Potatoes - my first love

Potatoes aren't just something you eat! They are plants you can grow.

Zahra Ali September 24, 2010
It usually takes two to three weeks for the potatoes to sprout. Once you see the green shoots prepare your plot, container or a bag for planting potatoes.

I have selected a large blue tub. It has enough space for planting 5-7 potatoes.

Here are three simple steps how you can plant your potatoes

1. Fill your container 2/4 with a good mixture of sand and manure.  (60:40 works for me). Soil must be well drained.

2. Place potatoes at 6-7 inches  distance from each other.

3. Cover with sand. Make sure the leafs are visible.










Keep your potatoes healthy

Simply water the plant softly and put it in shade. Now your work doesn't end here.Each week you will have to add an inch of sand or as needed. The idea is to keep adding sand as the plant grows.

If you are using strong plastic bags or sacks, you will need to roll them down to 2/4 of the size. Make drainage holes and follow the same steps. As the plant will grow you will roll up the bag as much as needed and add more sand.

You will need to do this for next few weeks until the plant turns yellow and then dies. No need to worry, you didnt do anything wrong. I'ts time for harvest!

Trust me, you will fall in love with the potato again when you will unearth this incredible vegetable that you have planted yourself.
WRITTEN BY:
Zahra Ali A freelance writer, gardening teacher and environmentalist. She has been spreading the message of natural living through her blog 'Crops in Pots' since 2008
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (21)

Hira Zulfiqar | 13 years ago | Reply Same here! my day doesn't end without potatoes . :)
omais | 13 years ago | Reply lolz.. ye ye, its same even :p . . but really wud like to grow pomelozzz for myself... temme some shortcuts ;)
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ