How to Grow Potatoes in a Laundry Basket
Easy, fun, and space-saving!
Growing potatoes in a laundry basket is a great way to grow your own food even if you don’t have a big garden. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and fun to watch the plants grow. Here’s how to do it!
✅ What You’ll Need
1 large laundry basket (with holes for drainage)
Potting soil or compost
Seed potatoes (or sprouted store-bought potatoes)
Straw or mulch (optional)
Watering can or hose
Sunny outdoor spot
🌱 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Basket
Place the basket in a sunny spot. You can line it with newspaper if the holes are large, to hold in the soil at the start.
Step 2: Add Soil
Fill the bottom of the basket with about 6 inches (15 cm) of soil or compost.
Step 3: Plant the Potatoes
Place 3–4 seed potatoes on top of the soil, with the sprouts (or “eyes”) facing up. Cover with another 4 inches (10 cm) of soil.
Step 4: Let Them Grow
As the potato plants grow, keep adding more soil or straw to cover the stems, leaving the top few inches of the plant showing. This is called “hilling.”
Step 5: Water Regularly
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the top feels dry.
Step 6: Harvest Time!
When the plants flower and then start to turn yellow and dry, it’s time to harvest. Just tip the basket over and dig through the soil to collect your potatoes!
🌟 Benefits of Growing Potatoes in a Basket
Saves Space: Great for patios, balconies, or small gardens.
Good Drainage: The basket holes prevent water from sitting in the soil.
Easy Harvest: Just tip the basket over—no digging!
Fun Project: Great for kids or beginners to learn gardening.
⚠️ Challenges to Watch For
Drying Out: Baskets can dry quickly, so check moisture often.
Stability: A tall basket can tip over in wind—put it somewhere sheltered.
Pests: Slugs or beetles may visit—check the leaves and remove any bugs.
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