Growing Potatoes in a Stack of Tires: A Space-Saving Method

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the base. Deeply dig a 2×2 ft area; mix in ¼ cup of 6-12-12 or 5-10-15 fertilizer.
2. Place the first tire. Set an old automobile tire on its side over the prepared spot.
3. Plant seed potatoes. Cut certified disease-free potatoes into quarters (each with an eye) and press shallowly into the soil.
4. Fill with organic matter. Use damp, rotted hay or rotten leaves mixed with planting soil to fill the tire.
5. Add tires as plants grow. When foliage emerges a few inches above the rim, stack another tire and fill with more rotted material. Repeat until late June.
6. Harvest. Knock over the stack and collect your potatoes.

Important Tips

• Water regularly. Tires heat up quickly in sun, drying the medium.
• No tires? Use a 3-ft diameter, 3-ft tall cylinder of chicken wire instead.

Irish potato