Apollo 57239 Potato Barrel

Product Information

Follow the instructions on the box and when it is time for harvesting simply open the doors to dig them out This Victorian style potato barrel in a decorative terracotta finish, is made from frost resistant polypropylene for long life Frost resistantWeather resistantEasy to assemble2 doorsPotatoes and compost not includedDimensions: 42 x 42 x 55cm high A unique and brilliant design which will allow you to enjoy freshly harvested new potatoes from your own garden and patio, no matter how small it is Pour 6 Inches (150mm) of compost into the bottom of the barrel and plant the 5 seed potatoes (shoots or eyees uppermost) about 2 Inches deep.

Fill with compost-enriched soil mixtures formulated specifically towards potato cultivation needs such as loamy sand mixed with peat moss/leaf mold/composted manure mixtures; As the main stem grows towards the top of the barrel it sends out potato bearing side shoots all the way up. These will eventually be crammed with delicious new potatoes. Any new shoots that have grown too long and spindly can be rubbed off, so that new 1 foot (25cm) shoots are produced ready for planting. Drill small holes along both sides of each stave just beneath where they overlap — these allow air circulation between layers which helps keep temperatures cooler inside; Most of these ingredients are staples so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money at the grocery store.From the research I have done, I have found that mid to late season do better growing in a tower method. Early season potatoes like Yukon gold only produce once and won’t produce roots up the stem. Cut the larger potato into sections. Each section needs to have an ‘eye’. Which is the little tough sprout that will make a root. Any seed can be used but most people using the potato barrel will opt to grow an early variety. Look out for seed marked as "EARLY" in your local garden centre.

Place the diced sweet potatoes into a large pot of water and cook on medium heat until fork tender. Drain well and add to mixing bowl.Now that your barrel is ready, it's time to plant your potatoes. You can use certified seed potatoes or organic ones bought from a reputable source. Watering is very important to keep it on a regular timer if possible. We used a small round sprinkler upside down on low, had it on a timer to water once a day for 1 minute.

Dave buys our seed potatoes from the feed store. Your local food co-op may have some for sale, or the farmers market or grocery near you. Thoroughly clean out the barrels. If they had toxins in them be especially diligent in cleaning them out. I used pre plant fertilizer (measure the height of your soil in the barrel and times it by the width) and weekly feed described in the Mittleider course book. About once a month I added a little bit of 21-00-00 which is ammonium sulfate which addsa small amount acid and nitrogen that help tomatoes and potatoes to grow. Without acid and nitrogen potatoes will be small or non-existent. To get this high yield you’ll need to use pre plant fertilizer, weekly feed and 21-00-00(very small amounts). Once your container arrives safely home, rinse thoroughly with warm soapy water before beginning preparation stages:Once the plants are well established the compost will need watering and feeding weekly with a high potash / low nitrogen soluble plant food. A propriety tomato fertiliser is ideal.