I'm planting potatoes for the first time this year - I'm using Smartpot containers (the black fabric ones) to make harvesting easier and from what I've read, they have great drainage. The pots are also collapsable, so they're easier to store. I've read about people using leaves or straw to grow potatoes in...but would shredded newspaper work? I was hoping I could fill the bottom of the container with potting soil for the roots to grow in, then use layers of shredded newspaper and potting soil to fill in the pot under the leaves as the plant grows. Or maybe I could get away with using all newspaper? Has anyone here tried this?
shredded newspaper instead of leaves or straw?
I have grown potatoes the old way. That is in long rows in soil. I have also grown potatoes in wire using straw as a mulch. I have never tried using shreded news paper as a mulch. I don't know if it will work or not. My first thought was that wet news paper would tend to mat down. But that is only a guess. Why don't you try it both ways and see what the result is. You may be onto something we all could use.