How to Grow Potatoes in a Bag

1. Choose and Prepare Your Bag

Potatoes grow best in a pot or bag with drainage holes. Choose a bag that is at least 18-20 inches deep and wide to ensure your potatoes have enough room to grow. It is best to use a high-quality potting mix that is free of weed seeds and disease organisms. Make sure your bag has good drainage by poking holes on the bottom.

2. Choose Your Seed Potatoes

Seed potatoes are small potatoes that have been saved specifically for starting new plants. Select firm, disease-free seed potatoes that are free from any sprouts or blemishes. A good rule of thumb is to use one seed potato for every 3 gallons of soil. Cut your seed potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks, making sure that each chunk has at least one "eye" or sprout.

3. Plant Your Potatoes

Begin by filling the bottom of your bag with 4-6 inches of soil or compost. Plant your seed potatoes 4 inches deep, spaced evenly around the bag, with the sprouts facing up. Cover the seed potatoes with 4 inches of soil. As your plants grow, continue to add soil or compost so that the top third of the plant is always covered. This will encourage more potatoes to grow.

4. Water and Feed

Water your potatoes regularly to keep the soil moist. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, otherwise, the potatoes will rot. You can add compost tea or organic fertilizer to give your plants the nutrients they need to grow. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label of the fertilizer.

5. Harvest Your Potatoes

Your potatoes will be ready to harvest in 90-120 days, depending on the variety of potato and your climate. When the leaves on your plants begin to die back and turn yellow, it's almost time to harvest. Carefully dig through the soil with your hands or a garden fork to find the fresh potatoes.

Growing potatoes in a bag can be an easy and fun way to enjoy your own homegrown potatoes. With just a little bit of work, you can have a bountiful harvest of delicious potatoes to enjoy all season long.