Potatoes are fun to grow, but they can take up a lot of space in the garden.There is an easy way to grow 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.You can grow a lot of food in a small space with the help of a trash can.
Step 1: You can use a 20 to 32 gallon can.
The trash can can be plastic or metal.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.Your holes should be between.25 and 1 inch in diameter.You can create these holes by jabbing a screwdriver or pitchfork through the bottom of your 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 can 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 should add a houseplant fertilization every 2 weeks until late summer.Depending on the product you use, the amount you need to use varies.The manufacturer's directions can be consulted for more information.
Step 5: Cut and dry 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: The last freeze date is two weeks from now.
The local climate and the location where you live will affect this date.The last freeze of the cold season can be predicted by contacting your national climate date center.
Step 7: The potatoes should be placed in the soil with the cut side down.
Place the seed potato in a small depression in the soil.The potato pieces should be covered lightly with about 3 inches of soil.The potatoes should be placed about 5 inches apart.Don't put more than one variety of potato in the trash can.Cut your potatoes in such a way that they have three eyes.The small holes are about 1 to 2 millimetres deep.
Step 8: The soil should be moist.
If the soil feels dry, you can add water to keep it moist.When it rains, you won't need to add any water.You will need to water your potatoes.The best time to water your potatoes is in the morning and evening.The daytime heat will cause the water to evaporate.The soil should not be wet.
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 die, 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 planted in April or May.
Step 11: Put the potatoes in a container.
The soil and potatoes will fall out if you push your trash can over.Store 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: You should 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 about 80 to 95 percent.It is possible to bruise and cut the potatoes during the harvesting process, so cure them for about two weeks.
Step 13: The potatoes should be stored in a dark place.
It's best to store potatoes at about 40 F.The storage location needs to be dry and 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.