For many gardeners and farmers, space and resources can often limit their growing potential. However, an unconventional yet effective solution has emerged—growing potatoes in cardboard boxes. One recent YouTube video by James Prigioni from “The Gardening Channel” demonstrated how using simple Amazon boxes can yield a surprisingly bountiful potato harvest. This method has become a hit among gardening enthusiasts, proving that you don’t need vast land or specialized tools to grow a healthy crop.
Materials and Process
The process begins with something as simple as repurposing an old Amazon cardboard box. In James’s experiment, he prepared two boxes—one large and one small. The first step was to line the bottom of each box with dried leaves, which helps with moisture retention. Then, he filled the boxes with homemade soil, planting three seed potatoes (Red Norland variety) in the larger box and two seed potatoes (white variety) in the smaller one. A layer of soil covered the seed potatoes, and fertilizer, specially designed for potatoes, was added to enhance growth.
One key recommendation from James was ensuring the boxes were at least 25 cm tall, allowing enough room for the potatoes to grow effectively. The cardboard flaps were folded inward to provide extra support for the structure.
Growth and Care
Within 13 days, small leaves began to sprout from both boxes, indicating healthy development. By day 23, the plants had grown significantly, filling each box with lush green foliage. To promote further growth and protect the plants from toxins, James added more soil and leaves around the growing stems. Regular watering was essential to maintaining a moist environment for optimal tuber formation.
Two weeks later, the plants were flourishing, and the leaves indicated that the first tubers had begun to form beneath the soil. However, the larger box suffered minor pest damage, particularly to the Red Norland variety, which seemed to attract more pests than the white potato variety. Despite this setback, the damage was not severe enough to require chemical treatment.
Harvesting the Potatoes
After patiently waiting several more weeks, the plants began to wilt—a sure sign that the tubers were ready for harvest. James carefully cut open the now swollen cardboard boxes, starting with the larger one. Inside, he discovered over 20 healthy potatoes, despite one slightly damaged tuber. The smaller box also performed well, producing more than 10 potatoes from just two seed potatoes. The excitement was palpable, as James marveled at the size and quantity of the harvest, all grown from such a simple setup.
Community Reactions
This method of potato growing has garnered attention for its simplicity and sustainability. In the comments, viewers expressed their amazement at the bountiful harvest. “It’s incredible that you can harvest so many potatoes from just a couple of seed potatoes and a cardboard box,” one commenter said. Others shared their own experiences of growing potatoes in cardboard boxes from Costco or similar setups, praising the taste and ease of the process.
Beyond potatoes, James’s YouTube channel features other innovative gardening tips, such as growing apple trees from seeds and unusual methods for nurturing tomato plants. His focus on repurposing materials and making gardening accessible for everyone has attracted a wide following, inspiring both novice and experienced growers alike.
Growing potatoes in cardboard boxes proves that anyone can cultivate a rewarding crop with minimal space, effort, and resources. This eco-friendly, cost-effective method is ideal for beginner gardeners, urban farmers, or anyone looking to maximize their harvests in limited spaces. With just a few seed potatoes, some soil, and a repurposed box, you can enjoy a healthy potato crop at home.
