Step 8: Positioning the Containers

Place the containers in an optimal location where the potatoes can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. In the low desert, full sun is ideal for fall-planted potatoes, while spring-planted potatoes may benefit from a bit of afternoon shade to prevent rapid drying.

Step 9: Knowing When to Harvest Potatoes

‘New potatoes’ are immature potatoes that can be harvested before reaching full maturity. For determinate potatoes, check for readiness around 60-90 days after planting, and for indeterminate varieties, check around 100-120 days after planting. Gently probe near a stem with your hand to assess the size of the potatoes. Harvest any potatoes that are of satisfactory size for consumption.

For ‘new’ potatoes, harvest them shortly after the plants flower (if your chosen variety flowers). For larger potatoes, wait until the tops of the plants begin to turn yellow and wilt. To enhance the storage longevity of mature potatoes, allow them to remain in the ground for an additional 2 weeks after the plants die back.

When ready to harvest the entire container, carefully empty it into a wheelbarrow, being cautious not to damage the potatoes. Cure the potatoes for several hours outdoors, brush off loose soil, and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to consume them. New potatoes should be consumed within a few weeks of harvest, while mature potatoes free of blemishes can store for a longer duration.

Following these steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own delicious potatoes right in the convenience of containers, adding a personal touch to your culinary creations. Happy potato farming!