Potatoes grown in Towers?

[SandyLaner]

Allotment spuds not too clever last year. Gave bags a try a few years back and not too impressed. I've read a few articles and seen the YouTube clips about Potato Towers. Commercial ones are too costly but, I have timber and I'm quite handy with my machinery and tools so I can make some.

Anyone used potato towers and had reasonable results? What varieties grow best; what results have you had and what special care is needed to succeed? I'm raring to go but, I don't want to waste my time, effort or timber.  Thanks in advance.

[SandyLaner]

[Jayb]

Hi SandyLaner, Welcome to A4A  . I hope you don't mind I started a new thread for you post.

I've not tried potatoes in high-towers, had a google to check them out. I wonder if it is the same as growing in bags and some varieties do better than others? I've generally found 1st and 2nd earlies do best, but they do need a fair amount of water and feeding to produce.

[SandyLaner]

Hi SandyLaner, Welcome to A4A  . I hope you don't mind I started a new thread for you post.

I've not tried potatoes in high-towers, had a google to check them out. I wonder if it is the same as growing in bags and some varieties do better than others? I've generally found 1st and 2nd earlies do best, but they do need a fair amount of water and feeding to produce.

Thanks for the welcome. I've read lots of spiel about the supposed yields of towers but, they seem to be from professional bloggers or manufacturers. In the US people have supposedly had success using sand and/or sawdust as a growing medium and just watered with feed as and when necessary. I was thinking of using growbag medium for the bottom layer and compost from my own bins for the remainder. So, I'm looking for more suggestions, hints, HELP!!!

[manicscousers]

We used to grow in tyres, put 3 spuds in the bottom one and cover. As they grew out, another tyre and cover. We used to end up at 5 tyres high. Not too bad but, remember the good old days of drought. They do need lots of water