How to Grow Tons of Potatoes in Buckets, Bags, or Pots

You don’t need a massive garden to grow a huge harvest of potatoes—in fact, you don’t even need a garden at all! With the right method, you can produce pounds of delicious homegrown potatoes using just a bucket, grow bag, or pot. This space-saving approach is perfect for small yards, patios, or even balconies, making it easy for anyone to grow their own food.

Container-grown potatoes aren’t just practical; they also offer better drainage, easier harvesting, and fewer pests compared to traditional in-ground planting. However, if you don’t get the setup right—choosing the wrong container, overcrowding, or using poor soil—you might end up with a disappointing yield.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow a LOT of potatoes in buckets, bags, or pots, step by step. From choosing the best container and soil mix to harvesting a bumper crop, you’ll discover how to maximize your yield in the smallest space possible. Let’s get started!

Selecting the Right Potato Variety for Containers

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes for Planting

Choosing the Best Container for Maximum Yield

How to Prepare Your Container for Planting

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Potatoes in Containers

Caring for Your Potato Plants

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Potatoes in Containers

When and How to Harvest Container-Grown Potatoes

Storage Tips to Keep Your Potatoes Fresh Longer

Selecting the Right Potato Variety for Containers

Not all potatoes grow well in containers. Some varieties thrive in confined spaces, producing high yields in a small footprint, while others need more room to spread out. Choosing the right type will maximize your harvest and ensure healthy, productive plants.

Best Potato Varieties for Containers

When growing potatoes in buckets, bags, or pots, look for early or compact-growing varieties that don’t require excessive space. Here are some of the best options:

Early and Mid-Season Potatoes – These varieties mature faster and don’t need as much depth as late-season potatoes. They are ideal for container growing.

• ‘Yukon Gold’ – A delicious, all-purpose potato with creamy texture and high yields.
• ‘Red Norland’ – Fast-growing red potatoes that are great for roasting and boiling.
• ‘Fingerling Potatoes’ (Like ‘Russian Banana’) – Compact, flavorful, and perfect for small containers.
• ‘Charlotte’ – A French-style waxy potato that grows well in bags or pots.

Second Early and Maincrop Potatoes – These take longer to mature but can still work in larger containers.

• ‘Kennebec’ – A high-yielding, disease-resistant variety with creamy white flesh.
• ‘Desiree’ – A versatile, drought-resistant red potato with a rich, buttery flavor.
• ‘Russet Burbank’ – A classic baking potato that needs deeper containers but produces large tubers.

Avoid Large, Late-Season Varieties in Containers

Some potatoes, especially late-season or long-vining varieties, need deep soil and sprawling space to reach full potential. If you want to grow them in containers, make sure you use a deep bin or barrel (at least 18-24 inches deep).

Gardeners Tip: Grow a Mix for Success

If you have multiple containers, consider planting different varieties to extend your harvest and enjoy a mix of flavors, textures, and colors throughout the season.

How to Prepare Seed Potatoes for Planting

Before planting, seed potatoes need proper preparation to encourage strong sprouting, prevent disease, and maximize yields. Whether you are growing in buckets, bags, or pots, taking the time to prepare your seed potatoes correctly will give you the best results.

What Are Seed Potatoes?

Seed potatoes are not seeds in the traditional sense but rather small potatoes or potato pieces with “eyes” (buds) that sprout into new plants. Using certified seed potatoes rather than grocery store potatoes is recommended because they are disease-free and bred for planting.

Step 1: Chitting (Pre-Sprouting) for a Head Start

Chitting is the process of pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting. This helps speed up growth and ensures that each potato is ready to produce strong shoots.

• About two to four weeks before planting, place seed potatoes in a bright, cool location (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C).
• Position them with the eyes facing up in an egg carton, tray, or shallow box.
• Allow short, strong shoots (about half an inch to an inch long) to develop before planting.
• Avoid storing them in the dark, as this can result in long, weak sprouts that break easily.

Step 2: Cutting Large Seed Potatoes (If Needed)

If your seed potatoes are large (bigger than a golf ball), they can be cut into smaller pieces to increase the number of plants. Each piece should have at least one to two healthy eyes to ensure successful sprouting.

• Use a clean, sharp knife to cut large potatoes into smaller chunks, making sure each has at least one or two eyes.
• Allow the cut pieces to dry for 24-48 hours in a warm, dry place before planting. This helps form a protective layer over the cut surface, reducing the risk of rot and disease.

Step 3: Treating for Disease Prevention (Optional but Beneficial)

To further protect seed potatoes from disease, some gardeners dust the cut surfaces with natural antifungal treatments such as:

• Wood ash – Helps dry and seal the cut surface.
• Sulfur powder – Acts as a natural fungicide.

While this step is optional, it can be beneficial if planting in damp conditions where rot is more likely to occur.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Time to Plant

Seed potatoes should be planted when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F (7°C) to prevent rot. If growing in containers, planting can often begin earlier than in-ground planting, especially if you can move the containers to a warmer area during cold nights.

By taking the time to chit, cut, and cure your seed potatoes before planting, you’ll ensure faster sprouting, stronger plants, and a higher potato yield—all key factors in a successful container potato harvest.

Gardeners Tip: If you want larger potatoes, limit each seed piece to one or two strong sprouts (chits) by rubbing off any extras. If you prefer a higher number of smaller potatoes, allow multiple chits to grow freely.

Choosing the Best Container for Maximum Yield

The container you choose plays a huge role in how many potatoes you can grow and how well they develop. Potatoes need enough space for root expansion, good drainage, and proper airflow to thrive. Whether you’re using buckets, grow bags, or pots, selecting the right container size and material will make all the difference. A taller rather than wider bucket is best.

Best Containers for Growing Potatoes

Buckets (5-Gallon or Larger – Food-Grade Recommended)

• Pros: Readily available, affordable, and stackable.
• Cons: Can overheat in direct sunlight if plastic is thin.
• Important: Only use food-grade plastic buckets (look for the number 2 inside the recycling symbol, which indicates safe HDPE plastic). Avoid containers that previously held chemicals or non-food substances.
• Best For: Small-scale growing, beginners, or those repurposing old food-safe buckets.

Grow Bags (10-20 Gallons)

• Pros: Excellent drainage and airflow, prevents root rot, and encourages strong growth.
• Cons: Dries out faster than other containers, so it needs frequent watering.
• Best For: High-yield container gardening with minimal space.

Large Pots or Bins (10+ Gallons – Safe Materials Only)

• Pros: Durable, reusable, and holds more soil for better moisture retention.
• Cons: Can be heavy and harder to move.
• Important: Choose pots made from food-safe plastic or unglazed clay. Avoid old or questionable plastic containers that may leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
• Best For: Gardeners looking for a long-term, stable container.

DIY Containers (Tubs, Wooden Crates, or Barrels)

• Pros: Customizable, allows for deeper soil layers, and often repurposed for sustainability.
• Cons: Requires drilling for drainage, may rot if wood is untreated.
• Important: If using wood, avoid pressure-treated lumber unless it is specifically labeled safe for vegetable gardening. Older treated wood may contain chemicals like arsenic.
• Best For: Those who want a unique, high-capacity growing option.

Container Size and Drainage Matter

Regardless of the container type, follow these key guidelines for the best results:

• Use at least a 5-gallon container (10-15 gallons is ideal for higher yields).
• Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom if needed.
• Choose breathable materials like fabric grow bags to prevent waterlogging.
• Avoid toxic materials by selecting food-safe plastic or untreated, rot-resistant wood.

By choosing a safe, well-draining container, you’ll create the perfect environment for a healthy, chemical-free potato harvest, even in small spaces.

How to Prepare Your Container for Planting

Before planting your potatoes, it is important to set up the container correctly. Proper preparation ensures good drainage, strong root growth, and a higher yield. A poorly prepared container can lead to waterlogged soil, weak plants, or low production.

Choosing the Right Soil Mix

Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense and may lead to poor drainage. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix combined with bonemeal.

• A mix of potting soil, compost, and a lightening agent like perlite or sand works well
• Bone meal adds phosphorous and calcium, great for root development
• Compost adds nutrients that will support healthy plant growth
• Avoid heavy clay-based soils that can restrict tuber development

Ensuring Proper Drainage

Potatoes do not tolerate soggy soil. If excess water cannot escape, tubers may rot before they have a chance to grow.

• Drill several drainage holes in the bottom of buckets or bins if they do not already have them
• If using a grow bag, make sure it is placed on a well-draining surface
• Consider adding a thin layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the container to improve drainage

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Potatoes in Containers

Once your seed potatoes are prepared and your container is ready, it’s time to plant. Proper planting techniques will maximize yield, promote healthy growth, and ensure strong tuber development. Follow these steps to grow a successful container crop.

Step 1: Fill the Container with Soil

Start by adding six inches of soil to the bottom of your container. This allows space for tubers to develop as the plants grow.

• If using a bucket or pot, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Avoid filling the container to the top at the start—more soil will be added later as the plant grows.

Step 2: Plant the Seed Potatoes

Place the seed potatoes on top of the soil with the sprouts facing upward. Space them out to allow room for growth.

• In a 5-gallon bucket, plant one to two potatoes.
• In a 10- to 15-gallon grow bag or pot, plant three to four potatoes.
• Larger containers (20+ gallons) can hold five or more potatoes, depending on size.

Each seed potato or piece should be spaced four to six inches apart to prevent overcrowding.

Step 3: Cover with Soil

Gently cover the potatoes with another two to three inches of soil. Water lightly to moisten the soil but avoid overwatering at this stage.

• Keep the soil lightly damp, not soggy, as excess moisture can cause rot.

Step 4: Provide Proper Growing Conditions

For the best results, place the container in a sunny location where the plants will receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

• Temperature – Potatoes grow best in 55-70°F (13-21°C) conditions. Avoid extreme heat, as it can slow growth.
• Watering – Keep the soil evenly moist, especially once the plants start growing. Containers dry out faster than garden soil, so check moisture levels regularly.

Step 5: Hill the Plants as They Grow

As potato plants grow, they need more soil added around their stems to encourage more tubers to develop. This process, called hilling, prevents potatoes from being exposed to sunlight, which can turn them green and toxic.

• When the plants reach six inches tall, add three to four inches of soil around the base.
• Repeat this process every two weeks until the container is nearly full.
• Always leave some green foliage exposed so the plant can continue growing.

Step 6: Monitor Growth and Prevent Problems

As the plants continue growing, check regularly for signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Yellowing leaves, wilting, or stunted growth could indicate issues with watering, soil quality, or pests.

Caring for Your Potato Plants

Once your potatoes are planted, proper care is essential for healthy growth and maximum yield. Potatoes grown in containers need regular watering, proper nutrition, and protection from pests and diseases to thrive. Follow these key care tips to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Watering: Keep the Soil Evenly Moist

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially when growing in containers, as soil dries out faster than in traditional garden beds.

• Water deeply at least two to three times per week, depending on weather conditions.
• In hot, dry weather, check the soil daily and water when the top inch feels dry.
• Use a slow, deep watering method to encourage strong root growth.
• Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to rot. Ensure the container has good drainage.

Feeding: Provide Essential Nutrients

Potatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they need regular nutrients to grow strong tubers.

• Once plants are established, apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every two to three weeks.
• During tuber formation, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage bigger potatoes rather than excess leafy growth.
• Avoid too much nitrogen, as it can lead to lush foliage but fewer potatoes.

Hilling: Encourage More Tubers

Hilling is a crucial step in growing container potatoes. As the plant grows, adding soil around the stems creates more space for tubers to develop and prevents potatoes from turning green due to sun exposure.

• When plants reach six to eight inches tall, add three to four inches of soil around the base.
• Repeat the hilling process every two weeks until the container is nearly full.
• Always leave some foliage exposed so the plant continues growing.

Sunlight and Temperature: Ideal Growing Conditions

Potatoes thrive in full sun, so ensure they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.

• If growing in a hot climate, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent stress and overheating.
• The best growing temperature for potatoes is 55-70°F (13-21°C). If temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C), growth may slow down.
• If frost is expected, move containers indoors or cover plants with a frost cloth to prevent damage.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Container-grown potatoes are less prone to soil-borne diseases than those grown in the ground, but pests can still be an issue.

• Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plants instead.
• Watch for common potato pests like aphids, potato beetles, and slugs. Hand-pick beetles and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
• Check leaves regularly for discoloration or spots, which can indicate fungal diseases like late blight or early blight. If detected early, remove affected leaves and improve airflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Potatoes in Containers

Even with the right setup, growing potatoes in containers can come with challenges. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a healthy crop and a big harvest.

1. Using the Wrong Container

The size and type of container matter. A container that is too small will restrict root growth and limit potato production.

• Use a 5-gallon bucket (minimum) for one to two plants or a 10-15 gallon grow bag for better yields.
• Ensure good drainage—potatoes do not like sitting in water. Drill holes in solid containers if necessary.

2. Planting Too Many Seed Potatoes in One Container

Overcrowding leads to smaller potatoes and poor air circulation, increasing the risk of disease.

• Stick to proper spacing—one to two seed potatoes in a 5-gallon bucket, three to four in a 10-gallon container, and five to six in a 20-gallon bag.
• More space means healthier plants and bigger potatoes.

3. Using Poor-Quality Soil

Garden soil is too heavy and does not drain well in containers.

• Use a light, well-draining mix with compost and perlite or sand to improve aeration.
• Refresh soil each season to replenish nutrients.

4. Not Hilling as the Plants Grow

Failing to hill properly leads to fewer potatoes and sun exposure that turns tubers green and toxic.

• Add three to four inches of soil every time the plant grows six to eight inches tall.
• Continue hilling until the container is almost full.

5. Overwatering or Underwatering

Potatoes need consistent moisture, but too much or too little water can cause problems.

• Too much water leads to rotting tubers and fungal diseases.
• Too little water results in small, shriveled potatoes.
• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, especially during flowering and tuber formation.

6. Ignoring Pests and Diseases

Container potatoes are less prone to pests but are not immune.

• Check leaves regularly for signs of aphids, potato beetles, or blight.
• Remove pests by hand or use organic insecticidal soap.
• Avoid watering from above to prevent fungal diseases.

7. Harvesting Too Early

• Pulling potatoes too soon means tiny, underdeveloped tubers.
• For full-sized potatoes, harvest when foliage turns yellow and dies back.
• Wait two to three weeks after flowering for new potatoes.

When and How to Harvest Container-Grown Potatoes

After weeks of caring for your potato plants, it’s finally time to harvest your crop. Knowing when to harvest and using the right technique will ensure you get the biggest and best-quality potatoes possible.

When to Harvest Potatoes

The timing of your harvest depends on the type of potatoes you planted and whether you want baby (new) potatoes or full-sized potatoes.

• For new potatoes (small, tender potatoes) – Harvest two to three weeks after flowering when the potatoes are still small and thin-skinned. These are great for fresh eating but do not store well.
• For mature potatoes (larger storage potatoes) – Wait until the foliage turns yellow and starts to die back, typically 10-12 weeks after planting for early varieties and 14-20 weeks for maincrop potatoes.

If you are unsure, gently dig into the soil with your hands to feel for tuber size before harvesting the entire container.

How to Harvest Potatoes from Containers

Harvesting potatoes grown in buckets, bags, or pots is much easier than digging them up from the ground.

1. Stop watering a week before harvesting to allow the soil to dry slightly, making it easier to handle.
2. For grow bags or fabric pots – Simply tip the bag over and sift through the soil to collect the potatoes.
3. For buckets or solid containers – Carefully dump out the soil onto a tarp or garden bed, then pick through for the potatoes.
4. For a continuous harvest – If you only need a few potatoes at a time, reach into the container and gently pull out what you need, leaving the rest to keep growing.
5. Brush off excess soil but avoid washing the potatoes if you plan to store them, as moisture can encourage rot.

Curing and Storing Your Potatoes

If you plan to store potatoes for later use, they need to cure properly before being put away.

• Lay the potatoes out in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for about one to two weeks to toughen the skins.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and become toxic.
• Once cured, store potatoes in a cool, dark place with good airflow, such as a root cellar, basement, or breathable storage container.

Gardeners Tip: Handle Potatoes Gently

Potatoes bruise easily, and damaged tubers will not store well. Be gentle when handling them to avoid cuts, bruises, or skin damage.

Storage Tips to Keep Your Potatoes Fresh Longer

After harvesting, proper storage is essential to keep your potatoes fresh for months. Without the right conditions, potatoes can sprout too soon, shrivel up, or develop rot. Follow these steps to ensure a long-lasting, high-quality harvest.

1. Cure Potatoes Before Storing

Freshly harvested potatoes have delicate skins that need time to toughen up before long-term storage.

• Lay potatoes out in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C) for one to two weeks.
• Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause potatoes to turn green and toxic.
• Do not wash them before curing—brush off excess dirt gently.

2. Choose the Right Storage Location

Potatoes store best in a cool, dark, and dry place with good airflow.

• The ideal storage temperature is 38-45°F (3-7°C).
• Basements, root cellars, garages, or cool pantries work well.
• Avoid storing them in the refrigerator—cold temperatures convert starches into sugar, affecting taste and texture.

3. Use Proper Storage Containers

Good airflow is key to preventing moisture buildup and rot.

• Store potatoes in ventilated baskets, paper bags, or burlap sacks.
• Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and cause rotting.
• Keep potatoes in a single layer or loosely piled to allow air circulation.

4. Keep Away from Onions and Apples

Potatoes release moisture, while onions and apples give off ethylene gas, which can cause sprouting and spoilage. Store them separately to extend their shelf life.

5. Check and Remove Spoiled Potatoes

One rotten potato can cause others to spoil quickly.

• Check stored potatoes every few weeks for soft spots, mold, or sprouting.
• Remove any damaged or sprouted potatoes to prevent spreading.
• If sprouting occurs, potatoes are still safe to eat—just cut off the sprouts before cooking.

Gardeners Tip: Eat Smaller, Thinner-Skinned Potatoes First

Waxy potatoes (like new potatoes and fingerlings) do not store as long as thick-skinned varieties like Russets or Kennebecs. Use smaller potatoes first, and store maincrop varieties for longer-term use.

With just a bucket, a little dirt, and some patience, you’ll be digging up a mountain of homegrown potatoes in jig time. Happy growing!

You may find the following links useful:

Growing Veg

Growing Fruit

Lawn Care

Walk-behind Mower Maintenance

Tractor Mower Maintenance