I decided to grow potatoes this year in a self watering container! A sub-irrigated planter is ideal for balconies, patios, apartments, small spaces, outdoor gardens, and even indoor gardens (with a tray to catch reservoir overflow). They are well suited to moisture-loving plants like most vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants. I’ve never grown potatoes, and never thought of growing them in containers until recently. We will see how they do in the relatively moist soil of a sub-irrigated container.
For potatoes, I planted into about 4″ of soil and will add more pH adjusted potting mix as the plants grow – about 4″ of mix each time the plants reach 6-7″ tall – until I reach the top of the container. The opening clip is 1.5 months after planting (planted 3/31).
This is the step-by-step build video with instructions. If you haven’t already watched it, check out my 5 minute SIP instruction video through the link below.
Original 5-minute instruction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tW6R7ZBjOM
Followup with information on pH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfBJRf0OpKw
Materials used:
Plastic planter (no holes in the bottom)
4” perforated drainage pipe
Plastic pipe for watering tube
Plastic shopping bag/grocery sack
String/twine
Handful of small rocks
Potting mix
pH adjuster based on your plant’s needs (I used Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier)
Granulated slow release fertilizer (I used Espoma Organic Garden Tone Herb and Vegetable Food)
12 Comments
Very nice mod!
Great idea for anyone who lives in an apartment! would love to see more of these. Also quick tip! Get a box of latex gloves that fit as appose to baggy gloves, dirt can get in the wrists. I find the best are noble gloves and they're cheap too-happy gardening
This tutorial is easy to follow and your explanations regarding each step are so useful to someone like me who wants to know “why are we doing this step”. This method of watering works great! Thank you! We would love more tutorials from you!
what is the purpose of the other two drainage pipe?
How did the potatoes work out? Follow up?
how are the potatoes? good harvest?
You're awesome.
what size diameter is your black plastic pipe diameter wise? How do you gut it to the right length? (Dremel or special tool needed? and lastly where do you buy the black plastic pipe? thanks so much
How many potatoes did this yield?
Hole for fill pipe was way too big and will get soil into drainage pipes. Should have put a weed fabric over the top of drainage pipes to avoid soil getting into hold
Great video. I believe the drain hole should be 1” below the top of the drain pipe
This was perfectly concise and informative. Thank you! 🙂