surely go to them if the tubs aren't yeilding much! Good Luck!

Rob

Al's 5:1:1 mix for potatoes? Gritty mix? Neither?

If any tater growers interested, depot has some 18" deep grey tubs for $6 US.

yep the potato sacks are basically 15 gallon smart pots, I started mine's and will post pics and updates on my success or failure :D

I grow "new" potatoes in a 4 gallon plastic bucket using 100% perlite! Pictures on my Web site; URL on my profile. PS I'm a hydro grower.

I need a yield of about 20# I'd like to try outdoor potoatoes in double stacked 7gallon soap pails. Adding a fudge factor, how many containers and potato eyes are needed to get such a yield?

How are everyone's potatoes growing? How many potatoes should I plant (see previous post)????

Having trouble finding seed potatoes...should start planting tomorrow! Ebay wants $14 for 6 seed potatoes! Local stores only have spray-inhibited potatoes (That I could see). I'm going to take a run over to Whole Foods or PCC organic store.

I've just planted my potatoes. I was actually able to source my seeds through a kind person on Freecycle! And, they were Seed savers certified organic to boot. She gave me 6 different varieties, all heirloom, so I cannot wait to see how they end up! I planted mine in mainly compost in 18 gallon totes with holes drilled in the bottom for drainage (I'm pretty burnt out on building SWCs) and set them on pallets. I have about 6 inches of compost (lightened with a bit of peat and fertilized with Garden-tone) and then i covered them with straw. I moved some of the straw today and i see sprouts! They have been in the "ground" for about a week and a half. I will keep you posted!