Varieties of Potatoes Explained: From Russet to Yukon Gold, this guide covers the differences and uses of numerous popular potato types.
Growing potatoes in small spaces like containers or bags is a practical and rewarding way to cultivate this versatile crop. With the right conditions and careful planting, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of different potato varieties throughout the growing season.
To start, choose loose, well-draining soil mixed with compost and fill your container or potato bag. Plant seed potatoes, each with at least one sprout, burying them about 4-6 inches deep. As the plants grow, add more soil gradually (hilling up) to encourage more tuber development.
Containers of 4 to 20 gallons work well, depending on the potato variety and desired harvest size. For instance, smaller containers are suitable for smaller plantings, while larger containers can produce larger yields or accommodate multiple seed potatoes.
When growing different varieties in separate containers, use seed potatoes specific to each variety, such as Yukon Gold, Blue Adirondacks, Purple Majesty, or Red Duke of York, Maris Peer, and Charlotte. This method allows for staggered harvests of various varieties, ensuring a constant supply of fresh potatoes throughout the season.
Place your containers in locations with full sun (6-8 hours daily) for best growth. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging—soil should stay moist but not soggy. When growing in bags, simply bury seed potatoes in the soil, then as the plants grow, add more soil or mulch on top to cover stems and stimulate more tubers.
After harvest, reuse the compost mixture with some added fertilizer for the next season. Following this method, you can successfully grow a variety of potatoes in a small balcony, patio, or limited garden space.
There are over 5000 varieties of potatoes, each with unique characteristics. For example, 'Rocket' is a Scottish first early potato with waxy, white flesh and good disease resistance, while 'Charlotte' is a good all-rounder that makes a delicious salad potato and stores well. 'Lady Christl' is a high-yielding waxy variety with medium, oval potatoes and good disease resistance, and 'Orla' is a versatile tuber that can be left in the ground to mature as a second early or maincrop.
First early or 'new' potatoes are the earliest to crop, in June and July, while maincrop potatoes take the longest to mature and are harvested from late August to October. 'Red Duke of York' is a large new potato with red skin and yellow flesh that has a floury texture, and 'Maris Peer' is a second early potato with yellow waxy flesh.
By growing potatoes in containers, you can enjoy the benefits of this nutritious and flavourful crop without the need for a large garden. Happy growing!
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Grow Potatoes in Containers. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/growing-potatoes-in-containers.htm
[2] The Spruce Eats. (2021). How to Grow Potatoes in Containers. [online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/growing-potatoes-in-containers-4173778
[3] BBC Good Food. (2021). Growing Potatoes. [online] Available at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/growing-potatoes
[4] Garden Myths. (2021). How to Grow Potatoes in Bags. [online] Available at: https://www.gardenmyths.com/how-to-grow-potatoes-in-bags/
[5] Potato Growers School. (2021). Container Potato Growing. [online] Available at: https://www.potatogrowersschool.co.uk/container-potato-growing/
Incorporating potatoes into your home-and-garden lifestyle, especially during seasons with limited garden space, can be both rewarding and practical. For instance, by container gardening with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold, Blue Adirondacks, Purple Majesty, or Red Duke of York, you can enjoy a diverse harvest and a constant supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season.
