DIY Potato Tower

DIY Potato Tower: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed

• Rigid wire mesh or fencing
• Zip ties or strong wire
• Garden stakes or rebar
• Straw
• Compost
• Soil
• Seed potatoes
• PVC pipe (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Location
   • Select a sunny spot with good drainage
   • Ensure easy access to water
2. Create the Tower Structure
   • Cut wire mesh into a cylinder (18 inches across)
   • Secure ends with zip ties
   • Anchor the cylinder by driving stakes through the mesh
   • Optional: Place a PVC pipe in the center for watering
3. Prepare the Growing Medium
   • Mix equal parts:
     • Soil
     • Compost
     • Manure
     • Peat moss
   • Moisten the mixture thoroughly
4. First Layer Preparation
   • Line bottom with 4-6 inches of straw
   • Create a nest by patting down straw
   • Add a layer of growing medium
5. Planting Potatoes
   • Cut seed potatoes into pieces with 2-3 sprouting eyes
   • Plant around tower edges, 4-6 inches apart
   • Ensure sprouting eyes face outward
   • Cover completely with growing medium
6. Layering
   • Repeat straw, soil, and potato layers
   • Continue until tower is nearly full
   • Leave about 4 inches at the top
7. Watering
   • Use PVC pipe to water deeply
   • Keep soil consistently moist

Harvest Tips

• Potatoes are ready when plants flower
• Carefully dig and harvest layers as needed