There are numerous ingenious ways to plant potatoes. The most creative idea in growing 100 lbs of potatoes in the backyard is probably the use of a “potato box”. A “potato box” turns out to be an efficient technique in growing a large quantity of potatoes in a small space. This is a resourceful way to force the potato plant to stretch upward as it grows, allowing more area of the plant to produce potatoes. This “growing box” is created by putting up frames that stack as the potato plant grows.
A. How to Build a Potato Box
A “potato box” is easy to prepare. There are just a few materials one will need to prepare. These materials include the following:
- 6 pieces untreated wood boards with the dimensions 2”x6”x8”
- 2 pieces wood studs measuring 2”x2”x6”
- 65 pieces 2.5” long deck screws
- drill and drill bits
Prepare all the materials. Once set, the person can now begin constructing a potato box. Follow these simple steps on how to build a potato box.
- Prepare the 2 pieces 2″ x 2″ x 6″ wood. Cut them into 4 33″ pieces. Expect a few inches left over.
- Next, prepare the 6 pieces 2″ x 6″ x 8″ boards. Cut them into 12 pieces of 21″, and 12 pieces of 24″.
- Pre-drill 2 holes on each end of the 24-inch pieces, about 3/4” from the edge. These holes will position the screws to go into the center of the 2″ pieces’ cut side.
- Attach 2 of the 24″ pieces and the other 2 of the 21″ pieces together forming a frame. Attach them together using screws. Do these five more times, making a total of 6 frames. These 6 frames will stack on top of one another, creating the box.
- Put one each of the 2″ x 2″ x 33″ pieces to the inside corners of one of the frames. This frame will be the base of the box.
- Pre-drill 2 holes on the outside of each of the base frame. These holes must align with the stud placed in the corner of the frame. Screws are used to anchor the stud into the corner of the frame. This will make the base look like a table turned upside down.
- Slip one of the remaining frames onto the base frame with the four legs being on the inside. These two floors will be the area where the potatoes will be planted in.
B. Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Potatoes
When planting and growing potatoes in your potato box, take into particular consideration the following factors:
- Find a location, preferably a place with full sun. Clear away all sod, rocks or debris. Position the box properly.
- Pour enough soil at the base of the box until the first two floors are filled with soil. Use soil that has good drainage and has some organic matter in it. A suggested soil for growing potatoes is 40% compost, 40% chopped leaves, straw and grass clippings, and 20% existing soil.
- Dig in 3″ to 4″ deep and plant in the seed potatoes, then cover the potatoes with soil. A mulch composed of thin layers of larger leaves can be added as well.
- Once the potato plants grow about a foot high, another frame should be added and filled with more soil. Do not cover more than one third of the plant. Continue the same process until all the frames have been used up.
When the potatoes are already prepared for harvest, remove the boards from the bottom frame of the potato box to gain access to the bottom layer of soil. Once all potatoes have been harvested, replace the soil and reattach the boards for the potato box. To harvest more potatoes, repeat the same procedure for the other frames until the top frame is reached.
If you liked the “potato box” idea then you might likes this. Learn how how to grow enough food to feed a family of 4 in minimal space Click here to learn more about Expert Prepper’s Family Survival Garden Guide
