Growing Potatoes in a Grow Bag

Growing your own potatoes in grow bags is a fantastic, low stress way to enjoy fresh produce at home, even if you don't have much garden space. These bags are ideal for giving potatoes the drainage and airflow they need to thrive underground. Since it only requires a few basic materials and a small footprint, this method is perfect for anyone just starting out. With grocery prices on the rise, I decided there was no better time than now to dive into home gardening. Just follow these simple steps to plant, grow, and harvest your own potatoes right in a container.

Grow Bags (10- 15 gallon size or larger)

Grow bags are fabric containers designed for growing plants. They allow air to reach the roots and provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent root rot. A 10-15 gallon grow bag gives potatoes enough space to grow and develop underground. (Be sure to cut holes in the bottom for drainage)

Seed Potatoes

Seed potatoes are small potatoes that are used to grow potatoes. They contain “eyes,” or small sprouts, that grow into potato plants. Seed potatoes can be brought from the store this way or if you have the time, you can take your potatoes you have at home. Potatoes typically take 2-4 weeks to grow visible eyes (sprouts) when left in a cool, dark, and slightly humid environment.

Raised Bed Soil

Raised bed soil is a pre-mixed soil designed for raised garden beds and containers. It usually contains a blend of soil, compost, and organic materials that provide nutrients and good drainage for plants. Raised bed soil is lighter and looser than regular ground soil, which helps potato roots grow and allows potatoes to develop more easily underground.

Compost

Compost is decomposed organic material such as plant matter or food scraps. It adds important nutrients to the soil that help potato plants grow strong and healthy.

Perlite or Vermiculite

Perlite and vermiculite are lightweight soil additives used to improve drainage and aeration. They help keep the soil loose so water can drain properly and roots can expand easily.

Worm-Castings

The nutrient-rich excrement produced by earthworms after digesting organic matter.

Garden hose or watering can, water source

A watering can or hose is used to supply water to the plants. Potatoes require consistent moisture, especially during early growth and when the tubers are forming underground.

Garden Gloves

Garden gloves protect your hands while working with soil and plants. They help prevent cuts, blisters, and exposure to dirt or insects. (compost is decomposed organic matter)

Small Shovel or Garden Scoop

A small shovel or scoop is used to mix soil and add it to the grow bags. It also helps when planting potatoes and harvesting them later.

Select grow bags that are at least 10-15 gallons in size. Potatoes need space to grow underground, and larger containers help increase yield. Most grow bags are made of breathable fabric that improves drainage and prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. Place the grow bags in an area that receives 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Potatoes are what we call cold tolerant. Potatoes are highly cold-tolerant, preferring cool climates and capable of surviving light frosts.

Step 2: Select Healthy Seed Potatoes

Seed potatoes are small potatoes specifically grown for planting. They can be purchased from garden centers or online suppliers. Choose firm potatoes with visible “eyes,” which are the small sprouts that will grow into plants. If you use grocery store potatoes you have to rinse them well with warm water and use a clean towel to wash them to get rid of chemicals such as growth hormones.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil Mixture

Potatoes grow best in loose, well-draining soil. A simple and affordable soil mixture can be made by combining:

1. 50% raised bed soil
2. 30% compost
3. 20% perlite or vermiculite

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Soil

Fill the bottom of each grow bag with 4–6 inches of the soil mixture. This base layer provides support for the seed potatoes and gives the roots space to grow downward.

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

Place 2–3 seed potatoes on top of the soil in each grow bag. Make sure the “eyes” are facing upward, as this is where the plant will grow from. Space the potatoes evenly so they have room to develop underground.

Step 6: Cover the Potatoes With Soil

Add another 3–4 inches of soil to cover the seed potatoes. Gently pat the soil down, but do not pack it tightly. Potatoes grow best in loose soil that allows roots to expand easily.

Step 7: Water the Soil

After planting, water the soil thoroughly so that it becomes evenly moist. The soil should feel damp but not soggy.

Step 8: Add Soil as the Plants Grow

When the potato plants grow to about 6–8 inches tall, add more soil around the base of the plant. This process, called “hilling,” encourages the plant to produce more potatoes along the buried stems. Continue adding soil until the grow bag is nearly full.

Step 9: Monitor Growth and Care

Throughout the growing season, make sure the plants receive plenty of sunlight and consistent watering. Remove weeds if they appear and watch for pests such as insects that may damage the leaves.

Step 10: Harvest the Potatoes

When the potato plants begin to turn yellow and die back, the potatoes are ready to harvest. Simply tip the grow bag over or dig gently through the soil to collect the potatoes. Brush off excess dirt and allow them to dry before storing.