It's fun to grow potatoes, but they can take up a lot of space in the garden.There is an easy way to grow potatoes in a 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.
Step 1: You can use a 20 to 32-gallon can.
A plastic or metal trash can can be used.An empty barrel would work well.Don't use galvanized steel cans.Adding a black can to the soil will warm it up.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.
Step 2: There are holes in the trash can.
The potatoes will rot if the can does not allow water to drain.To allow the water to drain out, drill a few holes in the bottom of the can.You should leave about 13 cm between the holes.The holes should be about.25 inches to 1 inch in diameter.You can create these holes by jabbing a screwdriver or pitchfork through the bottom of the trash can.
Step 3: There is a trash can in a sunny location.
It takes about six to eight hours of sunlight a day to grow potatoes.If you want your potatoes to get the necessary amount of sunlight, you could place the trash can on a rooftop, in an open field, or in a sunny backyard.
Step 4: The can should be filled with 25 cm of soil.
Slow-releasefertilizer can be found in the soil.If you want to use unfertilized soil, you need to add a houseplant fertilization every 2 weeks until late summer.Depending on the product you are using, the amount you need to use varies.The manufacturer's directions can be consulted for more information.
Step 5: Cut and dry your potatoes.
Small potatoes can be used to grow larger potatoes.If there is more than one eye on each piece, cut the seed potatoes in half or quarters.Cut them into a quarter of their original size.You can get seed potatoes from the garden supply shop.
Step 6: Two weeks before your last freeze date, plant potatoes.
The local climate and location will affect this date.The last freeze of the cold season can be predicted by contacting your national climate date center.
Step 7: The cut side of the potatoes should be placed in the soil.
Place the seed potato in a small depression in the soil.The potato pieces should be lightly covered with about 3 inches of soil.The potatoes should be placed 5 inches apart.You shouldn't plant more than one variety of potato in the trash can.Cut your potatoes in a way that each piece has three eyes.The small holes are about 1 to 2 millimetres deep.
Step 8: The soil needs to be moist.
If the soil feels dry, you can add water.When it rains, you won't need to add any water.You will need to water your potatoes on other days.The best time to water your potatoes is in the morning and evening.The water will not evaporate in the daytime heat.The soil should be damp.
Step 9: When the vines grow to at least 10 cm, cover them with compost.
Only the top 1 inch of the shortest vine is visible when filling the can.For every inch of vine growth, repeat this process.The process of adding compost is calledounding.Potted soil could be added instead of compost.When you reach the top of the trash can, stop adding soil.
Step 10: When the leaves fall, stop watering the potatoes.
When the leaves of your potato plants turn yellow or brown, they are ready for harvest.The leaves will fall in the summer if you plant in April or May.
Step 11: The potatoes should be dumped out.
The soil and potatoes will fall out if you push the trash can over.You can collect the potatoes in a bin or box.You might want to put a tarp over the area where you are dumping the trash can.
Step 12: Cure your potatoes.
After you harvest the potatoes, place them in a dark place with a temperature of 55 to 60 F (31 to 33C) and a relative humidity of 80 to 95 percent.It is possible to bruise and cut the potatoes during the harvesting process, so cure them for two weeks.
Step 13: The potatoes should be stored in a dark place.
It is best to store potatoes at about 40 F.The storage location should be well-ventilated.If you store your potatoes more than 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) high, they might bruise.Don't store potatoes that are rotten, check them regularly.