How To Grow Lots Of Potatoes In A Trash Can
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Growing Potatoes in a Garbage Can: A Fun, Space-Saving Idea!
Looking for a fun and space-efficient way to grow potatoes? Consider planting them in a garbage can! This method allows you to grow an abundance of potatoes, even if you’re tight on space. All you need is a clean garbage can (new or thoroughly cleaned), and you’ll be well on your way to harvesting up to 40 pounds of potatoes in one season.
Step 1: Prepare Your Garbage Can
Start by drilling several 1/2-inch drainage holes in the bottom of the can, as well as around the sides near the bottom. Good drainage is key to preventing water from pooling in the can and rotting your potatoes.
Next, line the bottom of the can with shredded newspaper or old junk mail. This helps retain moisture while preventing soil from slipping out through the drainage holes.
Step 2: Fill the Can
Fill the garbage can with about 6 inches of good-quality potting soil. If you want to boost your yield, consider adding some fertilizer. A popular option is the “square foot gardening” mix, which consists of:
- 1/3 peat moss
- 1/3 compost
- 1/3 asbestos-free vermiculite
This soil blend creates the perfect environment for your potatoes to thrive. If you’re interested in more details on soil preparation, check out the full guide in the PDF here.
Step 3: Plant Your Seed Potatoes
Take a few seed potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces, making sure each piece has several “eyes” (the spots where the sprouts will grow). If you prefer, you can also use regular store-bought potatoes, although they may not be as successful as seed potatoes.
Plant the potato pieces about 6 inches apart, covering them with an inch of soil. After planting, water them well. You want the soil to stay moist, but not waterlogged.
Step 4: Care for Your Growing Potatoes
Once the potato vines sprout and grow to about 4 inches tall, cover them with more compost, soil, or straw, leaving only about 1 inch of the vine exposed. Repeat this process as the vines continue to grow, filling the garbage can little by little.
It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Overwatering can cause the potatoes to rot. If the vines get tall enough, you may need to stake them for support. When the vines flower, that’s a good sign that potatoes are forming along the length of the vine.
For more details on watering and vine care, you can refer to the PDF here.
Step 5: Harvest Your Potatoes
As your plants grow, you can start harvesting “new” or “baby” potatoes from the can by carefully digging around the vines. These small potatoes are delicious when eaten fresh but should be consumed quickly as they don’t store well.
Once the flowers begin to fade and the vines start turning yellow, it’s time to harvest your larger potatoes. Simply tip over the garbage can and sift through the soil to collect your bounty. It’s not uncommon to get up to 40 pounds of potatoes from one garbage can!
If you’re interested in learning more about the potato-growing process, including how to optimize your yield, you can access the complete guide in the PDF here.
Growing potatoes in a garbage can is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. Give it a try and enjoy fresh, homegrown potatoes right from your own backyard!
