VEGETABLE
GARDEN
Growing
potatoes in containers |
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Summary of the video and
exclusive content
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Darren John Wilkinson (The Sheddy Man) is certified
contributor for Gardening Homesteading USA Canada. He
has been showcasing his numerous gardening, landscaping,
and smallholding projects on his YouTube channel (I'm In
The Shed). From Cramlington in the United Kingdom, his
garden landscaped, with several outdoor structures, is
constantly evolving. No-dig gardening is his method! His
videos are presented from his shed located on his small
plot, hence his nickname "The Sheddy Man". |
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In this video, The Sheddy Man shares his practical
method for growing potatoes in containers at home. He
explains how to choose the best varieties and maximize
harvests in small spaces. Using simple tools and
compost, he demonstrates an efficient and beginner
friendly approach. A complete guide to early planting,
protection, and successful potato growing. |
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Content of the video
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Grow multiple potato varieties in containers
with simple methods for early, successful harvests |
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In this informative and down to earth video, Darren John
Wilkinson, widely known as Sheddy Man, takes us inside
his shed on a cool early March day to begin one of the
most rewarding gardening tasks of the season: planting
potatoes. With his usual practical approach and passion
for self sufficiency, he shares his methods,
preferences, and insights into growing a variety of
potatoes successfully in containers. |
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April 7, 2026
Bit late
uploading as it wouldn’t upload earlier…
Got more to
put in, bit by bit…
Potato Progress
Mainly planted on April 7, 2026, but I’ve been
potting up more as the weeks go on.
Hoping for a
bumper crop this season…
Mostly 4 plants per 30L
bucket.
For the 15L buckets, about 5 plants, but
these are small salad varieties.
Not expecting
huge potatoes, but looking forward to a good harvest! |
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Choosing potato varieties |
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Choosing Potato Varieties for Flavor and
Versatility |
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Darren begins by explaining his preference for diversity
when it comes to potato varieties. Rather than buying in
bulk, he opts for different types, especially red
potatoes, which he finds particularly flavorful. Among
his selections are Mozart, California Rose, Sharpo Uno,
and Desiree, all of which he has grown before with
satisfying results. These varieties offer a mix of uses,
from allrounders to salad and baking potatoes, and
provide staggered harvest times ranging from July
through October. This thoughtful selection ensures a
continuous supply throughout the growing season.
He also mentions past favorites like Red Rooster,
highlighting how personal taste plays an important role
in variety selection. His willingness to experiment
reflects a key principle in gardening: discovering what
works best for your conditions and preferences. |
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Container Planting Method and Setup |
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A central theme of the video is Darren’s efficient
container planting technique. Using buckets of varying
sizes, primarily 15 liter and 30 liter containers, he
demonstrates how to plant potatoes in a structured way.
His method involves filling the container about one
third full with well rotted compost, placing
approximately four seed potatoes evenly spaced, and then
covering them with more compost.
The compost he
uses has been decomposing since the previous autumn,
making it rich and suitable for strong plant
development. Darren emphasizes that while some
imperfections in compost are normal, well aged material
provides an excellent growing medium.
He also
organizes his planting by labeling each container,
ensuring he can track the different varieties as they
grow. This simple but effective step helps avoid
confusion later in the season. |
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Container Planting - Potatoes |
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Experimenting with Unknown and Surplus Potatoes |
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In addition to his selected varieties, Darren
incorporates an experimental element by planting
leftover and unidentified potatoes given to him by a
fellow gardener. Some are believed to be Charlotte
potatoes, while others are simply labeled as “random.”
This approach reflects a resourceful mindset, making use
of available materials rather than wasting them.
He also repurposes sprouting supermarket potatoes,
including some that have started turning green. While
some gardeners might discard these, Darren chooses to
plant them, demonstrating a practical and low waste
gardening philosophy. |
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Scaling Up Production and Managing Space |
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Darren calculates and organizes his planting across
numerous containers, ultimately setting up dozens of
potato plants. By using both 15 liter and 30 liter
buckets, he maximizes his growing space efficiently. He
also mentions additional potatoes emerging in compost
piles and raised beds, showing how potatoes can thrive
even in unexpected places.
To protect his plants
from unpredictable early spring weather, he places the
containers inside a polytunnel. This controlled
environment provides warmth and shelter, encouraging
early growth while shielding the plants from frost,
rain, and fluctuating temperatures. |
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Darren places the containers inside a polytunnel for
protecting plants |
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Adapting to Weather and Seasonal Timing |
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Timing is another important aspect Darren discusses.
While many gardeners wait until the bank holiday weekend
to plant potatoes, he prefers starting earlier in March.
By doing so, and using protective structures like a
polytunnel, he gains a head start on the growing season.
He also comments on the erratic weather conditions,
highlighting the importance of flexibility and
observation in gardening. His setup allows him to adapt
quickly, ensuring the plants remain healthy despite
changing conditions. |
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Passion for Growing and Self Sufficiency |
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Throughout the video, Darren’s enthusiasm for growing
his own food is evident. His hands on approach,
willingness to experiment, and appreciation for the
process reflect the core values of homesteading and
sustainable gardening. For him, growing potatoes is not
just about yield, but also about enjoyment, learning,
and connection to the land. |
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Conclusion |
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This video offers a practical and inspiring look at
container potato growing, combining proven techniques
with a flexible, resourceful mindset. Darren John
Wilkinson demonstrates that with simple tools,
thoughtful variety selection, and a bit of
experimentation, anyone can successfully grow potatoes
at home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced
gardener, his approach encourages you to start planting,
adapt to your conditions, and enjoy the process of
growing your own food. |
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Comment by The
Sheddy Man (Darren John Wilkinson) : |
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"Subscribe to Gardening
Homesteading
Youtube Channel to watch all my videos." |
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Contributor of Gardening
Homesteading USA Canada UK : |
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Darren John Wilkinson (The Sheddy Man) has been a
certified contributor for Gardening Homesteading USA
Canada UK since May 2024 demonstrating his expertise and
commitment to the community. |
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Watch other videos on the same topic
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Click here ---> Video Category :
Fruit and vegetable garden |
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Check out the list of
all videos and articles by Darren John Wilkinson (The Sheddy Man) |
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Check out the list of
all videos by categories |
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Gardening
Homesteading USA Canada UK
presents articles, videos and reports from contributors
and experts on topics such as gardening,
homesteading, DIY,
self-sufficiency, reusing, recycling, and nature in North
America and UK.
Philosophy and
sharing life moments related to these topics are
also in the spotlight.
Would
you like to become a contributor and submit your
articles or videos to Gardening Homesteading USA
Canada UK for publication? Please contact us via
email. |
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Darren John Wilkinson |
| The Sheddy Man |
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I'M IN THE SHED |
USDA
Plant Hardiness zone : 7
RHS Royal Horticultural Society Ratings
: H5 |
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Cramlington, United Kingdom |
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| Certified
Contributor |
www.usa-gardening.com
www.uk-gardening.co.uk
www.canada-gardening.com |
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Video |
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How to Make Chive spray and
plant feeds |
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The Sheddy Man (Darren John Wilkinson)
shows us how to make a homemade chive
spray and plant fertilizer. Why not
create a solution to spray or water your
plants and repel pests with this
onion-like scent? Here are the steps and
methods for making the mixture that will
give your garden plants a boost without
spending any money. |
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Watch the
video |
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Video |
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Sowing lettuce in autumn - Idea
for a crop to prolong the season |
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The Sheddy Man sown lettuce seeds in
autumn, an idea for a crop to prolong
the season. Sowing lettuce that works
every time as we head into autumn
winter. We are looking for crops that
can extend the season and lettuce has
always been a good one. It’s probably
one of the easiest plants to grow unless
you get mixed up with compost. Happy
sowing, happy growing! |
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Watch the
video |
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