Summary
- With a container in hand, it’s time to choose your fingerling potato variety.
- Once your fingerling potatoes are planted, you need to provide them with the right care to ensure a bountiful harvest.
- Fingerling potatoes thrive in full sun, so place your container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Fingerling potatoes, with their unique shapes and vibrant colors, are a delightful addition to any garden. But what if you don’t have a garden? No worries! Growing fingerling potatoes in containers is easier than you might think, allowing you to enjoy these delicious spuds even if you have limited space. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can harvest your own homegrown fingerling potatoes in no time.
Choosing the Right Container
The first step is selecting the right container for your fingerling potato adventure. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. This will give your potatoes ample room to grow their tubers. You can use a variety of containers, including:
- Plastic or ceramic pots: These are readily available and affordable.
- Wooden planters: These add a rustic charm to your patio or balcony.
- Grow bags: These are lightweight and easy to move around.
- Upcycled containers: Get creative and use old buckets, tubs, or even half wine barrels.
Selecting Your Fingerling Potato Variety
With a container in hand, it’s time to choose your fingerling potato variety. There are many beautiful and delicious varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular options:
- Purple Majesty: This variety boasts striking purple skin and flesh with a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Yellow Finn: This classic fingerling has a golden yellow skin and a buttery flavor.
- Red Thumb: This variety features crimson skin and creamy white flesh with a slightly sweet flavor.
- French Fingerling: These elongated potatoes have a thin, smooth skin and a delicate, earthy flavor.
Preparing Your Container and Soil
Before planting, prepare your container and soil.
Container Preparation:
- Drainage: Ensure your container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. If it doesn’t, drill some holes in the bottom.
- Cleanliness: Wash your container thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
Soil Preparation:
- Choose the Right Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for vegetables.
- Amendments: Add a handful of compost or aged manure to the soil for added nutrients.
- Fill the Container: Fill your container with the prepared soil, leaving about 2-3 inches of space at the top.
Planting Your Fingerling Potatoes
Now it’s time to plant your fingerling potato “seed” potatoes. These are actually small potatoes that will sprout and produce new plants.
- Cut the Seed Potatoes: Cut your seed potatoes into pieces, each with at least two eyes (the small brown spots).
- Let the Cuts Heal: Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a few hours to prevent rotting.
- Planting: Place the cut pieces in the container, about 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
Providing the Right Care
Once your fingerling potatoes are planted, you need to provide them with the right care to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Watering: Water your potatoes regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Feed your plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetables.
Sunlight: Fingerling potatoes thrive in full sun, so place your container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Hilling: As your potatoes grow, you’ll need to “hill” them. This involves gently pulling soil up around the base of the plants to encourage more tuber development.
Harvesting Your Fingerling Potatoes
The anticipation is building! You’ll know your fingerling potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage starts to die back and the plants begin to wilt.
- Digging: Gently dig around the base of the plant to uncover the potatoes.
- Storing: Store your harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to several months.
A Delicious Finish: Enjoying Your Homegrown Fingerling Potatoes
Congratulations! You’ve successfully grown your own fingerling potatoes. Now it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Fingerling potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be roasted, boiled, fried, or used in salads and soups. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures that your homegrown potatoes offer.
Beyond the Harvest: Continuing the Cycle
If you want to enjoy your homegrown fingerling potatoes year after year, you can easily save some of your harvest for seed potatoes next season. Simply select a few of the best-looking potatoes, let them cure for a few weeks, and store them in a cool, dark place until the next planting season.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I grow fingerling potatoes in a small container?
A: While a larger container is ideal, you can grow fingerling potatoes in smaller containers as long as they are at least 12 inches deep. Just be prepared to harvest smaller potatoes.
Q: How often should I fertilize my fingerling potatoes?
A: Fertilize your potatoes every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetables.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy fingerling potato plant?
A: A healthy fingerling potato plant will have lush green foliage, strong stems, and healthy-looking tubers.
Q: Can I grow fingerling potatoes indoors?
A: While it’s possible to grow fingerling potatoes indoors, they require plenty of sunlight. You’ll need to provide them with a grow light or place them near a sunny window.
Q: What are some common problems that fingerling potato plants encounter?
A: Common problems include potato blight, aphids, and Colorado potato beetles. Always inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
