Soil requirements
- Loose mix without rocks. Heavy clay in a closed bed makes odd tubers and rot.
- Do not plant in a bed that had potatoes or tomatoes last year if blight or scab was a problem.
Watering
- Uneven water causes hollow heart and scab pressure. Mulch after hilling.
Sunlight
Full sun. They will shade neighboring lettuce — plan the layout.
Planting
- Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one eye. Let cuts dry a day if you want less rot.
- Hill soil or add mix when plants are 6–8 inches tall so tubers stay covered and ungreened.
Spacing
- 10–12 inches. A 4×8 bed can hold a lot — or a reasonable 8–12 plants if you want other crops too.
Common problems
Colorado potato beetle
Strip adults and larvae by hand early. They can defoliate a small bed fast.
Greening
Tubers saw light. Hill higher next time; do not eat green parts.
Helpful tools
- A fork for harvest — not a spade through the bed
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow potatoes in a 6-inch bed?
You will get a small crop at best. Twelve inches of loose mix is the practical minimum.