Potatoes have long been a beloved food, with the average American consuming about 125 potatoes each year. These versatile root vegetables are a staple in many cuisines, from crispy french fries to creamy mashed potatoes to hearty shepherd's pie. Potatoes are not only delicious but also a nutritious comfort food that can be a great addition to any home garden. Growing your own potatoes ensures that your harvest is organic, free of chemicals, and packed with nutrients. One creative way to simplify the growing process is by repurposing a kiddie pool as a container garden.
Transforming a Kiddie Pool into a Potato Garden
Repurposing a kiddie pool to grow potatoes is a fantastic way to reduce waste and grow healthy produce. By placing the pool in a sunny spot, filling it with soil mixed with perlite for drainage, and planting seed potatoes properly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to space out the potatoes adequately to ensure a good yield. Kiddie pools offer a practical and space-saving solution for cultivating potatoes compared to traditional ground planting methods.
Why container gardening makes for an easier harvest
Additionally, unless you drill holes in the bottom, take care when watering so as not to waterlog your potatoes. Potatoes do not like wet soil; they prefer well-draining, slightly-acidic soil. After filling your kiddie pool up with soil and planting your seed potatoes, you can cover the soil with straw for insulation and added nutrients. Straw also helps reduce pest and disease exposure, which is excellent for growing potatoes since they are especially susceptible to fungus and disease. Overall, this sustainable hack allows you to save time and reduce waste, all while easily harvesting your potatoes.
Growing potatoes in a contained space can make harvesting them a much easier task. Instead of endlessly digging in a traditional garden bed, having them in an enclosed area allows for a more efficient gathering process. With reduced exposure to pests and diseases, your crop is more likely to stay intact. Harvesting becomes smoother and quicker when potatoes are grown in a contained space. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using a laundry basket as a container for planting your potatoes.
