Did you know how to grow grow potatoes in tires, or even that it’s possible? This is a great way to grow a good amount of potatoes without a lot of land to plant them.
You use the tires to make a stacked garden bed. Growing potatoes in tires allows for easy harvesting and helps prevent soil erosion.
And because each tire in the stack is growing some potatoes, you’re gardening vertically, which is a great space saver.
Choosing the Right Tires for Your Potato Garden
When it comes to growing potatoes in tires, you need to choose the right tires to make sure your plants have enough space to grow and thrive.
- Choose tires that are at least 15 inches in diameter and 20 inches in height to give your potatoes enough depth to grow.
- Make sure the tires are clean (scrub with soap and hose them down with water) of any chemicals or contaminants that could harm your potato plants.
- Choose tires that are made of a durable material, such as rubber, that can withstand weathering and won’t break down easily.
This is not only a good way to grow potatoes, but also a good way to use tires that would otherwise just sit in the junk yard.
Is it Safe to Grow Potatoes in Tires?
Let’s tackle this question right up front. Some gardeners will tell you they’ve grown potatoes this way, eaten the potatoes, and they’re just fine. But safety concerns have been raised.
The primary concern is that as tires age and are exposed to the sun and elements, they could degrade and leach potentially harmful chemicals into the soil. Tires contain various heavy metals and other compounds that are not suitable for plants or human consumption.
But is this what happens? McGill University in Montreal says this:
To what extent does this happen? There seem to be no studies that have analyzed vegetables grown in tire gardens for potential toxins emanating from the tires. So, all we can do is make an educated guess… given that the growing time for vegetables is relatively short, and leaching from tires is slow, and that these vegetables are not likely to become a major contributor to the overall diet, any risk would appear to be low.
You have to make your own judgment on this. If you want to be safer, consider using stacked wooden crates or boxes, fabric pots, commercial potato grow bags, or even DIY options such as buckets and barrels.
But I would point out that soil itself can be contaminated, and so can nearly anything you might use. For example, if you use reclaimed wood to make planters, you’ll need to make sure it isn’t treated with harmful chemicals.
Bottom line: there is a potential risk to growing potatoes in old tires, probably small, and probably no more so than with other reclaimed materials. But there is still some risk.
Step by Step Guide to Growing Potatoes in Old Tires
Building a potato tire tower is an innovative and efficient way to grow potatoes, especially if you’re limited on space. Here’s how you do it:
Choose the right spot: Potatoes need full sunlight (6-8 hours per day) and well-draining soil. The location also needs to be flat.
Prepare the Soil: Break up the top 6 inches of soil in your chosen area to allow for better drainage.
Set Up Your Tire: Place one tire on top of the prepared soil. This will serve as your base.
Fill the Tire: Fill the tire halfway with high-quality garden soil or compost.
Prepare Your Seed Potatoes: Cut your seed potato into several pieces making sure each piece has at least one sprout or “eye”. Let these pieces dry for two days in a warm area before planting them; this helps prevent rotting.
Planting Time: Once dried, plant your seed potatoes about 6 inches apart and about 2-3 inches deep in the soil within the tire, with sprouts/eyes pointing upwards.
Watering & Care: Water regularly but ensure that water doesn’t pool inside, as it can cause rotting of potatoes.
Stack More Tires: As green shoots appear and grow in the first tire, stack another tire on top and fill it with more garden soil leaving just the tops of the plants visible. This process is known as “earthing up” and encourages more potatoes to grow along stems buried by new layers of soil.
Repeating Process: Continue stacking tires and adding soil as plants grow throughout spring and summer until tower reaches desired height (usually no more than 4-5 tires high).
Harvest Time: Harvest comes in late autumn when leaves start yellowing and die off – gently dig around in soil from top tire down to find your potatoes!
Selecting the Right Soil for Your Potato Crop
Choosing the right soil for your potato crop is essential to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Here are some tips for selecting the best soil:
Loose and Well-Draining
Potatoes require loose, well-draining soil to thrive. Compacted soil can stunt growth and lead to poor yields. The soil should be crumbly and break apart easily when squeezed. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Nutrient-Rich
Potatoes require a good supply of nutrients to grow well. The ideal soil for potatoes is rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. You can also add bone meal or blood meal to provide additional nutrients.
Potatoes prefer soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 5.0-6.0. You can test your soil pH using a soil test kit or by sending a sample to a testing lab. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur. If it’s too acidic, you can raise the pH by adding lime.
By choosing the right soil for your potato crop, you can ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Make sure to prepare your soil before planting and add organic matter as needed throughout the growing season.
Planting Your Seed Potatoes
Before planting your seed potatoes, cut them into pieces, making sure each piece has at least one eye. This will allow them to sprout and grow into new potato plants.
When planting, space your seed potatoes about half a foot apart and cover them with a few inches of soil. As the potato plants grow, add additional soil and compost around the stems to encourage more tuber growth.
It’s important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while the potatoes are growing. You can water them deeply and regularly with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
After a few weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts emerging from the soil. Keep adding soil and compost around the stems to ensure the growing potatoes don’t become exposed to sunlight, which can cause them to turn green and become inedible.
Proper Watering Techniques for Your Potato Garden
Watering your potato garden is crucial to the growth and health of your plants. Here are some proper watering techniques to follow:
- Water your potato plants deeply and regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of disease and pest problems.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to ensure even watering and prevent soil erosion.
- Water your plants in the morning to allow them time to dry off before nightfall, as wet plants are more susceptible to disease.
- If you’re not sure whether your plants need more water, stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
By following these watering techniques, you’ll help your potato plants grow strong and healthy, leading to a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizing Your Potato Crop for Optimal Yield
Fertilizing your potato crop can help ensure a bountiful harvest at the end of the season. Here are some tips for fertilizing your potatoes:
- Choose a balanced fertilizer blend, such as a 10-10-10 or 16-16-16.
- Apply the fertilizer to the soil around your potato plants when they are about 6 inches tall.
- Repeat the application every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and lower yields.
- Water your potato plants immediately after fertilizing to ensure the nutrients are absorbed properly.
With proper fertilization, you can help your potato plants grow strong and healthy, producing a bumper crop of delicious spuds.
Dealing with Common Potato Pests and Diseases
Unfortunately, potatoes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can greatly reduce your crop yield. Here are some common issues to watch out for and tips on how to deal with them:
Colorado Potato Beetles
The Colorado potato beetle is a common pest that can quickly strip your potatoes of their leaves, leaving them weak and vulnerable to disease. To control these pests:
- Handpick and remove beetles and larvae from plants as soon as you spot them.
- Apply organic insecticides, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth, to plants to deter beetles.
- Cover plants with row covers to prevent beetles from laying eggs on them.
Wireworms
Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and can burrow into potato tubers, causing them to become misshapen and unappetizing. To prevent wireworm damage:
- Plant potatoes in soil that has been fallow for at least a year, as wireworm populations tend to build up in long-term croplands.
- Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil before planting to target wireworms.
- Use yellow sticky traps to attract and catch adult click beetles.
Fungal Diseases
Potatoes are also vulnerable to a number of fungal diseases that can cause wilting, yellowing, and rotting of leaves and tubers. To prevent fungal infections:
- Plant disease-resistant potato varieties.
- Practice crop rotation, avoiding planting potatoes in the same location for more than two years in a row.
- Use a copper-based fungicide, such as Bordeaux mixture, to prevent and control fungal infections.
By staying vigilant and taking the appropriate measures to prevent and manage common potato pests and diseases, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown potatoes.
Harvesting and Storing Your Potato Crop
Harvest your potatoes once the plants have died back and the leaves begin to turn yellow. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall, depending on when you planted them.
To harvest, gently dig around the roots with a garden fork to avoid damaging the potatoes. Be careful not to puncture or bruise the tubers, as this can cause them to spoil.
Once you have harvested your potatoes, brush off any excess soil and allow them to dry in a cool, dry, dark place for a few days. This will help them cure and develop a tougher skin that will protect them during storage.
Store your potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a basement or root cellar. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause them to rot. Instead, use a breathable container, such as a paper bag or mesh basket.
Check your stored potatoes regularly for any signs of spoilage or sprouting. Remove any potatoes that show signs of decay or have sprouted, as these can spread to the rest of your crop.
Creative Recipes to Enjoy Your Homegrown Potatoes
After all your hard work growing your own potatoes, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are a few creative recipes to try:
1. Homemade Potato Chips
Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline, then fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Season with salt and enjoy!
2. Potato Pancakes
Grate potatoes and mix with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then fry until crispy. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.
3. Roasted Potatoes
Cut potatoes into wedges or chunks and toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs. Roast in the oven until tender and crispy.
4. Classic Potato Salad
Cook potatoes until tender, then mix with mayonnaise, diced onions, celery, and pickles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bake potatoes until tender, then top with butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. Serve as a meal or a side dish.
A Cool New Method of Growing Potatoes
Growing potatoes in tires is a great option for those with limited garden space or poor soil conditions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a productive potato garden that will yield a good size crop for the space it takes up.
Remember to choose the right tires, prepare your soil properly, water and fertilize your plants adequately, and watch for any signs of pests or disease. With some care and attention, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown potatoes in no time!
