Would you like to try your hand at growing potatoes, but only have limited space in the garden? No problem! Our instructions show you how to grow potatoes in a space-saving raised bed.

In a nutshell

  • Raised beds are excellent for growing potatoes
  • make back-friendly work possible
  • perfect for creating the required soil quality in a small area
  • Pre-germination of potatoes recommended
  • Care in the raised bed differs little from that of the "normal" vegetable bed

Grow potatoes in raised beds

With these step-by-step instructions, growing potatoes in a raised bed becomes child's play.

tip: It doesn't always have to be the standard raised bed. Whether it's a cost-effective variant made of wooden frame, a solid aluminum construction or a design product made of weathered rusty steel, the selection of modern raised beds is huge.

1. Pregermination

While pre-germinating the seed potatoes is not essential, it will make the start easier and shorten the time to harvest. Pre-germinated potatoes develop better and are more resistant to diseases and pests.

Let the potatoes germinate in the egg carton

Let them Pre-germinate seed potatoes four to six weeks before sowing. Put some finely sieved compost mixed with sand in an egg wrapper. Place the bulbs in the wells with the side with the most eyes facing up. Place the rest of the potting mix between the tubers.

Put the boxes in one bright, frost-free room. One Room temperature of 15 degrees Celsius is excellent for propulsion.

Notice: As an alternative to the commercially available seed potatoes, you can use organic potatoes. In contrast to ordinary table potatoes, these are not treated with a germination stop.

2. Plants

Plant the well-germinated potatoes in April or May in the top layer of soil in the raised bed.

  • Seed length at planting time: about three to four centimetres
  • Dig 15 cm deep holes in the bed surface
  • Distance 20 to 25 centimeters
  • Insert tubers into holes one at a time with germ up
  • optimal distance to the edge of the raised bed 10 to 15 centimeters
  • Finally cover the tubers with crumbly vegetable or compost soil
12 to 13 bulbs are sufficient for an average raised bed.

Tip: Do you know the old farmer's saying: "Send me in April, I'll come if I want to." Lay me in May, I'll come right away… "?

3. Maintain

Potatoes are among the plants that have a high need for sun, nutrients and water. This is the only way large, tasty tubers can form. It is best to water the raised bed with the potatoes in the early morning hours. Remove the weeds regularly and loosen the soil from time to time.

Notice: Additional fertilization during the growth phase is not required.

4. Pile up

Potato plants should also be piled up regularly in raised bed culture. When the first green leaves appear after four to five weeks, cover the plants completely with soil again. Repeat the mounding every two weeks. In this way, new roots are created, so that many tubers can form. When the top edge of the raised bed is reached, allow the plants to grow. In this way, many tasty tubers can develop in the 40 centimeter thick layer.

The right technique is important when piling up the potatoes.

Notice: Simply add the raised bed soil to the compost. Together with other materials, it becomes new humus again. You can also use the filling as an intermediate layer when building the next raised bed.

5. Harvest

Depending on the variety, the potato harvest takes place between July and September. When the leaves begin to wilt, it's time to harvest. Leave the tubers in the ground for a further two weeks after the foliage has died off.

Very carefully dig out the tubers of the potatoes from the raised bed. Use your hands or blunt shovels. Sharp tools can damage the tasty tubers.

Notice: The crop yield of potatoes is about nine to twelve times as high as the initial amount.

6. Storage

Potatoes will keep for several months if protected from light and moisture. Remove coarse dirt from the freshly harvested tubers. Choose a dark, cool spot in the basement. The ideal storage temperature is 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. Stack the potatoes in an airy wooden box. Alternatively, you can use jute bags or linen bags. If potatoes do start to sprout, you should eat them quickly.

Darkness and cold ensure good storage of the potatoes.

Notice: Don't store potatoes near apples. The ethylene given off by apples causes the corms to spoil faster.

Benefits of growing potatoes in raised beds

  • Opportunity to create perfect growing conditions in a small area
  • Defense against voles and pests
  • Brushwood protects against waterlogging
  • slow-rotting compost provides a steady supply of nutrients
  • back-friendly work possible

Tip: To protect against voles, you should lay out a close-meshed wire mesh on the floor before filling.

frequently asked Questions

How should a potato raised bed be aligned?

Align your bed in a north-south direction. Sun exposure is optimal. Potatoes need a lot of sun to be able to form tasty large tubers.

Which plants are suitable for mixed cultivation with potatoes in raised beds?

Excellent plant neighbors are caraway, coriander, garlic, nasturtium. Just plant them between the potatoes.

Can you build a raised bed yourself?

With a little manual skill, you can build your own potato raised bed in just a few steps from old wooden pallets. To do this, tie four pallets together with wire to form a square. Only make the raised bed large enough that you can work on all areas easily.

How do I fill a raised bed correctly?

The raised bed is filled in different layers. First a layer of small branches, twigs and pieces of bark for good ventilation and against waterlogging. After that comes shredded wood. Then pour over coarse, half-rotted compost and mix in leaves. This ensures the supply of nutrients. After a layer of fine compost, a thick layer of sifted compost (or vegetable soil from specialist shops) forms the conclusion. The layer of earth ends at least forty centimeters below the top edge of the frame.

Category:

Vegetable garden