If I Grow Potatoes in a Trash Can Will They Get Enough Light?

Process

• Wash out a new garbage can and drill large drainage holes in the bottom, so the can does not fill up with water during rainstorms. Place the can in an area of full sun exposure. This ensures that the plants will get plenty of light while they are growing. Fill the bottom of the garbage can with 6 inches of soil and lay the pieces of seed potatoes 5 inches apart on top of the soil. Cover the seed potatoes with 4 inches of soil. As the stem grows up through the dirt, cover the plants with 4 more inches of soil until the top of the trash can is reached. Cover to top of the soil with straw to prevent sunburn on the tubers and excessive water loss.

Consideration

• Begin the potato trash can garden four to six weeks before the last spring frost. The sides of the trash can protect the seed potatoes from freezing. Use a mixture of equal parts potting soil and compost to create a rich fertile soil that stays loose. Do not press the soil down into the can, because it will cause compacted soil. Loose soil allows the growth of an abundance of large tubers.

Starting

• Begin the potato garden with certified disease-free seed potatoes. If they are only 2 inches across, leave them whole, otherwise cut them into 2-inch pieces with at least one eye on each piece. Lay the cut seed potato pieces out in a dry, shady area for a few days to heal the cut portion. Seed potatoes are available at garden centers or on-line garden supply stores. Do not use potatoes from the produce section of the grocery store. They are more susceptible to plant disease and pests than the certified seed potatoes.

Significance

• Growing potatoes in a trash can conserves garden space since it takes advantage of unused vertical growing space. A trash can is just an inexpensive, deep container with strong sides so it can handle the weight of a crop of potatoes. Potato plants grow upward towards the light, so they quickly reach the top of the trash can. The potato plants do not need direct sunlight until they branch out and develop leaves. The stems use the energy stored in the seed potato to continue growing until leafing out.