Grow potatoes in bags, pots and containers in any small space
Before you start reading our article, if you prefer to watch about the advantages of growing potatoes in bags, containers and pots you can watch our video below! Otherwise, enjoy the read!
When growing potatoes, planting them directly in the soil may not always be the best option for optimal results.
So what is the best way to grow potatoes? Let's explore potato bags and containers—a new way to garden with many benefits compared to the traditional method.
This article will discuss the benefits of growing potatoes in bags and containers instead of directly in the ground or in raised beds. It will explore how this method saves space and improves drainage. Additionally, it will explain how it helps with pest control and makes harvesting easier.
Lastly, it will highlight how growing potatoes in bags and containers provide a smart way to increase potato yield.
Efficient for Small Spaces: Making the Most of Limited Areas
In today's world, living spaces often come with restrictions on outdoor areas, making conventional gardening a challenge. By using potato bags and containers, you can turn small balconies, patios, or windowsills into successful potato gardens.
This space-savvy approach enables you to cultivate your own potatoes regardless of the available area. It's a game-changing concept for urban residents and anyone aiming to maximise every square inch. A potato bag takes up minimal room and really, we aren't buying the "I don't have space" line.
Earlier Harvests: Swift Results
How long does it take to grow potatoes? Anywhere from 12-20 weeks, depending on conditions, but we would hope for a harvest in about 90 days.
Containers provide a controlled microclimate that can expedite plant growth. The warmer conditions within these enclosures can lead to quicker development, resulting in an earlier harvest. For those eager to relish the flavour of freshly grown potatoes, this represents a significant benefit.
Diminished Pest and Disease Risk: Acting as a Protective Shield
When you plant potatoes directly in the ground, they become susceptible to pests and diseases residing in the soil. Bags and containers protect your tubers from harmful organisms in the ground by creating a barrier. This decreased risk of infestations means less reliance on pesticides and a higher likelihood of enjoying vigorous, unblemished potato plants. We always advise using seed potatoes to help with this risk when growing a new crop.
Easy Harvesting: Effortless Rewards
Digging up homegrown potatoes can be hard work, but it's worth it for the joy of harvesting your own produce. With bags and containers, that frustration becomes a thing of the past.
When harvest time arrives, you can tip over the container or open the bag, revealing your cache of potatoes. This not only saves time and effort but also minimizes the possibility of accidentally damaging your precious spud nuggets.
Try a freshly harvested potato, picked just ten minutes ago, and you'll see why they're worth more than gold—sorry grocery stores. We can grow more potato varieties that all taste so much better.
Tailored Soil Conditions: Customized Nutrient Supply
If you want to get really fancy.
I don't worry too much about this, but if you're into sciencey stuff, different types of potatoes grow better in different soil conditions. With bags and containers, you have the flexibility to create an ideal environment for each type. This customisation extends to soil composition, allowing you to concoct nutrient-rich blends tailored to the specific requirements of your potatoes.
The outcome? Sturdier, healthier plants and ultimately a more bountiful yield. So maybe worth considering once over the original excitement of just how easy these are to grow almost anywhere.
Mobility and Temperature Control: Adapting to Natural Elements
You don't have to confine containers and bags to a single location. You can effortlessly relocate them to take advantage of optimal sunlight or shield them from adverse weather conditions. You can bring containers indoors during unexpected cold spells, extending this flexibility to temperature control. This level of environmental control empowers you to safeguard your potato plants and ensure their optimal development.
Enhanced Drainage: Preserving Root Health
Potatoes are notorious for their dislike of waterlogged soil, which can lead to rot and other issues. One of the significant advantages of using bags and containers lies in their superior drainage capabilities.
These containers allow excess water to drain out. This prevents your potatoes from becoming too wet and ensures they have the proper amount of moisture. Adequate drainage translates to healthier root systems and, consequently, better overall growth.
We would however strongly recommend if possible clean, well draining store bought soil, over garden soil depending on where you live and your soil type available.
Maximising Yield: Mastering the Hilling Technique
The technique known as "hilling" proves especially advantageous when growing potatoes in bags and containers. Hilling involves gradually adding soil to the container as the potato plants grow taller. This encourages the formation of more underground stems, leading to an increased number of tubers. By employing this method, you can substantially enhance your potato yield without needing extra space.
Recommended Containers and Bags
Various types of containers and bags designed specifically for growing potatoes are available. Here are a few options to consider, and what suits you may be different to someone else as the best way to grow potatoes:
Grow Bags:
Our personal favourite at Small Space Produce - These breathable and resilient bags facilitate excellent drainage and prevent overwatering. They come in different sizes and are easily portable, making them perfect for limited spaces. Growing Potatoes in bags is our number one choice. Who would have thought potatoes grow in bags?
A Good Honest Pot/Container:
Growing potatoes in a pot, or growing potatoes in a container is even easy! You can use a standard run-of-the-mill pot to grow potatoes. Do not discount those pots that you have kept for the last fifteen years stacked in the shed. This could be their time to shine.
Wooden Crates: Wooden crates are solid and old-fashioned. Cover them with burlap or landscape fabric to grow potatoes well.
Stackable planters:
Stackable planters allow you to stack them up, saving space and providing a great solution for small areas.
Potato Box DIY:
Reuse old buckets, barrels, or fabric bags for growing potatoes and show off your creativity with DIY recycled containers. Just make sure if you are growing potatoes in buckets, that you have drainage holes, simply putting some holes in the bottom of the bucket will do it!
Conclusion:
While conventional ground planting has its merits, the benefits of growing potatoes in bags and containers are diverse and compelling. This modern gardening method has several benefits. It uses space efficiently, prevents pests, makes harvesting easier, utilises the hilling technique, and has so many options to grow in. Potato bags and containers can help both seasoned gardeners and beginners grow a successful and tasty potato harvest
What do we recommend? See the products below as well as a video on the crucial step of preparing your potatoes for planting!
Here are some of the products we recommend to get started on your potato growing journey.
We suggest bags as the best way to go and have a few options here below.
Purchasing through these links also helps to support the production of more articles and videos by Small Space Produce! Happy Spudding!
Potato Bags with see through section
This bag is GREAT for hilling and getting more potatoes in your harvest - but be sure to cover the see through part as potatoes grow to keep them away from the light.
Plastic type grow bags
Less Likely to discolour but not as breathable as fabric bag - cheaper option and can grow many other vegetables if you want to try others
Solid fabric grow bags
Also a great affordable option - great breathable fabric and suitable to grow a range of vegetables - but we still recommend the potato!
Subscribe to Small Space Produce
Get notified of our new content directly to your inbox
Categories to Browse
Pages
Created your own blog and website SO easily with © systeme.io