[alancas]

greetings,i am planning to grow potatoes in pots this year can I use just compost to grow them in?any advice greatly received thanks in advance.

[Yorkie]

Yes you can.

It's a good idea to add extra fertiliser as compost only has enough nutrients for about 6 weeks of growth.

Put the spuds about 6" from the bottom, then cover up with some more compost, and when the leaves keep growing through you keep adding compost until you've reached the top of the pot.

Keep them very well watered once the foliage is growing strongly, and it's probably better to aim to use first or second early varieties (these are the salad type potatoes which are ready quite soon).

[alancas]

thanks for that will give it a try this year.

[tosca100]

I used to get good results in bins with compost, then used the compost to cover perennials in autumn. Nothing nicer than fresh home grown taters, the problem is waiting till they grow to a decent size.

[mumofstig]

You need to use large pots though !

[tosca100]

Yes indeed, I had one black bin and a few huge plastic tubs that I used to use in the horse's field for water and which would spring leaks after winter (the ones with rope handles) No good for holding water but I've grown allsorts in them until they collapse. You have to drill plenty of holes in the bottom though.

[LotuSeed]

Yes indeed, I had one black bin and a few huge plastic tubs that I used to use in the horse's field for water and which would spring leaks after winter (the ones with rope handles) No good for holding water but I've grown allsorts in them until they collapse. You have to drill plenty of holes in the bottom though.

I love those plastic tubs with the rope handles! They're much bigger and far cheaper than any large pots I've seen for sale in garden centers 

[3759allen]

i do a lot of my earlies in containers. easy to turn rather than dig, and plenty enough space and nutrients, not sure how main crop would do though.

i mix half and half top soil and compost, with a bit of manure thrown in.

i use 20 or 25l containers (the type anti freeze or distilled water come in) on their side with a big hole cut in the top. 

[AnnieB]

I would suggest a mix of compost and manure, say 2 part compost to 1 part manure, or half and half.
Potato's need more then compost can really deliver.
Pick a big container, easier on you with regards watering etc.