Discover how to plant potatoes in a bag with this beginner-friendly guide. Learn the best soil mix, watering tips, and harvesting tricks for a tasty homegrown crop!
Hey there, gardening pals! I’m Ashley Scott, and with over 10 years of dirt under my nails, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite gardening hacks: planting potatoes in bags. If you’re in the USA and dreaming of fresh spuds but lack a big yard—or any yard at all—this method is your ticket to potato paradise. I’ve grown everything from fingerlings on my tiny balcony to Yukon Golds on my patio, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide on how to plant potatoes in a bag!
Why I Love Planting Potatoes in Bags
Before we jump into the how-to, let me tell you why I’m obsessed with potato grow bags:
- Space-Saver: Perfect for small spaces like balconies or patios.
- Low Effort: No weeding or heavy digging—just pure potato-growing fun.
- Portable: Move them to catch the sun or dodge a storm.
- Kid-Friendly: My niece once squealed finding “buried treasure” during harvest time!
One summer, I grew a bag of colorful fingerlings right outside my apartment door. My neighbors couldn’t stop asking about it—it’s a real conversation starter!
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Bag
First things first, you need a bag to grow your spuds. Here’s what I look for:
- Material: I swear by fabric grow bags. They’re breathable, which keeps roots happy and healthy.
- Size: A 50-quart bag is my sweet spot—big enough for a decent haul but not overwhelming.
- Drainage: Check for holes at the bottom. Soggy potatoes are a no-go!
Pro Tip: In a pinch, I’ve used a burlap sack or even a sturdy trash bag with holes poked in it. Works like a charm! Want more container ideas? Peek at my Container Gardening Essentials guide.
Step 2: Choose Your Seed Potatoes
Next, you’ll need seed potatoes—mature spuds with sprouted “eyes.” Here’s my take:
- Variety: I adore fingerling potatoes for bags. They’re tasty, colorful, and thrive in tight spaces.
- Where to Get Them: Sprouted grocery store potatoes work, but for variety, I hit up garden centers or order from Burpee.
How many potatoes do you put in a bag to grow? For a 50-quart bag, I plant 6 to 8 seed potatoes. It gives each spud room to stretch its roots without crowding.
Step 3: Mix Up the Best Soil
Potatoes love loose, well-draining soil. Here’s my go-to recipe:
- Ingredients: Equal parts compost, potting soil, and coir (or peat moss if that’s your thing).
- Why It’s Great: Nutrient-packed, moisture-retaining, and drains like a dream.
Tip: I dampen the mix before planting—just enough to feel moist, not drenched. For more soil secrets, check out The Best Soil for Container Gardening on my site.
Step 4: Plant Those Potatoes
Time to get dirty! Here’s how to plant potatoes in a potato bag:
- Fill It Up: Pour about 4 inches of your soil mix into the bag.
- Place Potatoes: Set 6 to 8 seed potatoes on top, spaced evenly apart.
- Cover Them: Add 2 more inches of soil over the potatoes.
- Water Lightly: Give it a gentle drink to settle the soil—no swamps allowed!
Fun Twist: Once, I layered red and purple potatoes for a rainbow harvest. It was a hit at dinner!
Step 5: Care for Your Potato Babies
Potatoes are chill plants, but they need a little love. Here’s my care routine:
- Watering: Keep the soil damp. I water when the top inch feels dry.
- Hilling: As the plants grow, I add soil weekly, covering the stems up to the lowest leaves. More soil = more potatoes!
- Sunlight: I park my bags where they get 6+ hours of sun daily.
Trouble Sign: Leggy plants? They’re begging for more light. Scoot the bag to a sunnier spot. For more care tips, see my Common Gardening Mistakes post.
Step 6: Keep an Eye on Progress
Watch your potatoes grow and tweak as needed:
- Cover Exposed Tubers: If potatoes peek out, I bury them fast. Sunlight makes them green and toxic.
- Stop Hilling: When the bag’s full, I quit adding soil but keep watering.
- Flowers Mean Business: Tiny blooms show up around 6 weeks—harvest time’s near!
Growing potatoes in bags over winter? Frost is their enemy. I move my bags indoors or to a sheltered spot if it gets chilly.
Step 7: Harvest Your Homegrown Spuds
The payoff! Here’s how to harvest potatoes grown in bags:
- When to Harvest: Wait until the leaves turn brown and wilt—usually 10-12 weeks.
- How to Do It: I tip the bag over and dig through the soil. It’s like a potato treasure hunt!
Bonus: Want baby potatoes? Sneak a few out early while the plant’s still green. For a visual, watch this YouTube Tutorial on Harvesting Potatoes.
Problems with Growing Potatoes in Bags (And Fixes!)
Even with care, hiccups happen. Here’s what I’ve faced and fixed:
- Soggy Soil: Overwatering rots tubers. I ensure drainage holes are clear and water sparingly.
- Pests: Aphids or potato beetles? A spritz of neem oil from Gardener’s Supply sorts them out.
- Green Potatoes: I keep tubers covered to avoid this toxic mess.
FAQs: Your Potato Questions Answered
I’ve heard these a million times, so here are my answers:
How many potatoes per grow bag?
For a 50-quart bag, I stick to 6-8 seed potatoes. Smaller bags? Cut that number down.
How to plant potatoes in a bag indoors?
Totally doable! I set mine near a sunny window or under grow lights for 6-8 hours of light daily.
What’s the best soil mix for growing potatoes in bags?
My fave is compost, potting soil, and coir—equal parts. It’s rich and drains well.
Growing potatoes in bags with straw?
I’ve tried it! Layer straw instead of soil as plants grow. It’s lighter but needs more watering.
How to grow potatoes in bags video?
Check out this awesome guide from Cornell University for a visual walkthrough.
For more, visit Potato Growing Tips.
Why I Keep Planting Potatoes in Bags
Compared to traditional gardening, bags for growing potatoes win every time:
- No Backache: No digging up a whole plot—just tip and sift.
- Pest Patrol: Easier to spot and stop bugs in a bag.
- Anytime Growing: With tweaks, I’ve grown spuds year-round.
Plus, it’s a blast! Watching those green shoots pop up never gets old.
Wrap-Up: Start Your Potato Adventure!
So, how to plant potatoes in a bag? It’s simple: grab a bag, some seed potatoes, and my trusty soil mix, then follow these steps. Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, this method’s a fun, fuss-free way to grow your own food. I’ve been hooked since my first balcony crop—now it’s your turn!
Happy planting,
Ashley Scott