Technically, yes, you can grow store-bought potatoes. Just keep in mind that when they are commercially harvested, they are sprayed with chlorproham (an herbicide/sprout inhibitor).
The image shown is of a potato I purchased. As you can see, there are times when the chemical doesn't do a very good job. Which is good in my opinion because the sprouting means the potato is ready to grow more potatoes!
The process is simple.
Simply cut the potato in half (if it's a big potato, cut the sprouts with some potato still attached) and let it scab or "heal" for a couple of days. This prevents the spud from rotting when planted.
I use containers for planting my potatoes.
Place 2 or 3 potato sprouts in a 5-gallon bucket of potting soil with a few holes drilled into the bottom. Keep them in a sunny area. Give them a little drink of water.
As the sprouts grow into beautiful leaves and get to be taller stalks, you'll need to add more soil. Water them almost every day. Keep up this process until the stalks turn brown and die off. That's it! After about 3 months, you're ready to harvest!
Containers are so easy because you don't have to dig. Just kick the thing over and out comes your homegrown potatoes!
I've grown several different types of potatoes in containers. Russets, Red, Yukon, Purple, etc. They all do well in containers. Let the little ones in on it! It'd be like an Easter Egg hunt, but with potatoes! Whoever finds the most wins a prize! Or something to that effect.
Potatoes are so easy to grow! So, when you buy some at the store, leave a few out and see if they'll sprout. If it's the right time of year, plant those suckers!
Thank you for stopping by!
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