Newbie here. Potatoes not growing

[happypanda]

For the last 3 years we have tried to grow our own container potatoes. We use large plastic containers, and compost and seed potatoes.But every year all we get is a couple of tiny little potaotes, basically no crop at all. We tried to grow christmas potatoes last year and had several containers and basically nothing grew. We don't know what we are doing wrong, being amateurs, I though maybe someone here could help.

[JustGrowVeg]

How big are the tubs that you planting them and how many seed potatoes per tub? It could be that they are over crowded and not getting enough nutrients per plant.

It could also be that water is the problem. I've had similar problems with mine in the past because it's so hard for the water to reach bottom. I use the polythene grow sacks and only plant 3 seed potatoes per bag! I also ensure that i put a good helping of fishblood and bone in the compost as this helps the potatoes to thrive!

This year, I'm going to put a length of drainpipe in the middle of the bag with various holes in it. So that when I water them, I know that the water has got all the way down to the bottom

[johnmichael]

Agree with JustGrowVeg,will try the drainpipe idea myself.thanks.

[Tom d'Angler]

Two years ago I had the same problem. In my enthusiasm (and following the supplier's instructions) I put 5 or 6 potatoes in each container. All I got was lots of tiny potatoes. I was really disappointed.

Last year I put just one potato in each container and I had a bumper crop!

I also planted some in the ground and found them quite hard to get out so this year I've got 30 containers and I am going to use just those.

[WelshBoa]

30 containers - wow thats gonna need a lot of compost !!

[smeagal]

I had the same problem my first season .
Now I put two into a dustbin and use compost and feed and last season I was giving away the excess.
If you are using the bags that come wih it try smaller amounts of seed potatos per tub.
I keep a bamboo cane for dipping the tub/container and push it down the side if it comes back damp then I don't water them.
Hope this helps.