Different soil-conserving methods
Permaculture is based on soil conservation and natural cycles. There are proven methods for potatoes that require little or no soil. Here we present some examples –most of them also suitable for beginners.
1.no-dig/no-till with mulch (permaculture classic)
Simply lay the seed potatoes on the ground (also possible on grass or an unprepared patch).
Cover them generously with a thick layer of organic material: straw, hay, leaves, compost or wood chips.
The potatoes will grow through the mulch material and the bulbs will form under the mulch layer.
Advantage: No digging, hardly any weeds, very little work, soil life is preserved, moisture is retained.
Tip: Regularly top up the mulch layer so that the potatoes are not exposed to light (otherwise they will turn green and become inedible)
2. potato tower or sack (almost without soil)
Potatoes can be grown in towers (e.g. made of chicken wire, wood or old car tyres) or in sacks.
Put a thin layer of soil or compost at the bottom, place the potatoes on top and cover with mulch (straw, compost, leaves).
As soon as the plants grow, keep adding mulch.Advantage: Space-saving, hardly any soil required, harvesting is easy as you only have to remove the material.
3. hydroponics -potatoes without any soil
Potatoes can also be grown completely hydroponically, without soil.
The potatoes grow in a system in which the roots are in a nutrient solution (e.g. deep water culture or nutrient film technique).
Rock wool, coconut fibres or perlite are used as a substrate, sometimes no substrate at all (aeroponics)
The nutrients are added via the water, the plants need sufficient light (sun or plant lamp) and constant temperatures
Advantages: Very clean, no weeds, hardly any pests, very efficient use of water and nutrients, excellent harvests possible.
Disadvantages: Initial investment in technology and expertise, ongoing monitoring of the system required.
4. aeroponics -potatoes ‘in the air’
The roots hang freely in a closed space and are regularly sprayed with a nutrient solution.
No substrate, no soil -just air, water and nutrients.
Very good harvests, extremely resource-efficient, but technically demanding.
Author: Francesco del Orbe
