From the Vine: Potato Tower
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Collapse ▲If you like fresh potatoes right out of the garden, but hate the backbreaking work of planting and digging, you might want to consider constructing a potato tower. A potato tower is an innovative method that maximizes yield in limited space and saves you all of the back-breaking work. This vertical gardening technique is particularly beneficial for those with limited garden areas, allowing for a substantial harvest without requiring extensive ground space. Potatoes grow best when planted between Feb 15 – March 31 in our area.
Materials Needed and Approximate Costs
To build a potato tower, you’ll need the following materials:
- Wire Mesh or Fencing Material: A roll of wire mesh, approximately 4 feet in height and 10 feet in length, to form the tower’s structure.
- Straw or Mulch: Used to line the interior of the tower, retaining soil and moisture.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil is essential for healthy potato growth. Depending on the tower’s size, you may need 2-3 cubic feet of soil.
- Seed Potatoes: Certified disease-free seed potatoes are recommended.
- Stakes, t-posts, or Rebar: To secure the tower in place, ensuring stability.
Construction Steps
- Form the Tower Structure: Shape the wire mesh into a cylindrical form with a diameter of about 2-3 feet, creating a vertical tower. Secure the ends together to maintain the shape.
- Position and Secure: Place the tower in a sunny location with well-draining soil near a water source. Use stakes or rebar to anchor it firmly to the ground, preventing it from tipping over.
- Build the tower: Layer the tower with 4-6 inches of straw, 4-6 inches of soil, then place the seed potatoes about every 5 to 6 inches along the outside edge of the tower and water-in. Add another 4-6 inches of soil to cover the potatoes, and repeat the process beginning with straw.
Recommended Potato Varieties for North Carolina
Selecting the right potato variety is crucial for a successful harvest. In Sampson and surrounding counties, the following varieties are well-suited for home gardens:
- Red Pontiac: A high-yielding late season potato with red skin and white flesh
- Yukon Gold: A medium-yielding early main season potato with creamy, gold flesh.
- Kennebec: A versatile white potato suitable for baking, frying, and boiling.
- Superior: An early-maturing white potato with good disease resistance, excellent for boiling and mashing.
Maintenance Tips
- Watering: Consistent moisture is vital. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The tower’s design promotes effective drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.
- Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, into the soil at planting. Reapply lightly midway through the growing season to support tuber development.
- Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, preserving plant health.
- Harvesting: Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, typically after 10-12 weeks for early varieties, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dismantle the tower, allowing the soil to fall away and revealing the potatoes for easy collection.
Pictures courtesy of Fine Gardening.com
