Sara HameedLearn how to grow potatoes in a bag with our step-by-step guide, including soil preparation, watering schedules, and harvesting tips to ensure a bountiful potato harvest.
Hello, I’m Sara Hameed, an expert gardener with over 9 years of experience in growing a wide variety of vegetables, including potatoes. In this comprehensive article, I’ll share my knowledge and proven techniques for successfully growing potatoes in bags, no matter the size of your growing space.
Growing potatoes in bags or containers is an excellent option for gardeners with limited space, poor soil, or who simply want to try something new. Potatoes are a versatile and rewarding crop that can thrive in small spaces when given the right conditions.
In the following sections, I’ll cover everything from selecting the best soil and potato varieties to planting, caring for, and harvesting your homegrown spuds. I’ll also address common challenges and share expert tips to ensure a bountiful potato harvest, even in the most compact of gardens.
Choosing the Right Grow Bag and Soil
The first step to growing potatoes in bags is selecting the appropriate container and soil. Fabric grow bags are an excellent choice as they allow for excellent drainage and air circulation around the roots.
Grow Bag Size
The size of your grow bag will depend on the potato variety you choose to grow. As a general rule:
- For early or salad potato varieties, a 5-gallon (19-liter) bag can accommodate 1-2 plants.
- For maincrop potato varieties, which grow larger, you’ll want a 10-15 gallon (38-57 liter) bag to fit 4-6 plants.
Ensure your grow bag has adequate drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
Potatoes thrive in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix. A high-quality potting mix or compost-based soil is ideal. Avoid using heavy, dense garden soil, as this can compact and inhibit root growth.
When filling your grow bag, start with 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of soil. As the plants grow, you’ll need to “earth up” by adding more soil around the stems, so have extra on hand.
Selecting Potato Varieties
Not all potato varieties are well-suited for growing in bags. Here are some expert recommendations:
Early and Salad Potatoes
- ‘Anya’
- ‘Maris Peer’
- ‘Charlotte’
- ‘Rocket’
These smaller, faster-maturing varieties thrive in the confined space of a grow bag and are ready to harvest in 10-12 weeks.
Maincrop Potatoes
- ‘Desiree’
- ‘King Edward’
- ‘Maris Piper’
- ‘Cara’
Maincrop potatoes require more room to develop their larger tubers, so choose a 10-15 gallon bag for best results. They’ll take 15-20 weeks to reach maturity.
Planting Potatoes in Bags
Now that you have your grow bag and soil ready, it’s time to plant the potatoes. Here’s how:
Chitting the Seed Potatoes
“Chitting” is the process of encouraging the potatoes to sprout before planting. Place the seed potatoes in an egg carton or similar container, with the eyes facing up. Set them in a cool, bright location for 2-4 weeks until the sprouts are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.
Planting
- Place 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of soil in the bottom of the grow bag.
- Gently plant the chitted seed potatoes, spacing them 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) apart.
- Cover the potatoes with 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of soil.
- Water the soil thoroughly.
Earthing Up
As the potato plants grow, you’ll need to “earth up” by adding more soil around the stems. This encourages the development of additional tubers and prevents the potatoes from turning green from exposure to sunlight.
Every 2-3 weeks, unroll the top of the grow bag and add 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of soil, burying the lower leaves and stems. Continue this process until the bag is full.
Caring for Potato Plants in Bags
Proper care is essential for a successful potato harvest. Here are some expert tips:
Watering
Potatoes require consistent moisture, especially during tuber formation and bulking up. Water the soil when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) begin to dry out, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week.
Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to rot. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work well for maintaining even moisture in grow bags.
Fertilizing
Potatoes are heavy feeders, so supplement the soil with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks. Look for a formula with a ratio of approximately 10-10-10 or 12-12-12.
Sunlight
Potatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Positioning your grow bags in a sunny spot is crucial for healthy plant growth and tuber development.
Pests and Diseases
Common potato pests include aphids, Colorado potato beetles, and wireworms. Monitor your plants regularly and address any issues promptly. Organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective.
Potato diseases like blight, scab, and mosaic virus can also be problematic. Ensure you use clean, disease-free seed potatoes and practice good sanitation in your growing area.
Harvesting Potatoes from Grow Bags
Knowing when to harvest your potatoes is key to maximizing your yield. Here’s what to look for:
Timing
- Early and salad potato varieties will be ready to harvest 10-12 weeks after planting.
- Maincrop potatoes take 15-20 weeks to reach maturity.
Watch for the foliage to start yellowing and dying back, which indicates the tubers are ready.
Harvesting
- Gently tip the grow bag onto a tarp or large container.
- Sift through the soil to locate and carefully remove the potatoes.
- Handle the tubers with care to avoid bruising or damage.
Curing and Storage
After harvesting, allow the potatoes to cure for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. This helps thicken the skins and improve storability.
Store the cured potatoes in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or basement. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause the starch to convert to sugar, altering the flavor.
Related Queries
Best soil for growing potatoes in bags
When growing potatoes in bags, you’ll want to use a high-quality potting mix or compost-based soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Avoid using heavy garden soil, as it can compact and inhibit root growth. Start with 8-10 inches of soil in the bottom of the bag and add more as you earth up the plants.
How to grow potatoes in containers
Growing potatoes in containers like grow bags is very similar to growing them in the ground. Choose the right size container, use a quality potting mix, plant the seed potatoes, and earth up the plants as they grow. Provide consistent moisture and sunlight for best results.
Potato grow bag tips
Some key tips for growing potatoes in grow bags include:
- Select the right size bag for your potato variety (5-15 gallons)
- Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix or compost
- Chit the seed potatoes before planting
- Plant 12-16 inches apart and cover with 4-6 inches of soil
- Earth up the plants every 2-3 weeks as they grow
- Water consistently, about 1 inch per week
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer
How to grow potatoes from eyes in a bag
Growing potatoes from eyes is very similar to using whole seed potatoes. Allow the eyes to sprout before planting. Place the potato pieces 12-16 inches apart and cover with 4-6 inches of soil. Earth up the plants as they grow. Provide consistent moisture and sunlight.
Harvesting potatoes in grow bags
Potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage starts to yellow and die back, typically 10-12 weeks for early varieties and 15-20 weeks for maincrop potatoes. Gently tip the grow bag over and sift through the soil to remove the tubers. Allow them to cure for 1-2 weeks before storing in a cool, dark place.
Indoor potato growing methods
Growing potatoes indoors in bags is possible but more challenging. Potatoes require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, so supplemental lighting is needed. Be extra vigilant about watering and monitoring for pests and diseases. Choose a sunny spot and use a high-quality potting mix.
Companion plants for potatoes in bags
Some good companion plants for potatoes include marigolds, horseradish, and nasturtiums. Marigolds help repel nematodes and other pests. Horseradish is thought to improve potato flavor. Nasturtiums attract aphids away from potatoes. Avoid planting potatoes with tomatoes, as they can spread diseases.
Long-Tail Keywords
How to water potatoes in grow bags
Water potatoes in grow bags when the top 1-2 inches of soil begin to dry out, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Adjust as needed based on weather conditions. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work well for maintaining even moisture.
Best fertilizer for potatoes in bags
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost tea with a ratio of around 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Apply every 4-6 weeks to provide nutrients for the heavy-feeding potato plants.
Organic methods for growing potatoes in bags
To grow potatoes organically in bags, use a high-quality organic potting mix or compost. Fertilize with organic materials like compost, manure, or a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Troubleshooting potato bags
Some common issues with growing potatoes in bags include:
- Not providing enough soil volume
- Forgetting to earth up the plants
- Over or under watering
- Neglecting to fertilize regularly
- Pests like aphids or diseases like blight
Monitor plants closely and address any problems promptly. Ensure proper drainage, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization for best results.
Compact ways to grow potato in small spaces
Growing potato in bags is an excellent way to produce a crop in small spaces. Choose a 5-15 gallon bag depending on the variety. Position the bags in a sunny spot and use a quality potting mix. Chit the seed potato, plant, and earth up as needed. Provide consistent moisture and fertilizer for a bountiful harvest, even in compact gardens
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Grow Potatoes in a Bag
How much soil do I need to grow potato in a bag?
As a general rule, you’ll need 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of soil in the bottom of the grow bag to start. As the plants grow, you’ll need to add an additional 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of soil every 2-3 weeks to “earth up” the plants.
What kind of potato are best for growing in a bag?
Early and salad potato varieties, such as ‘Anya’, ‘Maris Peer’, and ‘Charlotte’, are well-suited for growing in bags. They have a smaller, more compact growth habit and mature faster than larger maincrop potato.
How often should I water potato grown in a bag?
Potato require consistent moisture, especially during tuber formation and bulking up. Water the soil when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) begin to dry out, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Adjust watering as needed based on weather conditions.
Can I reuse the soil from my potato bag?
Yes, you can reuse the soil from your potato grow bags, but it’s best to amend it with fresh compost or a balanced fertilizer before replanting. This will replenish any nutrients that were depleted during the previous growing season.
How long does it take to grow potato in a bag?
The time it takes to grow potato in a bag will depend on the variety. Early and salad potato varieties can be harvested in 10-12 weeks, while maincrop potato take 15-20 weeks to reach maturity.
What size grow bag is best for potato?
The ideal grow bag size will depend on the potato variety you’re growing. For early and salad potato, a 5-gallon (19-liter) bag is sufficient. For maincrop potato, which require more room, a 10-15 gallon (38-57 liter) bag is recommended.
Can I grow potato in a bag indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow potato indoors in a bag, but it can be more challenging. Potato require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, so you’ll need to provide supplemental lighting if growing them indoors. Additionally, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about watering and monitoring for pests and diseases.
What are common mistakes when growing potato in a bag?
Some common mistakes to avoid when growing potato in bags include:
- Not providing enough soil volume for the potato variety
- Forgetting to “earth up” the plants as they grow
- Overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged
- Neglecting to fertilize the plants regularly
- Failing to monitor for pests and diseases
When should I harvest potato from the grow bag?
You’ll know it’s time to harvest your potato when the foliage starts to yellow and die back. For early and salad potato varieties, this will typically occur 10-12 weeks after planting. Maincrop potato will be ready 15-20 weeks after planting.
How do I prepare the grow bag for planting potato?
To prepare the grow bag for planting potato, start by ensuring it has adequate drainage holes in the bottom. Then, fill the bottom of the bag with 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of a high-quality potting mix or compost-based soil. This will provide a nutrient-rich foundation for your potato plants.
Conclusion
Growing potatoes in bags is a fantastic way to enjoy a bountiful harvest, even in limited garden spaces. By following the expert tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a successful potato-growing experience.
Remember to choose the right potato varieties, provide the necessary soil, water, and nutrients, and stay vigilant in monitoring for pests and diseases. With a little care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious crop of homegrown potatoes that you can enjoy all season long.
Happy gardening!
