As part of my challenge to grow more of my own food, I planted potatoes this year in Grow Bags, to free up that space in my raised gardens. I was skeptical that it would work, but so far, it appears to be going well! Here is the update:
Growing Potatoes in Bags
Since it is my working goal to make my garden as productive as possible, for as much of the year as possible, I decided to plant potatoes this year in potato planting bags, to give myself the 4′ x 6′ raised garden space the potatoes took up last year, for something else. I’ve never used growing bags before, nor have I used the “hilling” method. I normally just stick them in the ground and let them grow.
So, first I stopped off at one of my favorite stores in Austin, for seed potatoes. Buck Moore Feed and Supply. I love this store, it reminds me of the feed and tack store I loved growing up, with the smell of hay and sweet feed always in the air. (Sledd Nursery on West Lynn also had seed potatoes last week when I was there. ) Buck Moore already has some tomato transplants out front too, but I’m going to wait another few weeks for tomatoes. They sell Ladybug brand products as well.
Buck Moore Feed & Supply
Then I broke out the bags and filled them without about 6 inches of organic soil (Hill Country Blend).
Potato Planting Bags
Next I watered the soil and let it drain for a while, so as not to plant the potatoes in mud. I picked the seed potatoes with the most eyes, and those showing signs of roots already, and laid them on the top of the moist soil.
Taters in bags
Next, I simply covered the spuds with about 4 inches of the Hill Country Soil, which I didn’t water because too much wetness will make them rot.
I intend to use the hilling method in these bags, so once the potato [;amts jave reacjed 8 inches in height, I’ll add another 4 inches of soil, and continue until the bag is full. We’ll see how it goes!
