How I Grew 450 lbs of Potatoes in Just 200 Sq. Ft. (You Can Too!)

[@Page5framing]

I am an expert at sprouting potatoes. I put them in my pantry and then whenever I need one they are sprouted! Easy peasy

[@paulpursell4177]

Good chit. As a real expert here on potatoes it's called chitting. You don't sprout a potato, you chit it. And if you don't care then I guess you don't give a chit.

[@jeanblaaa]

@@paulpursell4177lol!

[@lexiboettger6734]

They are the same thing

[@drileydriley2814]

Hilarious. Ditto.

[@thomasgraham5842]

@@paulpursell4177 hahahahahahahaha

[@texaschopper3091]

You've helped feed my family for 3 years now with these amazing videos. Thumbs up.

[@simplifygardening]

That is great and why I make the content. So glad it helps you

[@hamsamwhichoo]

​@@simplifygardeningpp

[@MichaelSmith-ku7ki]

What are some of his best videos that worked out well for you?

[@chadbomb9782]

thank you so much brother ❤😊

[@TheBlueGuard]

I can't imagine a greater compliment than that.

[@glassbackdiy3949]

450lb from 48 tubs is amazing, average over 9lb per tub, I got 9 lb in one tub but most were 6-8lb, first season growing spuds in tubs but I'm a definate convert, cheers Tony

[@simplifygardening]

More like 58 there are 5 rows and the ends were loaded too

[@CamMcB]

I have discovered larger and less quantity but greater poundage with hard buckets versus grow bags Do you have any experience in grow bags v hard buckets?

[@helenamcginty4920]

I only have a small concrete patio (I rent). So tubs are a must. I also pop some in my stepped planters back end (S Spain 😎🌞) as I allow self sown borage to grow for leaves for me and flowers for bees and wasps in Spring. So sort of 2 story growing.

[@2MinuteHockey]

new to your lovely channel, are you in Wales?@@simplifygardening

[@anglerfish61]

I grew up with a dad who was obsessed with growing his own food. Ill be honest, I thought I knew everything but seeing this makes me question that very much. This was very educational and very interesting. thank you for putting in all the work prior to this video.

[@simplifygardening]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the fact you see the work and effort gone into producing the video

[@ME-kr7sm]

Use food safe buckets, this guy don't know it all either,don't feel bad. Knowledge is power, bs knowledge will get you killed.

[@NoNORADon911]

The more you learn the more you realize how much you don't know lol

[@Zone6andGreen]

What do you do with all that soil after harvesting? Reuse for potatoes? For growing another crop? I'm concerned about possible disease. Will chopped leaves work as mulch?

[@dameanvil]

00:15 🌱 Sprouting seed potatoes before planting has benefits: protects them from frost, controls size, and prevents spindly shoots. Bright, cool, frost-free location is best. 02:07 🪴 Using 30-liter containers filled with homemade compost is an effective way to grow potatoes and avoids pest issues. 03:43 🌱 Determine the number of seed potatoes based on type (determinate or main crop) and add slow-release fertilizer. 05:50 ❄ Planting in containers before last frost allows for early season start. Can be kept in polytunnel, greenhouse, or cold frame until frost risk is gone. 06:31 🌿 Support system for the plants: Timber frame with stakes 18 inches above container tops. Prevents sprawling and ensures consistent growth. 09:13 💧 Automated watering system with emitters saves time and ensures consistent moisture. Adjust watering as plants grow. 12:37 🌱 Removing flowers redirects energy towards larger tubers, preventing scab and blight issues. 14:56 🥔 Harvesting container potatoes is easy: lift container, let soil fall out, and sift for potatoes. No need for digging. 16:03 🎉 Involving kids in harvesting can be a fun activity. 17:54 💡 Setup may seem involved, but once in place, growing potatoes in containers is a simple and low-effort process. Soil can be reused.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks

[@FyL43]

is it exactly 30L container ? @@simplifygardening thanks

[@diannaboyd7876]

@@FyL43 In an earlier video he said to use "a 30 L container which is about 8 to 10 gallons in the US." That sounded to me like there is a little bit of leeway in size. But 30 L is 7.9 gallons if you want to be really precise.

[@charlesatwell9976]

@@diannaboyd7876 1 gallon (US) = 0.8326741846 gallon (UK)

[@Boterhammetpindakaas]

I tried your method for the first time this year. And it's true, kids do love helping with harvesting the buckets!

[@simplifygardening]

That is awesome!

[@robsmalley6616]

Tony is my go-to potato soil guru. It looks so light and fluffy, the tubers come out immaculate and scabless. Top work.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Rob

[@SeanSturgeon4]

I'm disabled this will work perfectly for me, thanks so much for your time and help for people with your knowledge greatly appreciated Sir

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks glad it was of help

[@tealkerberus748]

I think I would struggle with lifting the buckets - both to move them from where I filled them to the growing set-up, and then also tipping them upside down to harvest them. I'm thinking I could do something similar with some long planks, though. Basically make a very narrow built-up bed about the width of one of those buckets on top of a built-up bed that was due for maintenance, and grow the potatoes in that. Then at harvest time, take the planks down, harvest the potatoes, and the used soil is sitting there on top of the bed that needed more soil added. I need to test the idea, but from where I'm sitting now I think it would work.

[@rebeccawoodcock7039]

Just look at that red kale….! Flipping marvellous 🎉

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

Wow. What a great harvest. Container potatoes are way faster to harvest...just no comparison to the work of in ground potatoes. Having the garden on a drip system with a timer has been a game changer for me. Loads of time saved.

[@simplifygardening]

Absolutely! It’s amazing the time it saves

[@Chunk_Kelly]

Much respect! I really appreciate you sharing all your research. It's made it easier for me to increase my production by trying your methods out. I'm mostly doing my spuds in containers now here in rainy Southeast Alaska. It's much easier to control the moisture of my compost than in ground, and harvesting is a breeze! Just over turn the container into the wheelbarrow, remove the spuds, and the growing medium is ready for transport to wherever it needs to go. 👍

[@simplifygardening]

It is such an easy and lazy way to grow

[@EnlitendPatriot]

I have used these containers for the first time this year, bought with discount thanks to Tony's recommendation. I only have some main crop ( King Edward) to harvest but I have been very happy with the results. Tony's gardening book has also been a great help with me growing a greater variety of crops this year for the first time. Tomato blight (+50% lost) and considerable bolting, being my main problems. Thanks Tony.

[@ibrstellar1080]

I used sheep's fleece as a mulch those year and seemed to reduce the slug damage And better at reflecting the hot sunshine so I might stick with it for other crops. I love the Tattie frame Tony and a massive time saver especially during dry weather. Another great video from the Potato King.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks very much for that tip a great ifea

[@ibrstellar1080]

@@simplifygardening At least you've got plenty of Sheep farms up the road and maybe offer some produce for some fleece and maybe get some manure the same time😉.

[@kogieboulton1329]

​@@ibrstellar108014:09

[@knote4958]

I had the crushed eggshell trick I was going to start implementing, yet uncharacteristically I haven't had any slug problems this year (the same can't be said for the cabbage moths on my cauliflower, but that's besides the point)

[@TheGreatestJuJu]

Great video but as an extremely lazy man I can certify this video as clickbait. This guy has never seen a lazy day in his life. 😂

[@simplifygardening]

Systems are built over time now it’s easy 😃

[@tealkerberus748]

More thinking, more planning, less muscle work. The lazy option really would be to get spuds from the supermarket - this vid should be labeled the smart way.

[@expressswim]

Thank you! I like to build things, I don't like to tend a garden every day. This is right up my alley.

[@simplifygardening]

Wonderful! Go build it and automate the whole system

[@Chiaros]

A neighbor does something similar, but he uses old car tires. When the plant sprouts to the top of the first tire, he stacks a new one on top and fills it with dirt. He does that four or five times to get huge potato plants. The individual potatoes are a bit smaller, but the total volume is huge.

[@redmackay1388]

My Dad does this with great success too.

[@simplifygardening]

Tell him to check out my growing potatoes in tires video it might make him think twice

[@simplifygardening]

Tell him to check out my growing potatoes in tires video it might make him think twice

[@keralee]

I did this with jerusalem artichokes in AZ...had to also put hardware cloth underneath or else pocket gophers would eat them all. Great yields and insanely easy to harvest.

[@tealkerberus748]

Don't tyres leach toxic chemicals when they're kept against moist garden soil and compost? I'd be reluctant to have those in a food garden.

[@harmonicresonanceproject]

I'm very excited to say I just ordered 10 of the 30L pots on here, absolutely stoked to try this method for my first proper gardening attempt this year. THANKS!

[@simplifygardening]

Fantastic! I am sure you will love it as much as I do. I will be starting soon so keep tuning in

[@Noname-cn4ly]

In the U.S. we have “growing bags” that are popular for growing potatoes in….very similar to your container, except a special cloth that help them grow well.

[@andyroberts2640]

I have only been using containers for a couple of years and have had great success following your method. I now have 30 containers thanks to the generous discount offered. Great videos Tony, thank you 👍

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent! So glad to hear your enjoying growing with this method

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔 Enough for the whole winter and a few still to plant anew in the springtime. Awesome. 😊❤

[@simplifygardening]

Yes, thanks. its how it should be

[@LukasBrandt-c2e]

This video is a game-changer for potato enthusiasts! 🌟 I love how you’ve made growing 450 lbs of potatoes so simple and accessible with containers. The tips on watering, soil reuse, and preventing blight are incredibly practical. It’s amazing to see how easy and productive container gardening can be. Thanks for sharing your expertise and making gardening more approachable for everyone! 🥔👏

[@Garden-of-weeden]

My first year of growing in tubs… great success so far thanks for the techniques ❤❤❤

[@simplifygardening]

Wonderful! Great to hear

[@GardenerScott]

You're amazing, Tony! Another great video from the master.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Scott, huge praise from a master :)

[@NaomiSims-w5g]

Your video is an answer to my prayers! I have scoured YT on how to grow potatoes for several yrs, but no one addressed how to fertilize or water them. My first attempt was a dismal failure, as I only guessed at these things.. They were all tiny & had that scab. Now I am ready to make another attempt! Thank you so much!

[@simplifygardening]

Glad it was helpful! I’m sure you will do well with this method

[@kathybaugh3823]

Thank you so much Tony. We moved from the UK to a small farm in Central Portugal earlier this year. Our first summer we grew potatoes in the ground. It was successful and very satisfying, I hadn't thought of using so many tubs - but always thought they were for small gardens with just room for one or two tubs but it looks amazing. Your timesaving tips and ingenious set up look really fantastic. I can't wait to try this next spring. We might not be self suffient in everything but if we can be self sufficient in potatoes (and maybe onions) I will be very happy. Wish us luck on our new adventure.

[@susanmcconnell6041]

Best of success prayed for you!! 😊

[@Cdngardengirl]

On your tip, we started removing potato flowers and believe it increased the size of our potatoes - we now grow many whoppers and very few small potatoes. Just like with garlic scapes, nip off those flowers asap.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah exactly this is such a basic tip that works real well

[@jeas4980]

I watched your earlier video and adapted your methods for 20 gallon grow bags.. my harvest was UNREAL! I've doubled my growbags for next season and I'm hoping to grow 400 lbs of potatoes in spring and another 400 for a fall harvest (I have over 200 days of growing season). I'm very excited about my second harvest test run this year and can't wait to share my yields with my neighbors. Thank you so much for your instructions and so thoroughly explaining why it works. It allowed me to tweak it a bit for my growing region. ❤

[@simplifygardening]

Wow thats amazing. so happy its working well for you. Keep me informed please

[@simplifygardening]

Check out this video on why I will never buy potatoes again. It will really open your eyes, then you can use this video to your benefit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmLVl2R8jdl8b9U

[@simplifygardening]

@@rob-oe4wr thank you so much that’s why I make them

[@markshaw5835]

Wow stunning crop. Your potatoes are amazing. I started using buckets 3 years ago, every year I've gotten better results, with slight changes to compost, mulch and watering buckets are the way forward

[@simplifygardening]

Great to hear! So many now growing this way

[@markshaw5835]

@@simplifygardening best way to do it. Easy to move around and harvest

[@DreamsOfGardening]

For those that want the containers... in Australia Bunnings sell ones about this size for only $10!!!

[@simplifygardening]

Perfect thanks for putting that out folks have been struggling

[@DreamsOfGardening]

​@@simplifygardeningmy pleasure!! They are my go to containers for growing fruit trees and now will be for potatoes thanks to you! Loved the video!

[@cyclingsfatsuma9808]

In NZ Mitre 10 stocks similar at same price. Warehouse do too but more expensive. Bunnings don't over here.

[@downtoearthwithjim]

Brilliant informative video Tony 🧑‍🌾 I'll always grow my potatoes in these buckets from now onwards. Never looking back! The results are just incomparable to growing in the ground 🥔

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah I agree I did experimentation covered on the channel for 3 years and had double the yield each time

[@FliesGoodbyes]

I'm saving my chicken feed bags to grow potatoes this year. Already have 5 bags going. 💪❤️

[@janetwilden883]

HI, am in Dunedin, New Zealand. You can buy these pots at Mitre 10 for $10. Thanks for all of your fabulous gardening information.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks for the info! And sharing so those can get them your side of the world

[@wildirishpirate]

Thank You for passing on your years of experience. I started growing in bags this year and simply love it.

[@simplifygardening]

such a good way. i went to containers because it reduced watering

[@2americangirl]

Love it...more like smart gardening rather than lazy gardening. Thanks much.

[@SpartanONegative]

I live on the border of Wisconsin. It rained 10 times this year. Our average temperature was a 100 degrees. It was a battle to keep my garden alive. Thanks for the great advice.

[@simplifygardening]

Sorry to hear that Its been a tough year

[@duxdawg]

I live a lil north of that border. Long cold Spring coupled with a hot, unusually dry summer made for a tough year for us all. Here's hoping for a better growing season next year!

[@tassiegirl1991]

The addition of the drip System is great Tony. Always improving your technique.

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you like it. Yeah I talk more about it in todays video so check it out

[@Janky2912]

This is quite involved actually, special containers, special potting mix, synthetic fertilizer, timing the season, special garden beds, drip irrigation , there's nothing lazy about it, lots of variables, miss one and there goes your harvest

[@shaynelowe9604]

I guess it's lazy because you no longer have to dig in the ground for harvest.

[@noahstevens3060]

This is basically the minimum amount of effort for gardening.

[@Janky2912]

Put the tater in the ground, that's it

[@denisedspain7991]

@@shaynelowe9604or worrying about them getting attacked by moles or other below ground bugs.

[@Robert-un6uu]

What about the benefits of your vegetables growing naturally in the ground with all the micro organisms doing their little jobs the way nature intended? Nothing was intended to grow in a plastic tub unless u r really limited with space.

[@YammoYammamoto]

Makes me wish I had a little back-yard. Having home-grown potatoes is such a luxury.

[@and3583]

The buckets are great, I bought 30 on your recommendation and planted spuds in them your way. Great results compared to open ground or tyres. Loads and loads of earlies and maincrop!

[@simplifygardening]

Great to hear!

[@MotosAllotmentGarden]

Great video, used your code about two years ago to get the buckets and they have worked great, thank you, i have been growing first earlys and then growing cucumbers 😊

[@HollyOak]

Growing potatoes for the first time this year. Decided to go with a combined Ruth Stout, hay topping in grow bag method. I put the seeds onto a bed of soil and then heaped up sugarcane mulch. From what I've seen the potatoes will happily grow up through that. Too late in the season for me to start a new lot now, but next year I'll be giving your way with buckets a go as well. Enjoying watching your knowledge with growing them.

[@simplifygardening]

The Ruth stout method is a good method too but find this way gives such better results

[@ebblesr]

This is not potato farming. This is potato science. Impressive.

[@simplifygardening]

Ha ha thanks

[@Alieombaba]

This is so great! A little work at the beginning for a lot of harvest and little work later on! ❤

[@simplifygardening]

It really is! And future years it’s so easy

[@RaithUK]

Another great video Toni.. great to see the new configuration of the setup.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks glad you enjoyed

[@dragonshadow3707]

Hey bud thanks for your video and thanks for your link for the tubs been looking for something like this for ages now so thanks very much and I will use your code to so they know it's from this video bud will be getting some of these in a couple of weeks

[@Phyankord]

im growing ozette potatoes in a 55 liter container this year and i cant wait to see how they turn out, but my long term plan is to grow at least 1 or 2 early crops, one main crop, and one late crop using your 8-10 liter bucket method. very fascinating work!

[@simplifygardening]

its been my experience the bigger you go the less the yield over the 30 litre

[@JeremiahReid-il6yj]

I used sheep's fleece as a mulch those year and seemed to reduce the slug damage And better at reflecting the hot sunshine so I might stick with it for other crops. I love the Tattie frame Tony and a massive time saver especially during dry weather. Another great video from the Potato King.

[@mattwoodford1820]

That's a great setup, clearly gone though numerous iterations as you continue to perfect the process! Blight has been my issue this year so look forwards to this method next year! You could apply some automation to the system using smart moisture meters that could increase/decrease the time the water is on if the water pump is smart too. Could even use smart monitoring of your water bowsers to let you know when they are getting low. This additional power requirement to automate the process could be gathered with solar to maintain off-grid

[@simplifygardening]

It all about keeping airflow and the foliage as dry as possible

[@Endorfen2011]

With over 3000 sq/ft of garden I was spending over 4 hrs daily watering. Irrigation spray/drip systems are a time saver... 4 hrs down two 30-35 min.. Great info!! Thank you for your time!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeanhelliwell8160]

Brilliant video Tony, this is how I'm going to do spuds from now on, my crop was devastated with wireworm this year.

[@simplifygardening]

It’s such a nightmare and why I first started

[@rikki-tikki-tavi2456]

Beholding the practical application of knowledge gained by experience, is a beautiful thing. Very impressed by the thought that went into you perfecting this whole potato process.

[@simplifygardening]

Ive had 13 years to get it right

[@Omegawerewolfx]

I tried potatoes for the first time this year. Testing them out. They grew fine, everything went well. Except when it was time to harvest I found every potato had been devastated by bugs or whatever. Zero harvested. I used three 5 gallon pots. I'm in south New Jersey. Going to try again next year.

[@simplifygardening]

could be potato beetle without seeing the bug it would be hard for me to advise you

[@margaretannlillard3546]

My husband and I will try your method this season. We'll be using tomato cages to keep them propped up, though.

[@simplifygardening]

Sounds great Let me know how you get on

[@Michael_19056]

Tony, what do you estimate your yield per bucket to be on average? Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos. It is much appreciated.

[@simplifygardening]

between 13 and 15 lbs

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

​@@simplifygardening That would really be awesome, I never got more than a few myself. But always learning how to do it better.😊❤

[@lindafrost9330]

Wow! Thank you. the wood framing system will be a lifesaver here in windy Alpine County California! I've never been able to figure out how to keep things alive that need staking! Yay, you! Th!e whole video is wonderful.

[@simplifygardening]

Good luck!

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

My father built a wooden storage building in the back yard for storing garden tools, the lawnmower, etc. It was about 10 x 10. On each side, he built wooden shelves about 2 feet deep all the way down each side. Then he nailed boards along the edges to make a lip. When he harvested potatoes, he'd let them lay in the yard in the sun until completely dry. Then he'd put them on the shelves in the building, keeping them in a single layer. If there was going to be a hard freeze during the winter, he'd run an extension cord to the building with a shop light. That was just enough heat to keep the potatoes from freezing. We'd have potatoes all winter and into the spring. He would pick out seed potatoes from the ones left. As far as planting, if a seed potato had more than one eye sprouting, he would cut the potato into pieces with an eye on each piece. This made the seed potatoes go further, and we always had plenty of potatoes. We almost never bought any at the grocery store.

[@jasonmann5019]

Hello Tony, your videos have been a tremendous help with my garden. I watched your comment on Gardener Scott's channel and that was a great gesture on your part. Wonderful to see. Best wishes to you. Jason from Melbourne Australia.

[@simplifygardening]

Hey Jason. Thanks for your kind Comment. Scott is a great gardener

[@ryanfitzalan8634]

Its such an amazing system, you've really put thought, time and the scientific method into this development and it shows great results. I think this system would be ideal for more people if our society were more agrarian based, and more people lived dependent on their gardens. I think for myself, the main take away is the trellis system. If i could build some 6 X 6 wood trellis frames that could store in the north eastern American winter, they could be moved and applied to which ever rotating section of 25 X 60 garden area i was using for potatoes. they also could be utilitarian for other crops. If the bean sections used them, a mesh cloth could lay over top for the plants to grow through and along. If they were made out of PVC, they could even have height raising or lowering. I know i need to build large trellis anyway for my tomatoes, they all out grew and fell over, lost most to touching ground and pests. I have serious pest problem son this side of the Pond Tony. we've got Squirrels, Woodchucks, rabbits, insects. I killed 20 squirrels this year, still not enough to stop crop damage and i live in a city. The woodchuck is my Arche nemesis, didn't get to harvest any cabbage family, ate it all. cant seem to trap it because it wont take the bait. If i lived outside a city, Id have deer as well. I'm not sure these are problems over on the Island.

[@simplifygardening]

Trellis is ideal for tons of vegetables

[@goatkidmom]

We use a cut apple as bait. It usually takes them a week or so to decide to go into the trap.

[@garthwunsch]

I grow my brassicas in a "brassica barn". It's a discarded Shelter Logic frame cut down to fit my brassica bed (the gable roof style is easiest to cut down - I found it by putting out a request on facebook). It is covered with reusable commercial insect netting from Dubois Agrinovation in Quebec. I had a company sew two large pieces together and now all I have to do is drape it over the frame in spring and weight the edges down with 2x4's and bricks. This keeps the uninvited dinner guests out... and the the cabbage moths too!!! All I have to contend with is the slugs, and I do that with a 10% solution of household ammonia (it's also a source of nitrogen).

[@lpmoron6258]

I feel for you in the ground hog. I have two I can't catch. And deer which I call glorified goats. Squirrels and goers and rabbits and I live in a small town in close proximity to a school.

[@persiancat19]

Thank you and just ordered the pots , great deal ..

[@russellcrawford4809]

Yrs ago my garden rows were 300 ft long ( 100 yards ) I always planted 6 rows of potatoes. Harvest time we had an assembly line going. I would start Turing them over with a pitch fork , my wife would grab the vines and shake out the potatoes and throw vines into a pile. My 2 oldest kids would pick up potatoes and put them into a garden trailer while my youngest would gather all the vines and haull away. We would work at it till they all were dug. We cured them a few days so the skins would toughen up , fill up my truck bed with a load , drive out to the highway and usually within an hour or two I could sell an entire truck load. BUT , if you ask any of my kids today whom are all in their 30s if they want to dig potatoes, they'll tell you quickly THE ONLY POTATOES THEY'RE DIGGING IS OUT OF THE BIN AT THE GROCERY STORE 😂

[@atouchofclass7388]

😂

[@tealkerberus748]

You needed to be keeping those potatoes to eat, and every time you ate potatoes with your dinner, talking about how you all grew and harvested them together. Same for whatever else you were growing - you don't get value for home grown vegetables by selling them. My kids love gardening!

[@chrisrobinson1062]

Never seen your stuff before, the way you said potatoes, I KNEW you knew what you were doing. Not disappointed.

[@vanessawilkinson9855]

Great setup Tony. This was my 2nd year in the 30l pots, better than last year but still not great. A mix of either lots of small potatoes or the lower portion of the container had rotted, that was frustrating as a decent size. Can you offer any tips on where I might be going wrong? The rotting I wondered if it was because I had to move the tubs & the only spot free was on some plastic so could have pooled water underneath? I’m not sure if I’m planting them deep enough either as seem to have a lot of ‘empty compost’…….lastly can I reuse this for next season & add nutrients such as BFB / potato fertiliser or manure? Thanks again

[@simplifygardening]

Check the moisture of the pots dont over or under water thats the key

[@amypendragon5129]

Hello from Australia. Thank you so much for sharing this method ❤. I tried it and harvested one container today and got 2.6kg of beautiful potatoes 🎉. I have another barrel that I planted a month later with a different variety which isn't quite ready yet. I will be using your method again next spring and try other varieties too.

[@piotrjasielski]

This is not the laziest way. Hay method is. You literally throw potatoes to the ground and cover them with hay. Then at harvest, you don't dig, they lay on the ground.

[@fmpentertainmentmedley3338]

Wow! Id like to see a video on that!

[@NateFord]

I did it last year. Lots of green growth but otherwise very poor yield. Still, it was bare ground and over the past year of straw and such composting, it turned it into a half-decent bed.

[@cathysteele924]

But you’re still left with all the time spent watering them this way. This guy’s set up seems superior to me. You also have fewer green potatoes growing in a bucket than growing under hay.

[@piotrjasielski]

@@cathysteele924 Not really. Hay keeps the moisture inside. You'll only need to water after longer droughts. I didn't say it's the best method, just the laziest one.

[@tommysullivan2911]

I did it for years in hay....hay kept the ground wet enuff no water was needed, but after a few years I started having bad slug problems.....this year I'm putting them just under the ground an cover with wood chips... hopefully it will deter the slugs

[@HumanoidTyphoon713]

your whole hand is green. incredible wealth of knowledge that must have taken years to grow. thank you for this video.

[@simplifygardening]

So nice of you

[@leehoeppner1199]

Hi Tony, I have followed your approach for several years now but whilst I get lovely green growth and flowers I get very few (and sometimes no) potatoes. This year I experimented with my own compost vs store bought and even did a 50/50 mix with a couple of handfuls of potato fertiliser and all harvests were poor. Any advice please? Thanks Lee

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Lee. I’m sorry to hear that. What fees are you using? How wet does the soil get

[@leehoeppner1199]

@@simplifygardening hi Tony, Vitax potato fertiliser at planting and some homemade comfrey liquid feed a few times during the season. I do the finger water test and generally the soil is moist but admittedly I struggled to keep up with the watering when we had four to six weeks without rain here in Cardiff earlier on in the summer.

[@smas3256]

Did you say follow up video on storage? That's a great idea. Great system you have for saving water and watering your potato plants. The bucket framing is something you developed? Thank you for sharing. Really nice and packed info/explanations to why this and that. Buckets were packed with beautiful potatoes.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes I did that will be coming next. Yes I developed the framing

[@theurzamachine]

I put 10 seed potatoes into a 5gallon bucket this year and grew 11.6 lbs of potatoes! The yield per plant is actually average to low but the fact that I could get such a yield in such a small volume of soil was just amazing. I'm definitely sticking to bucket growing for the future. It's easier to set up, easier to harvest, requires less water and the cost of materials (bucket, soil, fertilizer) is returned after a single crop. I still have 1 more bucket with the same set up and a 16 gallon recycling bin with 30 seed pieces. PS: That 11.6lbs involved plants that weren't even dead yet so theoretically, it could have been higher.

[@simplifygardening]

yeah I have found 8 gllaon to 2 seed to be the best soil to seed ratio for yield

[@theurzamachine]

@@simplifygardening Is that for any variety or do you have a different ratio for different varieties?

[@Wildwwill]

Provided you have a full growing season and several sprouts per seed, you will get the same yield from 2 seed potatoes in a bucket.

[@theurzamachine]

@@Wildwwill I actually had one bucket with only 2 seed potatoes and with the same fertilizer, it only yielded 6.4 pounds. I think there is a limit to each plant.

[@Wildwwill]

@theurzamachine Perhaps 4 seeds would reach the 11-12lb mark? My red potatoes don't produce like my yukon golds. The yukons seem to produce quite well but can run on the small side if crowded. I had a mix of volunteers (mostly yukons) that I let grow. Out of 5 or 6 plants I ended up with 44 lbs, but they had lots of space and an early start. One plant out of the volunteers with a single chute only grew one potatoe. Lol

[@lynnelliot7256]

I've grown in buckets for years, when I've had to shift, I can take them with me. Thanks for all the tips, always learning🌻

[@andybaldman]

This is far from the laziest way possible.

[@BarbiiDahl]

Agreed 💯

[@slowdownfox]

Hi Tony, for viewers in Canada, Dubois Agrinovation in Quebec sells the 10 Gallon (38L) pots almost identical to yours, they ship fast, excellent company for Canadian growers. I got my set shipped to Ontario, I'm ready for spring potato growing!

[@christinewarnaar-bates3494]

Wow they are expensive by comparison…more than 2 1/2 X the price (excluding taxes and shipping)!

[@adiladil78]

Excellent video, but clickbait of the extreme kind: There is nothing lazy about this system. Tons and tons of work, just like any other way of growing potatoes (or any other plant, for that matter).

[@Alexmode_90]

Hello Tony! What was the effective area of ​​land where the potatoes were planted?

[@bs4638]

For those in the US, Lowe's has "Project Source 42L/11G Flexi Tubs" for $8 (light and a bit flimsy) or larger and sturdier "Project Source 76L/20G Rope Handle Tub" for $11. Muck buckets are $30 (60L)

[@Qwiv]

That’s a great idea on the frame. I’ll steal that someone for my location. I use grow bags here in the US. Not had an issue with them, but no yield comparison either. The nice thing about them is you can sneak in some of your native soil as drainage is increased.

[@angietaylor5311]

You’ve won me over to container spud growing Tony. Have learned a few more tricks from this video so thank you for helping us be successful 🌟

[@simplifygardening]

Great to hear! Good luck this season

[@miriamgibilisco9862]

My first year doing container potatoes. Thank you for the information and excellent explanation. I have the courage to do it and the hope it's going to be a success!

[@longhuynh5249]

You made it look so easy and fun, excellent video.

[@Randallsixx13]

Thanks!

[@simplifygardening]

Welcome! thanks for the support

[@jeffreyimperial4891]

I saw what you did to your potatoes very consistent idea and clever in planting and I believe in you

[@Michael_Wills]

Loved your explanation of the role of mulch on the surface of the growing medium.

[@simplifygardening]

Cheers Michael

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Simplify.

[@Acto22]

The way potato prices are rising anyone with a bit of land can plant potatos and have it FREE all yr. Is a crop very easy to plant and reproduces a plenty .1 Patato can give you 60 patatos +-...but of course you need to cut it in 4 parts...and plant it with the eye upwards.

[@kryptoniteKJ]

I like how you explain why you do everything, great video!

[@simplifygardening]

I appreciate that!

[@DanlowMusic]

I use the 5 gallon buckets. They work well. Pop 5 or 6 3/4 inch holes on the bottom for drainage. They work well.

[@altha-rf1et]

one of my first project on the 24th, we sold our house in Tampa moving back to the farm going to use this method of potatoes and other veggies as well.

[@iConformist]

Great stuff! Thank you for sharing!

[@matthewmaceda5042]

I'm in the US, I'm using those polyurethane storage totes they are about 50L but work to the same effect =) for those out side of the UK

[@rebeccalarason306]

Thank you for all the information. It will be wonderful to know what to do next year. I am very excited to get started.

[@cstephen98]

Store them in the root celler or dig a hole deep enough to be under the frost layer, lined/filled with straw (as a vaguely recall)

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah this is like the old fashioned clamps

[@dankadesign7462]

I understand that there is potato that goes and grow up producing new potato up(you need to add soil over time) and one who going down deep roots producing potato deep in to the soil...Thank you for video a lots of helpful info.

[@simplifygardening]

when growing in containers it makes no difference what potatoes you use. check out todays video

[@CSCrimson]

A dime of planning saves a dollar later. This is a very efficient and lazy way. Once you are past the initial set up process this system essentially does everything for you with minimal checking. This os fantastic. Cant wait to try this.

[@x1plus1x]

I just came across this channel. This is the first video that I have seen, and it's obvious that he knows his stuff. Subbed.

[@Sigma00000]

This is the most useful video I've ever seen for growing potatoes!

[@simplifygardening]

Wow, thanks! Glad it was of interest to you

[@RevoltRhiannon]

I'm allergic to so many foods so growing food is important to me and I love any gardening videos

[@WiseWisper]

starting my garden this year UK and learning a lot from videos like this, as our government going crazy self sustainability is the key Love the system Amazing work

[@winniejack2492]

That’s way beyond where I am but thanks for sharing the kids. I have grands and I look forward to digging up potatoes. 😊

[@Tambisme]

God bless you for your helpful videos !

[@simplifygardening]

Glad you like them!

[@Nick-oz3ni]

At the farm I've worked at and at my homestead. We keep the light off of ours. Cover them with a tarp and run an industrial fan to dry them. Then bags and cool dry place. Doesn't it make yours green when the light hits them? We definitely get more green spots when exposed to light. I am in Maine. Possibly works different in your climate? Haven't been doing this as long as you, but have grown many varieties and had some decent harvests over the last 20 years. Probably around 15000 pounds each season. Wish we could just dry them in the field. We dry the onions that way for a bit most seasons!

[@simplifygardening]

no green as they are only in the light to dry and once they have done that its off to storage

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I like it. I really like the consistency with planting and the wood frame holding the veg in place. Being able to get into each individual plant and give them individual attention is something i have always struggled with in ground planting. I may try a few rows like this.