They'll learn more painlessly about plants if they sow what they like to eat or see. Maybe, though, they'll be intrigued by a secret hideaway made of sunflowers, a tepee made of beans, potatoes growing in a garbage can or the prospect of creating a restaurant for butterflies. The yield isn't as high as for potatoes planted in the garden, but growing potatoes in a new, clean garbage can saves space. And it introduces an element of mystery, since no one can see what's happening to the potatoes until harvest time. In the bottom and sides of an empty plastic garbage can, poke dozens of holes with a hammer and nail or drill.
Good drainage is critical.
Purchase one or two certified seed potatoes at a garden store. Look for the novelty varieties, such as Red Gold. Since potatoes need 90 to 120 frost-free days to mature, start this project right away and locate the can where it will be easy to protect the plants if early fall nights turn cold. If the foliage gets killed by the cold, author Maggie Oster recommends cutting it off a few days before digging the potatoes. To plant the can, cut the seed potato into four pieces, each with two or more eyes or dormant buds.