Trash Can Potatoes

Since your end project will be heavy, it is best to do this where you intend to grow the potatoes.

Use a new clean plastic 25-30 gallon trash (garbage) can. Punch holes in the bottom as well as 6 “up from bottom for drainage. You can aid drainage by putting a few pieces of broken pottery, stones, or the like in the bottom of the can. Add rough compost and good potting soil. Add your potatoes as you normally would (if this is all new to you, go to the end for more info). Continue to add soil and compost as potatoes grow. Water as needed.

I experimented using the same number of potatoes for in-ground and trash can. I did yield a few more potatoes in-ground, but the harvest was better per square inch of ground space used with the trash can method.

This also helps prevent the damage from blight, as you change the soil each year. If you do not have blight issues, you can add the soil to your compost.

To get potatoes ready: Small potatoes can be planted whole. For larger ones, cut so each piece has at least 3 'eyes' (this is where the potatoes sprout). Let the cut sides dry to help prevent rotting. Proceed with your project.