Growing Potatoes In Laundry Basket

So you’ve got a laundry basket sitting in the corner, maybe collecting socks or waiting for the next load. What if I told you that same basket could be the start of your very own potato patch? Yep, growing potatoes in laundry basket setups is catching on fast—and for good reason. It’s easy, space-saving, and surprisingly effective. Whether you’re low on garden space or just curious about trying something new, this method could be your golden ticket to homegrown spuds.

Forget what you know about traditional potato farming. You don’t need acres of land, fancy tools, or even a proper garden bed. All you need is a laundry basket, some soil, a few seed potatoes, and a bit of sunlight. It’s the kind of project that even apartment dwellers can pull off. Plus, it’s kind of fun watching potatoes sprout in a place where you’d normally find laundry.

So, is this just a quirky gardening trend or is there actually something to it? Well, plenty of people are already doing it—and loving the results. The trick lies in how the basket allows for proper drainage and airflow, which potatoes tend to appreciate. And since it’s portable, you can move it around to catch the best sun or protect it from harsh weather. If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at growing potatoes but weren’t sure where to start, this might be the answer you’ve been waiting for.

Why Would Anyone Try Growing Potatoes In A Laundry Basket?

It might seem a little odd at first—why on earth would you use a laundry basket to grow anything? But think about it: laundry baskets are usually made of breathable plastic, have handles for easy moving, and come in a size that’s just right for a small crop. They’re also super affordable, easy to find, and already have the holes you’d otherwise have to drill into a bucket or bin. So it’s kind of a no-brainer.

What Makes A Laundry Basket A Good Choice For Potatoes?

Potatoes like loose, well-draining soil and good airflow. A laundry basket checks both of those boxes. The open sides let air circulate, which helps prevent rot, and the basket itself is usually big enough to hold a few plants comfortably. Plus, the handles make it super easy to move around—no heavy lifting or awkward dragging across the yard.

How Exactly Do You Set Up A Laundry Basket For Growing Potatoes?

Setting up your laundry basket for potato growing isn’t complicated, but it does require a few key steps. First, grab a basket with plenty of holes. If yours doesn’t have them, you’ll want to drill a few. You don’t want the basket to hold water—it needs to drain well so the roots don’t sit in soggy soil.

Next, line the bottom with a layer of newspaper or landscape fabric. This helps keep the soil from slipping out through the holes, but still lets water drain freely. Then add a few inches of potting mix or compost-rich soil. Toss in your seed potatoes, then cover them with more soil. As the plants grow, keep adding more soil or mulch to cover the developing tubers. That’s basically it—easy, right?

What Kind Of Soil Works Best In A Laundry Basket?

You’ll want something light, fluffy, and full of nutrients. A high-quality potting mix is a safe bet, or you can mix your own using compost, peat moss, and perlite. Avoid using garden soil—it tends to compact and doesn’t drain well in containers. Also, potatoes love organic matter, so adding compost or well-rotted manure is a great idea. Just make sure it’s fully broken down before you mix it in.

Can You Use Regular Garden Soil For Growing Potatoes In Laundry Baskets?

Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Garden soil is heavier and can hold too much moisture, which might lead to rot or disease. Potatoes need a loose, aerated mix that drains well. If you must use garden soil, mix it with compost and something like perlite or coarse sand to lighten it up. Otherwise, just stick with a good potting mix—it’ll save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

What Do You Need To Start Growing Potatoes In A Laundry Basket?

Let’s break it down: you’ll need a laundry basket (obviously), some soil, seed potatoes, compost, water, and a bit of time. That’s it. Oh, and maybe a tarp or tray underneath if you’re placing it on a patio or balcony—just to catch any drips. If you’re growing it outside, make sure it’s somewhere that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. Potatoes like sun, so don’t skimp on that part.

Where’s The Best Place To Put A Laundry Basket Full Of Potatoes?

If you’re growing them outdoors, a sunny spot is your best bet. If you’re on a balcony or rooftop, make sure the basket is secure and won’t tip over in the wind. Indoors? Well, that’s trickier unless you have a sunny window or grow lights. But for most people, a balcony or patio works just fine. The beauty of the basket is that it’s portable—so if the weather turns bad, you can move it to shelter in a flash.

Do Potatoes In A Laundry Basket Need A Lot Of Water?

They do, but not too much. Potatoes like consistent moisture, especially when they’re forming tubers. But remember, the basket drains well, so you won’t have to worry about overwatering as much as you would in a solid container. Just check the soil every couple of days—stick your finger in a bit. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, hold off for another day or two.

When Should You Harvest Potatoes From A Laundry Basket?

Harvest time depends on the variety you planted, but generally speaking, you can start digging in a few months. Early potatoes are usually ready in about 70 days, while maincrop types take closer to 90 or more. To check if they’re ready, gently feel around the top of the basket or peek under the soil. If the tubers are a decent size, you’re good to go.

How Do You Harvest Potatoes From A Laundry Basket?

Here’s the fun part: you can just tip the whole basket out onto a tarp or old sheet and sift through the soil by hand. No digging required, no backbreaking work—just shake it out and pick out your potatoes. It’s way easier than digging through a garden bed, and you’re less likely to accidentally stab a tuber with a shovel. Win-win!

Can You Reuse The Soil After Growing Potatoes In A Laundry Basket?

You can, but it’s not always a great idea. Potatoes are heavy feeders, so they’ll have sucked a lot of nutrients out of the soil. If you want to grow something else in the same basket, you’ll probably want to refresh the soil with compost or a nutrient boost. Also, since potatoes can sometimes carry diseases, it’s best not to plant nightshades (like tomatoes or peppers) in the same soil the next season.

What Can You Grow After Potatoes In The Same Basket?

Leafy greens, beans, peas, and herbs are all good choices after potatoes. These plants don’t have the same disease risks and can benefit from the loose, well-draining soil left behind. Just give the basket a quick clean before adding new soil and planting something else. That way, you’re not passing on any potential issues.

Are There Any Downsides To Growing Potatoes In A Laundry Basket?

Like any growing method, it’s not perfect for everyone. For one, the yield might be smaller than what you’d get from a full garden bed. Also, because the basket is made of plastic, it can heat up in direct sunlight, which might stress the roots. To prevent that, wrap the outside with burlap or shade cloth in really hot weather. And of course, if you’re planning a massive harvest, a single laundry basket probably won’t cut it—you’ll need several.

Is It Worth It To Try Growing Potatoes In A Laundry Basket?

If you’ve got space, time, and a little curiosity, absolutely. It’s a great way to try growing potatoes without making a big commitment. Plus, it’s fun to see how much you can get from a simple laundry basket. If nothing else, it’s a great conversation starter—and you’ll have fresh potatoes to show off too.

What Are Some Tips For Success With Growing Potatoes In Laundry Baskets?

Here’s a quick list to keep in mind:

Use a basket with plenty of drainage holes.
Line the bottom with newspaper or landscape fabric.
Fill with loose, nutrient-rich soil.
Plant certified disease-free seed potatoes.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
“Hill” the plants by adding more soil as they grow.
Harvest when the tops die back or when tubers are big enough.
Clean and refresh the soil after each use.

How to Grow Potatoes in a Laundry Basket? - Heaven Gables

Details

Growing Potatoes Laundry Basket at Roy Bush blog

Details

Growing Sweet Potatoes In A Laundry Basket - A 4-Step Guide 2025

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Ericka Bednar III
Username : schultz.jedediah
Email : dreichert@yahoo.com
Birthdate : 1973-05-15
Address : 12747 Percival Land Apt. 855 New Darlenemouth, MO 39374-7753
Phone : 920-445-4309
Company : Kiehn, Feest and Mann
Job : Auditor
Bio : Sit enim mollitia aut nostrum earum amet impedit autem. Voluptate est sed quia non est laborum. Praesentium unde aut laudantium. At nihil qui id impedit quam eos et.

Socials

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/o'keefej
username : o'keefej
bio : Odit id voluptatum aliquam laborum distinctio rerum et quis. Quia perspiciatis quia ex voluptate.
followers : 4994
following : 2963

facebook:

url : https://facebook.com/jo_o'keefe
username : jo_o'keefe
bio : Aut nostrum doloribus minus fuga est. Ut veniam iste voluptas libero quia fuga.
followers : 6749
following : 255