One of our readers experimented this year by growing potatoes in a tub on the patio. At the end of August, after the stalks had died back, he emptied out about 8Kg of tubers.
Earlier in the year, four seed potatoes were planted at the base of a 20 litre pot
Gradually adding compost as the leaves appeared (earthing up), they were left on the patio to grow until August.
Once the tops (Haulms), died back, Gary emptied his pot, thoughtfully using a plastic sheet to
catch the soil and protect his patio.
He yielded around 8 Kg of well rounded and disease free tubers.
Potato Variety used: Redskins, which are ideal for roast potatoes.
Comments: Potato variety easily breaks up if cooked for slightly too long, then only good for mashed potato.
Verdict: Will use this method next year but change the variety.
Adaptation: For those who would find the lifting of a pot difficult, the same method can be employed using a compost bag.
Monty Don explains how, in this BBC Gardener’s World Video. Instead of having a pot to tip up at the end of the season, you can simply slit the plastic down the side to obtain your potato harvest.
There are also many specialised potato grow kits and patio growing bags available.