Potatoes will grow fairly well in a large container but do better in the ground. Shirlee gave a great explanation of how to grow. Do not cover the vines with soil, but keep pulling the soil around the stem of the plant. I usually only do this twice during the growing season. They are a cool weather crop and should be started about the time you start lettuce and spinach. Mulching with straw helps hold in moisture. There are even methods where people plant them in nothing but straw or old hay. It is better to buy "seed" potatoes from a gardening store. The ones you buy in the grocery store have been treated to deter sprouting.
Name: Margaret Near Kamloops, BC, Canada (Zone 3a)
It is also recommended that you let the potatoes cure for several hours before planting. My grandfather used to grow big fields of potatoes and I remember the huge piles of cut potatoes.
I might try the potaoes in a container or bucket. I don't really feel like planting potaoes in ground. But I know your joking (sort of) but not going to have potato crazies. Now the tomato crazies is another matter.
Now Rita, I'm pretty sure that last year you had no idea you would get your tomato/veggie crazies like you have this year -- it has to stew and marinate to pure craziness!
Make sure your container is nice and deep. I planted my eye about halfway down. Then I waited till it sprouted and then kept adding dirt. The taller it got, the more dirt I added until now the plant is way above the top of the container and I really can't add any more dirt. I have heard about using straw too but haven't tried that method. I imagine it works well too.
Rita, you know I was just thinking that maybe next year I will put some cucumbers in a container on my front porch and just let them grow on the trellis pole part of my awning. I get lots of sun where the poles hold the awning and I just bet they would do well.
