spuds in a barrel

[anthonyjb]

I am going to try and grow potatoes in a barrel I have been told to use multi purpose compost BUT what type with peat ? with john innings ? I am lost can anyone help me please.

[nick the grief]

Don't really matter Anthony.

Some JI in there will help act as a buffer & will retain the nutrients & will be easier to water.

I'd buy a bag of each & mix them together (use a JI no3)

PS, Welcome to the Vine

[DrBill]

I grow mine in peat-free compost. I haven't harvested any yet this year, but the tops look good. I have had good results in previous years

[anthonyjb]

Nick and Dr bill thank you both will give it a go

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi all.

I have been growing spuds in buckets (10litre ones from Morrisons - 8 buckets for 99p) this year. They have been great. Just grown in multi purpose compost with either horse muck or chicken manure pellets depending which I have to hand at planting time. I put one seed spud per bucket and each bucket so far has yeilded enough for a meal or so.

This is my first year growing stuff and I am still planting a couple of buckets every fortnight or so. Nothing to lose as I have the seed pots - love new spuds and they are way cheaper than the shops!

Hoping to enjoy new potatoes on Christmas day!!

happy gardening,
Shirley

[andrewo]

Mine is mix of my own compost and general multipurpose, I have grown them in barrels and hoops for years, easier on the back and a good yield without many of the slug/wireworm problems. If you are going to plants for Christmas, do remember to cover up the foliage with fleece if any frost is on the way or put in a greenhouse.

[anthonyjb]

Do I need to put gravel in the bottom of the barrel for draining .Can you please advise me on watering I am worried thate I may over or under water.
Regards
Anthony

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for the advice andrewo - re: covering with fleece. Will do if things start to get frosty! (seems ages away in all this hot weather!) dexterdog

[nick the grief]

Do I need to put gravel in the bottom of the barrel for draining .Can you please advise me on watering I am worried thate I may over or under water.
Regards
Anthony

You don't need gravel in there ANthony as they are quite thirsty plants anyway. If you are growing in buckets you can always drill the holes around the sides about 12mm up from the bottom so that they have a reservoir in there for hot weathr & the drainage holes won't get blocked as can happen f you stand them on a path ( the dirt & compost forms a seal arounfd the bottom - very painfull a sealed bottom )

Alternativly get some lengths of tanalised roofing lathe (about 2" x 1") & stant the pots/tubs/buckets on this as iot will keep them clear of the floor.

[anthonyjb]

ths Nick just bought one of those barrels �29.99 hope it works
regards
anghony

[nick the grief]

Never tried on of those as I'm a tight git So I use some really big pots that some one gave me they had trees in them so you can guess the size!

[DrBill]

ths Nick just bought one of those barrels �29.99 hope it works
regards
anghony

I grow potatoes quite successfully in one. They are a bit expensive for what they are though. If I were starting again I don't think I would bother.