How to Grow Potatoes in a Trash Can

Nurture and grow a tasty potato crop at home in a trash can

Co-authored by Lauren Kurtz

Last Updated: May 23, 2022 References Approved

Potatoes are tasty and fun to grow, but they can take up a lot of space in the garden. Fortunately, there’s an easy alternative -- growing potatoes in a regular trash can. Just plant the seed potatoes in the soil, cover them lightly with soil, and continue adding compost or soil as the vines grow. Growing potatoes in a trash can allows you to grow a lot of food in a small space.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Selecting and Readying the Can

1
Use a 20 to 32-gallon can. You can use a plastic or metal trash can. An empty wooden or metal barrel would also work well.^{[1]
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- Don’t use galvanized steel cans, which will rust.^{[2]
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- A black can will provide added warmth to the soil. If you live in a hot area where the potatoes will get full sun, don't use a black can or the soil could get too hot.
2
Drill holes in the bottom of the trash can with a power drill. If your can does not allow water to drain, it will fill with water and the potatoes will rot.^{[3]
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Research source} To allow the water to drain out, drill about 10-15 holes in the bottom of the can. Leave about 5 inches (13 cm) between each hole. Your holes should be about .25 inches (0.64 cm) to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
- Depending on the thickness of your trash can, you might be able to create these holes by jabbing a screwdriver or pitchfork through the bottom.
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3
Place the trash can in a sunny location. If your potatoes are to grow, they need about six to eight hours of sunlight daily. To ensure your potatoes get the necessary amount of sunlight, you could place the trash can on a rooftop, in an open field, or in a sunny backyard location.^{[4]
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4
Fill the can with 10 inches (25 cm) of soil. Use soil that contains slow-release fertilizer. If you wish to use unfertilized soil, add an organic, soluble houseplant fertilizer every 2 weeks until late summer.^{[5]
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- If you’re adding your own fertilizer, the amount you’ll need to use varies depending on the specific product you’re using. Consult manufacturer directions for more information.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Planting the Potatoes

1
Cut and dry your seed potatoes. Seed potatoes are small potatoes that you can use to grow larger, regular potatoes. Cut the seed potatoes in half or into quarters if there's more than one eye on each piece. Do not cut them into less than a quarter of their original size.^{[6]
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- You can obtain seed potatoes from your local garden supply shop.
2
Plant potatoes about two weeks before your last freeze date. This date will vary depending on the local climate and the location where you live. Contact your national climate date center for more information about when you can anticipate the last freeze of the cold season.^{[7]
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3
Place the seed potatoes in the soil with the cut side down. Dig a small depression in the soil and place the seed potato in it. Cover each seed potato piece lightly with about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of soil.^{[8]
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Research source} Place the seed potatoes about 5 inches (13 cm) apart.^{[9]
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- Don’t plant more than one variety of potato in your trash can.
- Cut your seed potatoes in such a way that each piece has three dimples (or “eyes”).^{[10]
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  Research source} These small divots or indentations are about 1 to 2 millimetres (0.039 to 0.079 in) deep.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Caring for Your Potatoes

1
Keep the soil moist. You can keep the soil moist by touching it daily, then adding water if the soil feels dry. Some days (like on days when it rains), you won’t need to add any water. Other days, you will need to water your potatoes.^{[11]
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- The best time to water your potatoes is in the evening and in the morning. This will prevent the water from simply evaporating in the daytime heat.
- The soil should be damp, not soggy.
2
Cover the vines with compost when they grow to at least 4 inches (10 cm). Fill the can to the point where only the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the shortest vine is visible. Repeat this process for every 4 inches (10 cm) of vine growth.
- This process of continually adding compost is called “mounding.”^{[12]
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- Make sure the leaves are still exposed so they get sunlight.
- Instead of compost, you could add potting soil.
- Stop adding soil when you reach the top of the trash can.^{[13]
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3
Stop watering the potatoes when the leaves wilt. When the leaves of your potato plants turn yellow or brown, they are ready for harvesting. If you planted in April or May, the leaves will wilt in mid-summer.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Harvesting and Storing Your Potatoes

1
Dump the potatoes out. Push your trash can over and let the soil and potatoes come tumbling out. Collect the potatoes in a bin or box for storage later.^{[15]
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Research source} To minimize the mess, you might want to place a tarp over the area where you’re dumping the trash can.^{[16]
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Cure your potatoes. After you’ve harvested the potatoes, place them in a dark place with a temperature of 55 to 60 °F (31 to 33 °C) and a relative humidity of about 80 to 95 percent. This allows bruises and cuts that might have been inflicted on the potatoes during the harvesting process to “heal.”^{[17]
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- Cure the potatoes for about two weeks.
3
Store your potatoes in a dark, cool place. Potatoes stay best when stored at about 40 °F (22 °C). The storage location should be dry and well-ventilated.^{[18]
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- Don’t store your potatoes more than 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) high or they might bruise.
- Check your stored potatoes regularly and remove any that are rotten.

Community Q&A

Question

I don't have potatoes that aren't store bought, can I use potatoes seeds?

Community Answer

You can probably find seed potatoes at a local nursery or order them online. Store-bought potatoes may not work as well and also may not be organic.
Question

Can I use just one seed potato?

Community Answer

Sure, but if you use more, you'll get more potatoes in your final harvest. Remember to plant the seed potatoes (or seed potato pieces) about five inches apart.
Question

How long is the growing season?

Community Answer

The length of your growing season depends on where in the world you are. Different localities have growing seasons of differing length. Consult a local horticultural society to determine how long your potato growing season is.

Warnings

Do not attempt to plant store-bought potatoes. These are often treated with a chemical that prevents sprouting.

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