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I read doccat5's article on growing potatoes, and many of the responses. My friend says that her sister grows potatoes in a clean, bottom cut off, trash can every year. Sounds much like the same idea. Has anyone heard of this? I just wonder how the little plant deep down in there would get enough light? I don't have much space in my yard, so if this worked, it would be such a space saver.
It should work like a charm, just make sure you punch some drainage holes in the sides, if you choose to bury it. Tater's don't like wet footies. Good luck, I hope you have productive crop of taters. :)
Hi Doccat5,
Thanks for your great article. I'm worried about two things with the trash can method: the plant being too hot, and not getting enough light. I was thinking maybe to try the same thing with a ring of chicken wire to "fence" in the leaves. I also don't know if I can find leaves, can you use soil, or peat moss? Guess those would be much more pricey, but I know I could buy them. How much light does a potato need in a day? Preciate the years you've been doing this, especially organic gardening. Can't say that I've made it to the organic scene, though I would love to. I'm new at vegies and have mostly grown roses/flowers and used chemicals to provide for their health. I'm thinking to try Messenger this year - I think this is acceptable in the organic realm. Thanks.
The can is not going to get too hot as long as you put it in area that has partial shade. Leave the lid off and make sure it's got lots of drainage holes. Use some straw if you have no leaves. I bale of straw ought do a 30 gal trash can with no problem. No point in spending lots of money on this. Once your taters are harvested, you can add the straw to your compost :) Then next year you can going to rest of us on a bagged leave search! I've heard about the Messenger, but haven't tried it. I'm using Bokashi on my veggies, roses and actually the whole yard this year. If you want to learn more about Bokashi check the soil and composting thread. Lots of good info on there, and good luck and I hope you have a great harvest!
