How to Grow Potato Plants From Buds

Even if you are new to gardening, or only have a small backyard, you can attempt to grow a crop of potatoes. Potatoes grow well in a large container, such as a metal garbage can or large wooden crate. The container makes "hilling," or piling soil around the growing potatoes, easier, as the soil won't fall away from the plant. For best results, you should use potato buds from a seed company that are guaranteed to be free of viruses and bugs. You can try to use a cut-up potato from the supermarket, but it may not sprout and may have viruses or other problems.

Large metal garbage can, plastic storage bin or wooden crate, at least 18 inches high

Drill and drill bit

Container soil

Spade or other digging tool

Garden gloves

Knife and cutting board

Seed potato

Turn the garbage can or plastic storage bin upside down. Drill a number of holes on the bottom of the can about 2 inches apart as well as a several holes on the sides of the can, up to 6 inches from the bottom. You don't need to drill holes if you are using a wooden crate.

Turn the container right side up. Fill the container about halfway with potting soil. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands and use a spade or shovel to help distribute the soil.

Cut the seed potatoes into small 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces right before planting them. Each piece should have at least one eye, or bud, on it.

Place one or two potato buds in the container on top of the potting mix. Space them so they are about 10 inches apart. You can plant a third potato bud if there is room. Cover the potatoes with a few inches of potting mix. Water the potatoes so that the soil is moist, but not soaking wet.

Add potting soil to the container to cover and build a small hill around the plants as they grow. Continue to add soil until the plants reach the top of the container. Since container mix usually has fertilizer, you won't need to worry about fertilizing during the growing process, though you can mix equal parts of potting mix and compost and use that to hill the potatoes.

Water the soil in the container so it is moist at all times. Don't overwater the potatoes, though. If you notice pools of water under the container or on the top of the soil, cut back on your watering.

Harvest the potatoes after the vines have died back, usually toward the end of summer. Use a spade to dig up the potatoes from the dirt.

Plant the potatoes two weeks before the last frost date in your area.

Stop watering the potatoes when you notice the vines beginning to dry out and wither.