Growing potatoes is easy with this stackable planter. As the plants grow, simply add another frame and more soil.
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Supplies:
8 2x6 boards (10 ft)
2 2x2 boards (8 ft)
screws
outdoor latex paint
paint brushes
power screw driver
saw
tape measure
Steps:
Cut the 2x6 boards into three equal pieces. You will have 24 boards. Cut the 2x2 boards into twenty (20) 5.5" pieces and four (4) 3.5" pieces.
Create each frame by screwing four (4) 2x6 boards together. Predrill the holes, then use 2 screws to attach each board, as shown below.
Attach the 5.5" 2x2 pieces, 2 inches below the top edge of the frame. This will create the legs that will hold the frames together when stacked. The bottom frame uses the 3.5" pieces and the wood does not hang below the edges the frame. Tip: We cut a 2" block to help hold the leg at the right height while we attached it.
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Sand all of the edges of each frame and the legs. Test fit the frames together, trim and sand as needed to get them to fit.
Then paint the frames with outdoor latex paint (with primer). Follow package instructions for applying additional coats and drying times.
Once the paint has dried completely, the tower is ready to plant. Place the bottom two frames onto level ground and fill with garden soil. Plant the seed potatoes 4-6 inches deep, 12 inches apart, with the sprouted eyes pointing upwards. Water well and keep the soil damp but not soaking wet.
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When the plants are about 8 inches tall, add another frame and more soil, leaving the leaves exposed at the top. Continue adding frames and soil until all of your frames are used.
The potatoes are ready to harvest 1-2 weeks after the plants have flowered and begun to whither. Simply begin removing the frames and dig the potatoes out of the soil. :)