A different way to grow potatoes

I have done a lot of research on how to grow potatoes.  After conducting my research I decided to grow potatoes in a barrel.  I found that this is a great method in urban areas where people just don't have a lot of space for root plants.  So why not step out of the box and try something different.  Well last year I tried but the fire ants had other palms for me and my potatoes were destroyed.

Well this year, I am trying it again.  So I am planting Yukon Gold and Red Potatoes.  The supplies needed are two 32 gallon trash cans (or you can use any type of barrel), peat moss, top soil, bricks or anything to get the barrel off the ground, and of course the seed potatoes.  Potatoes like acidic soil so it is important to mix the top soil with the peat moss and I have done a two parts peat moss to one part top soil mixture.

So this how I prepared for my new gardening adventure.  I found a level spot that got plenty of sun light during the day.  Then I drilled 1/4" holes in the bottom and parts of the lower sides to give the barrel adequate drainage.  I then placed the bricks on the ground and placed the barrel on top.  I added 4" of peat moss/soil mixture evenly across the bottom of the barrel.  Then I placed my seed potatoes in the mixture to where the eyes pointed up towards the sky. 

Now after the potatoes start growing their vines, I will place more of the soil mixture in to the bottom of the leaves.  And I will continue to do so until the growth reaches the top of the barrel.  According to all of my research, this method should produce up to 32 pounds of potatoes.  Now I do use fertilizer; however, I choose to use fish fertilizer since it is organic. And I fertilize once every month.  

You will know it is time to harvest when the leaves on the vines start turning brown and falling off.  I hope this helps everyone learn how to garden by using less space and thinking outside of the box.  Happy Gardening.