Planting potatoes in pots
The humble spud is a diverse food, and can be added to meals and desserts in many interesting and creative ways. But don’t you get tired of running out of them? Let’s be serious – some dishes simply can’t do without potatoes. Can you imagine burgers without fries, or a Sunday roast without crispy wedges? Luckily, potatoes are easy to grow at home and require little maintenance – you can even grow them on your windowsill. Move over flowers, there’s a new pot in town! Are you interested in growing your own potatoes? Keep reading to discover how easy planting potatoes in pots can be.
Why you should consider planting potatoes in pots
Potatoes grow in all seasons, but prefer warmer temperatures and frost-free environments. The solution to growing potatoes all year round? Enter potato pot. The potato pot allows you to control your potatoes’ environment. You can leave it inside or outside, and can move it into sunlight and away from frost. If you are hoping to harvest your potatoes in time for summer, August would be a good time to plant them. If you would rather plant your potatoes in your garden, just be sure to find a sunny spot for them to grow.What do I need to grow them?
Before you start the planting process, check that you have everything you need to grow your potatoes properly. Tick off the items on the list below, and then you’re ready for some potato action!1. Potato pot
You can grow your potatoes in any suitable container. Make sure it is roughly 30cm in height so that the roots have enough space to grow. The pot should also have holes in the bottom so water can drain out. Containers with an inner pot that can lift out are preferable, as they make harvesting easier. We recommend our PotatoPot – click here to view.2. Fertiliser and soil
Choose a compost or fertiliser that is of a good quality. Try the Pokon Vegetable Garden Fertiliser, it’s packed with all the nutrients your vegetable garden needs to thrive. Click here to order a carton. We also recommend Pokon Universal Potting Soil and Coco Growing Medium for soil preparation.3. Potato seeds
Choose a type of potato and order them in time for summer:- Hertha: This variety of potato is oval in shape, with smooth yellow skin and flesh, and shallow eyes. These all-purpose potatoes are suitable for baking, boiling and chipping, and are a favourite for making french fries. Order a bag
- Fianna: The Fianna variety is oval in shape, with cream skin and white flesh. They can be mashed and fried, and are suitable for fresh market and processing. Order a bag
- Mnandi: These potatoes are also oval in shape, and have pale yellow skin and flesh. Mnandi potatoes have shallow eyes, and are most commonly roasted or boiled. Order a bag
- BP 1: This variety is oval shaped with a slightly flattened appearance, and have shallow eyes and white flesh and skin. BP 1 potatoes are all-purpose, being suitable for all cooking methods. They do, however, have the tendency to look grey after cooking. Order a bag
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DIY: Planting potatoes in pots
1. Order a PotatoPot. 2. Layer bottom with high-quality soil and compost (10-15cm). 3. Place potato seed chunks on soil, eyes pointing up. 4. Place a few centimetres of soil and compost on top. 5. When sprouts are 15-20cm long, add more soil and compost around sprouts. 6. Keep adding soil and compost as sprouts grow. Keep in mind: Your potatoes should be evenly moist as they grow (not wet!)How to make quick and easy potato sides
Potatoes can be cooked in many different ways, giving you an array of flavours and textures to play with when preparing a meal. Do you know the different ways of cooking them?
Mashed potato:
- Boil a pot of water and add a pinch of salt.
- Add chopped potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes. They should be tender, but still firm.
- Next, add milk and butter to a saucepan and heat until the butter has melted.
- Once ready, add to your potatoes, and mash.
- Season to your taste – and voila! You have mashed potatoes.
Baked potato:
- Preheat oven to 220°C.
- Wash the potatoes and pierce them a few times with a fork.
- Rub olive oil and salt on the potatoes.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet and put the tray in the oven. Leave to cook for about 45 minutes. Check to see if the potatoes are tender inside.
- Serve with your favourite toppings. Butter, cheese and sour cream are popular choices.
Potato fries:
- Slice the potatoes into french fry shapes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet to a medium/high heat.
- While the oil is heating, sieve garlic, salt and paprika into large bowl. Add water and stir so that the mixture is slightly runny.
- Dip the potato slices into the mixture and place them in the oil, one at a time.
- Fry until golden brown, remove and place on paper towels. They are now ready to serve – get out the tomato sauce!
Potato wedges:
- Preheat oven to 220°C.
- Cut potatoes into wedges, and place in a bowl.
- Toss with olive oil, onion powder, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet and tray.
- Place the tray in the oven and allow to cook for about 20 minutes.
- Turn potatoes over and continue to cook until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy.
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