Question
I am growing potatoes in tyres. When do I add soil and or tyres? Should I cover the leaves with soil as they start to emerge or wait until I can see some of the stalks (in which case how much?)

thanks

Answer
There are two different methods of growing potatoes in tires. One way is to stack three, or four tires, fill them with soil, and plant two to three seed pieces about 1 or 2 inches deep in the top tire. The black of the tire absorbs and radiates heat, and there usually is a heavy yield.

Another method is to put one tire on the ground, fill it with soil, and plant the potatoes within the tire. Plant two seed potatoes, whole or halved, about 2 inches deep. Once the potatoes have developed 3 or 4 inches of foliage growth, then a second tire can be put on top of the first with 2 inches of leaf above the second tire. Fill in with more soil, always leaving at least 2 inches of leaf growth above the soil level. Continue to fill as the plants grow. Once you've filled the center of the second tire, continue the stack to a height of three or four tires. Keep in mind that you must always leave about 2 inches of foliage showing.

The reason you can grow potatoes successfully in this manner is that potatoes develop on stems above the roots.

Over watering, or the use of high nitrogen fertilizer is often the reason for poor yields. black or hollow centers on potatoes is often caused by over watering. Irregular watering causes irregular shaped or knobby potatoes. As a guideline, water thoroughly on hot days, let the soil dry partially, before you water again.

New potatoes can be harvested when the plants begin to bloom. For full sized, storage potatoes wait until the vines turn yellow, and die back. Store in a dark, dry, spot where temperatures are about 40 degrees. In mild climate, (above 40 degrees), the potatoes can be left in the tires until about January, and harvested as needed. Cover them with black plastic, to keep the rain water from rotting them.

bakerplanter