Potatoes in a Bucket: Grow Your Own Spuds, No Backyard Required!

As we prepare for likely continued inflation and rumored food shortages, growing as much of our own food as possible just makes sense. Over the years I’ve grown potatoes in the ground as well as in containers such as buckets with fairly decent success. Lessons learned help to gain success later on when growing potatoes in a bucket(meaning my screwups early on have helped me do better now😄).

Want to grow potatoes to save money, increase your self-reliance, or just have fun? You don’t have a sprawling backyard or a green thumb? Fear not, follow spud lover! In this article, we’ll provide some guidance and ideas on growing potatoes in a bucket(food grade, right?). So grab your bucket, put on your insect repellent, and let’s get ready!

Step 1: Selecting the Right Bucket
First things first, find yourself a bucket. Early on I used Home Depot buckets, but now I go with food-grade buckets. Choose a 5-gallon bucket to allow the potatoes to grow comfortably. Remember, you want your taters to feel like they’re living in a five-star hotel, not a cramped camper. Believe me – I know camper living.

Many containers will work for potatoes……

Step 2: Drilling Drainage Holes
Grab a drill (or borrow one from your handy neighbor) and create some drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket. We want our potatoes to stay cozy, not drowned. So be generous with the holes and let the excess water drain easily. I have a 3/4″ spade that I use to drill 5 holes in the bottom of my buckets. The larger the hole the more difficult to clog. After the bottom holes are drilled, move the side of the bucket and drill a hole every 3-4 inches all around the bottom about 1/2″-1″ from the very bottom. I use a 1/4″ – 1/3″ drill bit for this part. I want water to drain but not too much.

Step 3: The Soil Dance
Potatoes love well-draining soil, so let’s whip up a mixture that will make them feel right at home. Combine equal parts of compost, potting soil, and throw in some peat miss if available. Mix them together with a spoon or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, with your bare hands (don’t forget to wash them afterward!). If peat moss is not available add more potting soil as typically potting soil contains a decent amount of peat miss. A budget-friendly way of adding something that will loosen the soil to allow good drainage is by adding old, dead leaves. Crumble the leaves up and mix in the soil well.

Step 4: Filling Up the Bucket
Now that your soil mixture is ready, fill the bucket about one-third full. We’re leaving room for the magic to happen! It’s like inviting your potato guests to a surprise party where they can grow and thrive. I’ve added a couple inches of mulch to the bottom or gravel to facilitate drainage. We do not want the holes to clog with the soil.

Step 5: Seed Selection
Choosing the right type of potato is crucial for a successful bucket adventure. Opt for varieties that are known for their compact growth and high yield, such as ‘Yukon Gold,’ ‘Red Pontiac,’ or ‘Fingerling.’ These spuds are like the A-list celebrities of the potato world—they know how to make an impression.

Step 6: Planting the Spuds
Time to introduce your potatoes to their new cozy home! Take a few seed potatoes (or large chunks of regular potatoes with a couple of eyes) and gently place them on the soil surface, eyes facing up. Space them a few inches apart, like polite dinner guests who don’t want to invade each other’s personal space. I often place two seed potatoes per 5-gallon bucket. If the seed potatoes are very small maybe three.

Step 7: The Tower of Taters
As your potatoes grow, they’ll need more soil to bury their tubers. Gradually add more soil to the bucket, covering the lower stems but leaving the top leaves exposed. Keep repeating this process as your potatoes reach for the sky. Think of it as a potato skyscraper, with each floor offering a potential spud surprise! As the plant grows cover it with your rich soil mixture.

Step 8: Watering with Love
Water your bucket of spuds generously, but make sure the excess water can drain away. Remember, we’re aiming for happy, not soggy, potatoes. Regular watering is key, but don’t drench them like you’ve just hit a water buffalo with your truck. Just keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.

Step 9: Potato Love and Patience
Now comes the hardest part—waiting! Potatoes take their own sweet time to grow. Be patient and tend to your potatoes with love. They’ll reward you with their starchy goodness when the time is right. Everyone together…..3….2…..1……”MASHED!!!!”

Conclusion:
Growing potatoes in a bucket is a delightful and easy way to bring the joy of gardening…..and growing your own $hit. With a touch of humor and a pinch of patience, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your very own homegrown spuds.

Now, while growing potatoes in a bucket may seem like a simple adventure, it does require some care and attention. Keep an eye out for any unwanted visitors like pesky insects or potato-loving critters. You don’t want to end up with a potato heist on your hands! Stay vigilant, and if needed, deploy your best potato-guarding techniques.

One of the perks of growing potatoes in a bucket is the ability to control their environment. So, if the weather outside turns frightful or your potatoes start craving a tropical vacation, simply move the bucket indoors or to a more suitable location. Hey, we all have those moments when we need a change of scenery, right?

Oh – when do you harvest those little bundles of tastefulness? When you see the plants that have shot upwards out of the tops of the buckets die off – it’s time! Dump the soil out and search for those spuds that will find themselves on the plates of loved ones with wonderful garnishment and a ton of butter!

Disclaimer: The author cannot be held responsible for any overwhelming potato obsession from reading this article. Proceed with caution and enjoy the potato-filled journey responsibly. After all – we are only human. 👍

Take care all!!!

Rourke