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.
