Planting Seed Potatoes in Grow Bags: A Comprehensive Guide

Growing potatoes in grow bags is an excellent solution for gardeners with limited space. Grow bags allow you to plant potatoes on a patio, balcony, or any other small area with access to sunlight. This method yields a bountiful harvest of fresh potatoes without requiring a large garden plot. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about planting seed potatoes in grow bags, from choosing seed potatoes to harvesting and storing your crop.

What are Grow Bags?

Grow bags are soft-sided containers made from breathable fabrics like polypropylene that allow air and water to reach plant roots. They come in a range of sizes from 5-25 gallons. For potatoes, 10-15 gallon grow bags are recommended to provide enough room for the plant’s roots and tubers to develop. Grow bags make potato growing simple by controlling the soil environment and eliminating the need to dig up plants at harvest time.

Benefits of Using Grow Bags

• Ideal for patios, decks, balconies and other small spaces
• Allow you to grow potatoes anywhere with sun exposure
• Provide excellent drainage and aeration for potato roots
• Soil warms more quickly than ground soil in spring
• Less prone to soil-borne diseases
• Easy to move if needed
• Simplifies harvesting – just tip the bag over

Choosing Seed Potatoes for Grow Bags

• Select certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable source. Avoid using potatoes from the grocery store, which may carry diseases.
• Good varieties for grow bags include Yukon Gold, Red Gold, French Fingerling, Purple Viking and Russet.
• Chitting or pre-sprouting potatoes for 2-4 weeks prior to planting helps encourage faster, stronger growth.

Preparing the Grow Bag

• Fill grow bag 2/3 full with a high-quality potting mix blended with compost or manure.
• Add a granular organic vegetable fertilizer to the soil mix.
• Planting depth should be 4-6 inches initially.
• Roll down the sides of the bag to create more vertical space for hilling.

Planting the Seed Potatoes

• Cut large tubers into chunks 2-3 oz in size, with at least 1-2 eyes per piece.
• Allow cut seed pieces to cure for 1-2 days before planting.
• Place 3-5 seed potato pieces in the bag, spaced 8-12 inches apart.
• Cover the seed potatoes with 4 inches of additional soil mix.

Caring for Potato Plants in Grow Bags

• Situate bags in full sun – at least 6-8 hours per day.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
• Once plants are 8-10 inches tall, unroll bag sides and add more soil mix to cover lower stems.
• Repeat hilling process every 8-10 inches of growth until bag is full.
• Apply liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion monthly during growing season.
• Check for pest like Colorado potato beetles and remove by hand.

Harvesting Potatoes from Grow Bags

• Stop watering plants 2 weeks before harvesting to allow skins to set.
• Once foliage starts dying back, use a garden fork to loosen soil and remove potatoes.
• Dry potatoes in a single layer before storing. Cure for 7-14 days in cool, dark place to promote longer storage.

Storing the Potato Harvest

• Store cured potatoes in cardboard boxes, mesh bags or paper bags in a cool (40-50°F), dark place. Avoid plastic bags.
• Checking potatoes periodically and remove any that are spoiled. Most varieties store for 3-5 months.
• New potatoes harvested early in season don’t store as long – use within a few weeks.

When planted and cared for properly, grow bags can produce impressive yields of delicious potatoes in a small space. Follow this guide for success growing potatoes in grow bags!