Place the tower in a sunny location with well-draining soil near a water source. Use stakes or rebar to anchor it firmly to the ground, preventing it from tipping over.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
If you like fresh potatoes right out of the garden, but hate the backbreaking work of planting and digging, you might want to consider constructing a potato tower. A potato tower is an innovative method that maximizes yield in limited space and saves you all of the back-breaking work. This vertical gardening technique is particularly beneficial for those with limited garden areas, allowing for a substantial harvest without requiring extensive ground space. Potatoes grow best when planted between Feb 15 – March 31 in our area.
Materials Needed and Approximate Costs
To build a potato tower, you’ll need the following materials:
• Wire Mesh or Fencing Material: A roll of wire mesh, approximately 4 feet in height and 10 feet in length, to form the tower’s structure.
• Straw or Mulch: Used to line the interior of the tower, retaining soil and moisture.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil is essential for healthy potato growth. Depending on the tower’s size, you may need 2-3 cubic feet of soil.
• Seed Potatoes: Certified disease-free seed potatoes are recommended.
• Stakes, t-posts, or Rebar: To secure the tower in place, ensuring stability.
Construction Steps
1. Form the Tower Structure: Shape the wire mesh into a cylindrical form with a diameter of about 2-3 feet, creating a vertical tower. Secure the ends together to maintain the shape.
2. Position and Secure: Place the tower in a sunny location with well-draining soil near a water source. Use stakes or rebar to anchor it firmly to the ground, preventing it from tipping over.
3. Build the tower: Layer the tower with 4-6 inches of straw, 4-6 inches of soil, then place the seed potatoes about every 5 to 6 inches along the outside edge of the tower and water-in. Add another 4-6 inches of soil to cover the potatoes, and repeat the process beginning with straw.
Recommended Potato Varieties for North Carolina
Selecting the right potato variety is crucial for a successful harvest. In Sampson and surrounding counties, the following varieties are well-suited for home gardens:
• Red Pontiac: A high-yielding late season potato with red skin and white flesh
• Yukon Gold: A medium-yielding early main season potato with creamy, gold flesh.
• Kennebec: A versatile white potato suitable for baking, frying, and boiling.
• Superior: An early-maturing white potato with good disease resistance, excellent for boiling and mashing.
Maintenance Tips
• Watering: Consistent moisture is vital. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The tower’s design promotes effective drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.
• Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, into the soil at planting. Reapply lightly midway through the growing season to support tuber development.
• Pest and Disease Management: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, preserving plant health.
• Harvesting: Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, typically after 10-12 weeks for early varieties, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dismantle the tower, allowing the soil to fall away and revealing the potatoes for easy collection.