Welcome back :)

The ice cream pails will not be too shallow for the canna's. A couple years ago I started some individually in 1 gallon pots and transplanted later. Just make sure the pails have drainage holes.

I've not tried growing yams for their vines but you seem to have the right idea. When they start to grow, they should grow quickly. Grocery store produce that's probably treated with (whatever) to prolong shelf life may impede the progression.

I always fondly remember the year I was too broke to buy potting soil so I started my cannas in cardboard boxes full of shredded newspaper. Worked like a charm. ;0)

I would just buy a slip of sweet potato vine from a nursery in spring. There are some pretty colours like purple and lime green, and one plant won't cost a lot and will fill out fast. I agree with Pudge that a grocery store tuber might be treated to prevent sprouting. Try it if you want though.

I started sweet potato cuttings one year. You have to make sure you buy a potato that is fairly fresh, not to dried and wrinkled. I just bought mine at the supermarket. I used an egg carton, you can use a foil tray if you want, to lay the potato in. First, Cut the potato lengthwise, then score the cut side into 10 or 12 sections. Line the carton with dampened peat moss. Turn it cut side down and place it on dampened peatmoss. Wrap the whole thing, carton and all, with plastic wrap to hold in the humidity. They had started to sprout within 2 weeks. At the end of the growing season, you can take cuttings to overwinter for next summer. Hope this helps. Marg

I forgot to mention, you will only get green plants, a dull medium green color. If you want colorful ones, you would be better off buying slips from a nursery. Just remember to take cuttings and overwinter them.

Thank you for all your replies. Regarding the sweet potato vines, I was hoping to get the lime green coloured vines, so if they aren't going to give me those, it looks like I might be eating those yams for Easter!

I planted the canna bulbs last night, 2 per 2 gallon pot (I found some outside) and am hoping that works out.

Thank you again.