How to Grow Potatoes in Grow bags
Potatoes are considered to be a staple food, because of this the potato veggie is a popular vegetable that’s grown and cultivated in many home gardens and on a wider scale as well as(on farmlands). But before we get into the discussion of growing potatoes in grow bags I want you for a short while to travel back with me in time as we look at the origin of the potato plant.
History records that between 8,000 B.C. to 5,000 B.C. the Inca Indians who lived in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes, but during the year 1536, Spanish Conquistadors in Peru discovered potatoes and had them transported to Europe. However, it’s also recorded that in 1589 the country of Ireland was introduced to potatoes by Sir Walter Raleigh.
Many, many years later this veggie was spread to the rest of Europe, in the 1620’s potatoes arrived in the colonies when the Governor of the Bahamas sent a box that was a gift to the Governor of the colony of Virginia.
Potatoes become widely accepted when Thomas Jefferson give the potato plant an aristocratic seal of approval by serving them to the guest in the White House. Since then and with other historical events potatoes have gained popularity being used in so many salads and food recipes.
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Growing Potatoes in Grow Bags
What I love about growing potatoes in grow bags is the opportunity it presents for those who may want to grow these veggies but don’t have the space. So the question still remains how to grow potatoes in grow bags? well, I am so glad you asked, by the end of this discussion you will be armed with the knowledge of how to grow potatoes in grow bags which is so simple.
Potato Planting Location- When planting potatoes, the first step in the right direction is to choose the right location, potatoes love lots and lots of sunlight so locate an area that will supply the required sunlight. 6-8 hours of sunlight will do but if you can expose your potatoes to more sunlight then do just that.
Potato Preparation- If the potatoes are somewhat larger cut them up into five 2-ounce chunks, however, if the potatoes are small can be planted whole.
Potato Soil Preparation- once your grow bag/bags is in place next it’s time to fill those bags with soil, if you have a wheel burrow (optional) place the soil or potting mixture in the burrow, next add your granular fertilizer and mix soil and fertilizer thoroughly, before fertilizer use read the manufacturer’s direction for the best results. Now moisten the soil a bit with water.
Grow Bag- Next fold down the edges of the grow bag to form a 4′ cuff, now with a shovel fill your grow bags with soil, the soil should be no more than about 4′ deep. Once this is done place each potato piece on the soil’s surface and cover with 3′ of soil. Once your potatoes have grown to about 6 to 8′ add more soil.
About 4′ inches will do, now give your potatoes adequate water, once your potato plants have grown another 8′ repeat the step of adding more soil and then water again. Continue this step until the bag is full.
Watering Methods
Because grow bags dry out quickly keep a check on your potatoes to ensure they are consistently getting the right amount of water. Water regularly.
Pests Control
Keep an eye out for garden pests, Colorado potato beetles are the most common pests, inspect the leaves’ undersides and if eggs are discovered remove them by rubbing the leaves with your hand. To bring control to the adult beetles remove them with your hand and place them in a container of soapy water. Keep a constant check for these beetles on your potato plant and repeat control measures.
Signs that its Time for Harvest
Once your plant begins to grow vigorously and puts out flowers is a good sign that harvest time is near, when the leaves start to turn yellow and the stems wilt. Stop watering and wait for about a week to two weeks then you may proceed to harvest your potatoes.
The Advantages of Growing Potatoes in Grow Bags
- Can be used anywhere including indoors and on patios, porches, and balconies
- Can be used in areas with bad soil
- Garden maintenance is kept low (low maintenance)
- Grow bags are breathable
- Plants will produce healthy root growth
- Grow bags can be washed and reused
- Grow bags are easy to store when not in use
- Grow bags are said to be biodegradable so if planted in the ground will breakdown
- Grow bags are a time saver and make your work easy once the soil is added just install your plants
- Because grow bags are made with breathable material will regulate (will not overheat) the temperature
- Good soil drainage prevents a build-up of moisture that can lead to root rot
The Disadvantages of Growing Potatoes in Grow Bags
- Grow bags may last 2-3 seasons or a bit longer
- You may have to water plants more frequently
- Some grow bags aren’t biodegradable
- Although these bags can be moved from place to place can get heavy with the plant and the soil’s weight
- Grow bags are not good when it comes to keeping plants protected on cold nights
- After 2-3 years you may have to purchase more of these bags
- Grow bags are not that pretty in appearance.
The final word on growing potatoes in grow bags
There you have it, growing potatoes in grow bags is that simple all it takes is knowing how and you have come to the right places for knowing how to grow potatoes in grow bags. We have also done the homework for you on the advantages and disadvantages of using grow bags so you can now decide if grow bags are a perfect fit for making growing potatoes a lot easier.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.