DIY Network

Homegrown Hint: Growing Potatoes in Trash Bags How to grow a space-saving potato garden in a trash bag. From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-302

Figure A

If you don't have a large vegetable plot, you can grow potatoes in 10- or 15-gallon plastic containers. An even easier method is to grow potatoes in a plastic trash bag (figure A). Growing potatoes in a plastic bag is a space-saving and fun way to grow tubers of almost any variety. And since the method is almost foolproof, it also makes a great school project for young children.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

To start, get the seed potatoes ready by placing them in a warm spot and letting them sprout, just as you would do if you were planting them in the garden. If they're large, cut them into pieces, leaving at least two eyes per piece, and set them aside to cure for a few days.

For a container, you can use a 15-gallon kitchen trash bag or a 30-gallon leaf and clean-up bag (figure B). The clean-up bags are usually thicker and less likely to break.

Select a spot that will get plenty of sunshine. Use a pair of scissors to cut several drainage holes in the bottom of the bag. Set the bag on the ground, roll down the sides and fill the bag about one-third of the way full with potting soil or with garden soil (figure C).

Plant the seed potatoes by burying them, eyes pointed up, about 2" deep in the soil (figure D). Water well.

When the potato plants get about 6" or 8" tall, it's time to add more soil to the bag. Add enough to leave just the top few leaves peeking through.

As the potato plant grows, continue to add soil or straw to the top of the trash bag (figure E), unrolling the sides of the bag as you go. Keep the potatoes well watered but not soggy, and keep an eye out for bugs.

Once the foliage of the potato plant turns yellowish-brown and dies off, stop watering the bag and give the potatoes a few weeks to cure.

To harvest, slit open the side of the bag with a pocketknife. The potatoes will spill out, ready to eat or store.