Thrifty Gardener Four: Planting potatoes in a dustbin

[Woodstone136]

How can you not think about "how clean" you garbage can is, when your growing your food in it. That's the first thing I thought of when watching your video

[Michbag84]

Hi there, great tips, I was wondering about the drainage though, I have a decked balcony with other peoples balconies below, would alot of water go through on to theirs or is it very minimal? Xx

[thriftygardener]

Hi Jerrid3,

I'd never thought of that. I guess if it worries you, or you are dubious about where the container came from, then find another container you're happy with (or can sterilise more easily than plastic). Alternatively, plead with friends and family for cast-off contaioners that you know the history of.

[Jerrid3]

How do you determine what containers are safe to use? I mean if you found it in the trash how do you know it is safe to use? Even if you washed it how do you know if some sort of chemicals were used in it thus regular washing did not clean it? Another video said they used metal buckets and they burned it out. I am not sure you can really burn plastic ones with out destroying the bucket.

[1976frank]

Excellent video, very clear and informative. I'm going to try my first potatoes in a container this year.

[baldrick07526]

hi thrifty,i just got to say " your videos are excellent " some of the best i have seen on here !!!! really informative and straight forward,im a new gardener and had a good year (last) with flowers and i collected loads of seeds and they are now just starting to shoot :) i'm trying potato,carrot,beetroot.onion and corn this year so green fingers crossed :) and once again,thank you.....john.

[wxpm]

i will be growing container spuds this year for the first time , your vid was very helpful , many thanks

[ThriftCultureNow]

Thanks for the Thrifty Tip! Smashing Good job, please keep it up, I look forward to more videos this spring and summer.

Here's to Thrift

[magicstches]

Oh, thank you soo very much! I have always wanted to potatoes and I did nt want to use my regular garden cuz I don't have that much to begin with so I am thrilled to find this way. I can put these "CANS" anywhere. thank you, thank you, and I love your website. Happy, Happy from the USA, patty

[dinnycash]

do you cover the stalks compleatly with compost

[thriftygardener]

Just leave a few leaves exposed, so they can get the light and continue the growing process. Probably, if you covered totally, the plant would cope fine, but I like to give the plant the best possible chance - all plants need light and water to grow.

Good luck with your potatoes, Dinnycash!

[phoenixrb1]

Hi, Great videos. You sound alot like me, making everything out of anything ha! I have just recently planted some potatoes, its my first time at having a go. I have subscribed to your channel to get more idea's. I was wondering if you could tell me what seed potatoes are? sounds obvious sorry but I have been told not to use supermarket potatoes but I don't know where to start about growing on my potatoes for next year. If you could help that would be great. Good luck with your channel :) Thx

[thriftygardener]

Hi phoenixrb1, and thanks for commenting.

Seed potatoes are those sold specifically for growing. They were available in big bags from the garden centres a few weeks ago ... you might get them reduced now as everywhere has flowers ready for the Bank Holiday plant up!

You don't have to chit them, like mine in the video were (allowing them to grow shoots) - doing that just gives the plants a head start.

Good luck!

[msfullroller]

Thanks for sharing. I may try this.

[thriftygardener]

Good luck, msfullroller. Let me know how they do!