Are you looking for a unique and space-saving way to grow your own potatoes? Then this article is for you.
Growing potatoes in a laundry basket lets you harvest fresh spuds right from your patio or small outdoor space. This space-saving method brings the farm to your home, no matter where you live.
Grab your laundry basket, and let’s start growing potatoes.
Why choose a laundry basket?
A laundry basket makes an ideal container for potato growing because it has lots of holes for drainage and air flow. The plastic material lasts several seasons and costs much less than fancy growing containers. Plus, you can move it around to catch the best sunlight.
What You’ll Need
Basic Supplies
- A plastic laundry basket
- Good quality potting soil
- Seed potatoes
- Straw or dried leaves
- Water source
- Sunny spot
Optional Items
- Organic fertilizer
- Garden gloves
- Small garden tools
- Plant markers
Preparing Your Basket
Start by picking a sturdy plastic laundry basket. The holes should be small enough to keep soil from falling out but big enough for drainage. Line the bottom with newspaper if the holes seem too large.
Mix your potting soil with compost for rich nutrients. Fill the basket about 6 inches deep with this mixture. This creates the base layer where your potato plants will start their growth journey.

Choosing and Preparing Seed Potatoes
Pick seed potatoes that show several ”eyes’—these are the growing points. Cut larger potatoes into chunks, making sure each piece has 2-3 eyes. Let these pieces dry for a day before planting.

Planting Process
Place your potato pieces about 4 inches deep in the soil, with the eyes pointing up. Space them 6 inches apart. A typical laundry basket fits 3-4 seed potato pieces.
Cover with 3 inches of soil mixed with straw. Water well, but don’t soak. The soil should feel like worn-out sponge.
You may like to read Best practices for successful aeroponic potato farming.
The Growing Stage
As potato plants grow taller, add more soil and straw around them, leaving just the top leaves showing. This process, called “hilling,” helps form more potatoes along the buried stems.
Keep adding layers until you reach near the top of your basket. The plants need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering Tips
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels dry two inches down, it’s time to water. Morning watering works best to prevent disease.

Common Problems and Solutions
Pest Management
Yellow potato beetles love potato plants. Pick them off by hand when you spot them. A spray of soapy water helps with aphids.
Disease Prevention
Good air flow through the basket helps prevent many common potato diseases. Remove any yellow or spotty leaves right away.
Diseases like potato blight can damage your plants and reduce your yield.
Harvest Time

Your potatoes will be ready when the plants turn yellow and die back. This usually takes 10–12 weeks. Stop watering when the plants start yellowing.
To harvest, tip the basket over onto a tarp. Sort through the soil carefully to find all your potatoes. Small ones can go right to the kitchen, while bigger ones need to cure in a dark place for a few days.
Storage Methods
Clean your harvested potatoes gently; don’t wash them. Store in a cool, dark place with good air flow. Check regularly and remove any that show signs of rotting.
Tips for Better Results

- Save some small potatoes from your harvest for next year’s planting
- Rotate your growing spot yearly
- Mix in eggshells with your soil for extra nutrients
- Keep a garden journal to track what works best
Here are some more essential potato farming tips for laundry basket watering and fertilizing:
- Watering: Our potato plants need consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry weather. Water your plants, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Using a drip irrigation system helps manage the water flow in your tall laundry basket. Plants receive water from their roots, minimizing water waste and maximizing growth.
- Fertilizer: Potato plants need the right nutrients to grow. High-quality organic fertilizer helps in the growth and development of plants.
Year-Round Planning
Start indoor sprouting in early spring. Plant outdoors after the last frost date. Plan for a fall crop by starting new potatoes in mid-summer.
Learning from Experience
Each growing season teaches new lessons. Watch how your plants respond to different conditions. Change your methods based on what you learn.
Cost Benefits
Growing your own potatoes saves money over time. One laundry basket setup costs less than $20 and produces several pounds of potatoes.
Environmental Impact
This growing method uses less water than traditional garden plots. The contained system prevents soil erosion and lets you control inputs better.
Community Connections
Share your extra harvest with neighbors. Trade growing tips with other gardeners. Join local urban farming groups to learn more tricks.
Future Growing Plans
Once you master basic potato growing, try different varieties. Purple potatoes, fingerlings, and russets all grow well in baskets.
The simple act of growing potatoes in a laundry basket connects you to your food source. It brings gardening joy to small spaces and teaches patience through hands-on learning.
Remember that each growing season brings its own challenges and rewards. Keep notes, stay curious, and enjoy watching your potato plants grow from simple sprouts to productive food producers.
Your laundry basket potato garden shows how creative solutions make home food production possible anywhere. This method fits perfectly with modern urban living while keeping traditional, growing wisdom alive.