How to Plant Potatoes in Buckets

Planting potatoes in buckets is a simple, low-cost way to grow potatoes if you’re short on space. Buckets work well on patios, balconies, driveways, and allotments, and they’re ideal for beginners wanting an easy, contained method.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
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• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
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• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
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Why Grow Potatoes in Buckets?

Buckets are a great option because they:

• Take up very little space
• Warm up quickly in spring
• Allow excellent drainage when prepared correctly
• Make harvesting quick and mess-free
• Let you control soil quality

They’re especially good for early and second early potatoes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Bucket

• Size: 20–30 litres minimum
• Depth: At least 40 cm
• Material: Plastic builders’ buckets or similar
• Must have drainage holes

Drill 6–10 holes in the base and a few around the lower sides to prevent waterlogging.

Step 2: Pick the Best Potatoes for Buckets

Best suited varieties:

• First earlies
• Second earlies
• Salad potatoes

Maincrop potatoes can be grown but need larger buckets and usually give smaller yields.

Step 3: Prepare the Compost

Use a light, free-draining compost mix:

• Peat-free multipurpose compost
• Optional: mix in some garden compost or well-rotted organic matter

Avoid using heavy garden soil on its own.

Step 4: Add Compost to the Bucket

• Fill the bottom with 10–15 cm of compost
• Level gently
• Leave plenty of space at the top for earthing up

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

• Place 1 seed potato per 20–30 litre bucket
• Shoots (chits) facing upwards
• Keep the potato away from the sides

Larger buckets may hold two potatoes, but overcrowding reduces yield.

Step 6: Cover with Compost

• Add another 10–15 cm of compost
• Water lightly if compost is dry

Do not fill the bucket to the top at planting time.

Step 7: Position the Buckets

Place buckets:

• In full sun
• In a sheltered spot
• Raised slightly on bricks or feet for drainage

Avoid placing buckets directly on cold concrete early in the season.

Step 8: Water Carefully

• Keep compost evenly moist
• Water little and often
• Do not allow compost to dry out completely
• Avoid waterlogging

Buckets dry out faster than the ground.

Step 9: Earth Up as Plants Grow

When shoots reach 10–15 cm tall:

• Add more compost around the stems
• Leave the top leaves exposed
• Repeat until the bucket is nearly full

Earthing up prevents greening and increases yield.

Step 10: Feeding During Growth

• Start feeding once flowering begins
• Use a balanced liquid fertiliser
• Feed every 10–14 days

Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which produce lots of leaves but fewer potatoes.

Step 11: Protect from Frost

Early in the season:

• Move buckets to shelter if frost is forecast
• Cover with fleece if needed

Buckets cool down faster than garden soil at night.

Step 12: Harvesting Potatoes from Buckets

• First earlies: Harvest when flowering begins
• Second earlies: Harvest just after flowering
• Maincrop: Harvest when foliage dies back

To harvest:

• Tip the bucket onto a tarp
• Gently sort through compost
• Collect potatoes by hand

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using buckets without drainage holes
• Planting too many potatoes in one bucket
• Letting compost dry out
• Filling buckets fully at planting

How Many Potatoes Will One Bucket Produce?

On average:

• 1–2 kg of potatoes per bucket, depending on variety and care

Quick Summary

• Bucket size: 20–30 litres
• One potato per bucket
• Plant depth: 10–15 cm
• Earth up gradually
• Water regularly

Final Tip

Buckets are one of the easiest ways to grow potatoes anywhere. With good drainage, steady watering, and proper earthing up, you can enjoy a surprisingly good potato harvest from just a few buckets.