I planted potatoes in large tubs last year, and my biggest problem was
watering(over or under). What is the best way to know when and how much
water to use ? Do I need drainage holes up the sides of the tubs ? Can I get
a device to measure water content ? Should I use water retaining gel or
crystals ? and as I will be growing in compost what fertiliser will give the
best results? Sorry there are so many questions but I am a keen beginner.

The message
from "hillier" contains these words:

I planted potatoes in large tubs last year, and my biggest problem was
watering(over or under). What is the best way to know when and how much
water to use ? Do I need drainage holes up the sides of the tubs ? Can I get
a device to measure water content ? Should I use water retaining gel or
crystals ? and as I will be growing in compost what fertiliser will give the
best results? Sorry there are so many questions but I am a keen beginner.

Drainage holes in the bottom should suffice. I use a general purpose
compost or spent mushroom compost, and water until it trickles out of
the bottom of the tub. I give them Tomorite and a stinking tisane of
steeped weeds.

--
Rusty
Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar.
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/

How often do you water? I watered mine a couple times a week and dug a lot
of small (about 1/2 the size of normal ones) potatoes. My aunt told me that
when she was a kid, they would plant the potatoes, pull weeds, and never
water them. This is in a place that doesn't receive over 2 or 3 inches of
rain all summer. She said that they always dug a bumper crop.

Dwayne


"Jaques d'Alltrades" wrote in message
...
The message
from "hillier" contains these words:

I planted potatoes in large tubs last year, and my biggest problem was
watering(over or under). What is the best way to know when and how much
water to use ? Do I need drainage holes up the sides of the tubs ? Can I
get
a device to measure water content ? Should I use water retaining gel or
crystals ? and as I will be growing in compost what fertiliser will give
the
best results? Sorry there are so many questions but I am a keen
beginner.

Drainage holes in the bottom should suffice. I use a general purpose
compost or spent mushroom compost, and water until it trickles out of
the bottom of the tub. I give them Tomorite and a stinking tisane of
steeped weeds.

--
Rusty
Open the creaking gate to make a horrid.squeak, then lower the foobar.
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/hi-fi/