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. Let the pieces dry in the sun for a day or two.
Sprouted pieces are preferred.
Figure on four pieces per 32-gallon trash can. Planting more densely results in smaller and fewer potatoes. Place the can in a location with full sun. Put about 4 inches of soil and compost in the bottom of the can. Place the potato pieces on the soil and cover with about 2 more inches of topsoil.