Starting with a piece of wire mesh this size will produce a circular cage with a 2-foot (61-cm) diameter. [1] X Research source You can also use premade tomato cages instead of making your own. [2] X Research source
Along with removing weeds and other competition from the area, embedding the cage in the ground will also help to secure it and prevent it from blowing over in the wind. Use wire stakes to secure the cage to the ground if you think blowing over will be an issue. [5] X Research source
You can also use straw to line the cage if you prefer. [6] X Research source
Seed potatoes are sprouted potatoes that haven’t been treated with a sprout inhibitor. Because many eating potatoes from the grocery store have been treated, you won’t be able to grow a new plant from them. Solanine is a toxic chemical that potatoes produce when they’re exposed to the sun. It appears as a layer of green under the skin.
Potatoes in cages can dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check the soil regularly for moisture.
Continue hilling the potatoes whenever the plants grow an additional 6 inches (15 cm).
For new potatoes, harvest after the last of the flowers die. For mature potatoes, wait an additional two to three weeks after the foliage dies before harvesting.
When you’ve harvested the potatoes, brush off the wire mesh and store it somewhere dry. You can reuse the mesh to make another cage.
New potatoes shouldn’t be cured, as they should be eaten within a few days of the harvest.
Remove all diseased foliage. Treat the plant with a fungicide that is sprayed on the leaves. [18] X Research source
Slug pellets or Sluggo can also be used to kill slugs.
