How to Store Potatoes in the Ground

If you have taken the time and effort to grow a successful potato crop, you want to make sure that it lasts the winter. Root cellars are designed for this purpose, but most people do not have the luxury of owning one. You can, however, make a simplified ground-storage container that works along the same principles. The container will use the cold from the ground to keep the potatoes fresh for the winter.

Shovel
Steel garbage can with lid
Dry mortar sand
Potatoes
Straw
Plastic tarp
Rocks

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a hole in the ground that is wide and deep enough to fit a galvanized steel garbage can.
- 2
  Put the can into the hole. Its top should be just above ground level so that the lid can be easily put on.
- 3
  Build up a ring of dirt around the can. It should be 6 inches high and will help to keep water away from the can.
- 4
  Dig a shallow ditch around the dirt ring. This will further divert any water.
- 5
  Line the bottom of the can with 3 inches of dry mortar sand. This will protect the potatoes from the frozen ground beneath the can.
- 6
  Fill the rest of the can with potatoes. Wait until late fall when the weather is already cool to ensure that the potatoes don't spoil.
- 7
  Put the lid on the trash can.
- 8
  Cover the can with straw for insulation from the winter cold. The straw can be either loose or in a bale.
- 9
  Cover the straw with a plastic tarp to keep out moisture. Use rocks to hold the tarp in place.

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