Vancouver Food Network

Yes, you can grow potatoes in your yard. Better yet, you can harvest them with relative ease by growing them in a tower or other above ground method.

In a field or garden, potatoes are usually planted in a shallow trench and as the season progresses, the soil is built up into hills around the growing plant. The potato plant sends out "runners" which develop into potatoes. Yield is dependent on nutrients and water and how much soil is available.

There are many ways to use this principal in your yard in a minimum amount of space. Large potting tubs such as those in which nursery trees are sold, old garbage cans with the bottoms "punched out," burlap bags, large buckets, etc., can be used. The idea is to have a container on the ground so the roots can grow into the ground for nourishment allowing the walls of the container to hold the soil as it is added throughout the season. For the most convenient way to harvest, think ahead to allow the sides of the container to be removed; a large container full of soil and potatoes will be heavy to lift.

One solution is to build a 2 foot by 2 foot potato box. Fill the bottom layer with planting soil and plant the potatoes. As the leaves emerge, keep gradually adding soil, being careful to leave ample leaf growth to keep the plant nourished. As the soil is built up, the potatoes will form in the soil. This method will allow the removal of the bottom "round" of boards to allow early harvest of the first potatoes.

These sites will show you various ways of growing potatoes in a small area. Be creative in your own yard or garden. Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments section of this article.

• How to Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet.
• It's not Idaho, but you still can grow potatoes
• Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet, How to
• Build-As-You-Grow Potato Bins
• Growing Potatoes in a Garbage Can
• Growing Potatoes in a Garbage Bag

Find a variety of seed potatoes at Thrifty Yard and Feed