Planting and Growing Potatoes Vertically Update

It has been a couple of weeks since we first posted about our verticle potato growing system and I thought an update was in order.

34 of the 40 pieces of seed potato we planted have now sprouted and are actively growing. Several of the remaining pieces are showing signs of life as well which leaves us encouraged that we just might get 100% germination

Whether or not this early success results in actual potato production remains to be seen but we are hopefull.

This is what out vertical planter looks like now… other updates will be posted as the season moves along.

Being a return visitor it would be helpful if you would leave a thoughtful comment below...Thanks, Jeanne

Planting and Growing Potatoes Vertically

Speaking about gardening contraptions…get a load of this one! A vertical planter for our potatoes…usually potatoes are grown on the ground in rows but due to lack of space because we have so many other plants to grow, my husband decided to grow potatoes vertically.

He used 10 feet of heavy gauge galvanized fencing which created a cylindrical fence that is 3 feet high by 3 feet wide. Enough evenly spaced holes (3 inches by 3 inches) were cut into the fence to accommodate 5 pounds of seed potatoes leaving four pieces for the top.

The inside of the cylinder was lined with newspaper and filled with a combination of organic compost, straw, rotted leaves, and good draining soil. The newspaper was cut where the holes are and the seed potatoes were pushed in with the eyes facing outwards. I will keep you posted on our progress.