Growing Potatoes in a Compost Sack: A Simple Guide
Growing Tasty Potatoes Just About Anywhere isn't a daunting task, even if you don't have a sprawling garden or a backyard. Connected balconies and patios can transform into mini potato fields, thanks to the simplicity of growing potatoes in bags.
So, why settle for store-bought spuds when you can enjoy the freshly harvested, flavor-packed ones? Here's a step-by-step guide to transforming your patio or balcony into a potato patch using plain ol' compost bags.
Gather Your Stuff- Grab a massive pot or an old compost bag for growing your rooty delights.- Steal some multi-purpose, peat-free compost from your nearby greenhouse store.- Score some chitted seed potatoes - these babies are ready to sprout like mad once planted!
Step 1Roll up your sleeves and get ready to channel your inner Thumper! If you're growing salad potatoes, keep them cozy in the greenhouse or a frost-free corner of your garden. First, make some drainage slits at the bottom of the bag using a sharp knife.
Step 2Something borrowed, something green! Set aside about half to two-thirds of the compost for later use when the shoots start popping out.
Step 3Time to plant! Bury two to three well-sprouted seed potatoes in the leftover compost - any more than that will diminish your potato yield per bag.
Step 4Freshen up your greens! Water your new plant babies twice or thrice a week to maintain that "green thumb" feeling (and to make sure the compost stays moist, but not too soggy). Once the shoots poke through the soil, covering them with the rest of the compost every 7-10 days will keep them hidden and growing strong, filling the bag as time goes by.
Timeline- Grow your seedlings from February to April, depending on the type of seed potatoes, for a June to October harvest.- Plant successively to stretch out your season until the potato-picking party sesh starts!
Mind the GapIf the idea of homegrown taters tickles your fancy but your thumb is decidedly more black than green, don't sweat it!with a little prep work, you can harvest an impressive crop of spuds from these simple steps.
Enjoy a home-and-garden lifestyle by transforming your balcony or patio into a home-grown potato patch. With a few compost bags, seed potatoes, and some TLC, you can easily start a home-gardening project focusing on potatoes.
