Simple Method for Potato Plants
By M.H. Dyer, eHow Contributor 
updated: February 15, 2011
Plant only certified seed potatoes.
Potatoes aren't difficult to plant in the home garden, but if you're looking for an even easier way to go, plant potatoes in a large plastic trash can or an old metal barrel. The larger the container, the more potatoes you'll harvest.
- Drill several holes, about 6 inches apart, in the bottom of your container. Cover the bottom of the container with a piece of fiberglass screen to prevent the sawdust from washing through the drainage holes, then fill the barrel with 4 to 6 inches of sawdust.
- Cut seed potatoes into chunks measuring about 2 inches across, each with at least one eye, or sprout. Set the potatoes aside to dry for 1 or 2 days, then push the potatoes into the sawdust, just deep enough to cover the potatoes. Water the sawdust lightly. Leave the can uncovered and place the container in full sunlight.
- Add another layer of sawdust every time the potato stems are 2 to 3 inches tall, but avoid covering the tips of the stems, as the stem tips must be exposed to sunlight. Continue adding layers of sawdust as the potatoes grow, until the sawdust reaches the top of the barrel. Give the potatoes 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water every week. The barrel can be tipped over in September, and the potatoes will tumble out.
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