Would you like to harvest your own potatoes but don't have a garden? This is not an obstacle! We present a space-saving cultivation method that can even be used on the balcony: plant potatoes in sacks.

In a nutshell

  • Plant bags are a space-saving way of growing potatoes and other vegetables
  • Rice or jute sacks are used
  • a sunny location is required

Potato cultivation in a sack

Why plant and grow potatoes in a sack? The advantages are apparent:

  1. The cultivation method is uncomplicated and requires little space.
  2. Potato cultivation is possible on areas with poor soil quality. Nutrient-rich substrate is only needed to fill the sack. The planting bag enables the Composition of the substrate optimally matched to the requirements of the potatoes.
  3. the settlement of weeds is with this method limited. Weeding is almost completely eliminated.
  4. the evaporation of the water is through the sack reduced.
  5. pests, which infest tubers or roots, are for the most part through the sac prevented.
  6. Plant bags ensure a good root growth. Root rot is very rare with this growing method.
  7. the harvest the potatoes is simple. Injuries to the potato tubers are avoided because there is no need to dig them up with a spade.
  8. Plant bags convince with their mobility. You can easily move smaller bags to another location or even take them with you when you move.

Materials required

To start the exciting adventure of planting potatoes in a sack you will need:

  • a 50 liter bag
  • 5 potatoes
  • 40 liters of substrate
  • Expanded clay or coarse gravel as drainage

The plant bag

The following are suitable for growing ware potatoes and vegetables in a sack:

  • jute bags
  • rice sacks
  • Sacks of rough cloth
  • Plastic plant bags

Notice: In specialist shops you can get ready-made plant bags, so-called grow bags, complete with seeds, drainage material and prepared substrate.

jute material

The substrate

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the heavy feeders. It requires nutrient-rich, permeable, humus-rich and sandy substrate. You can use commercially available vegetable soil mixed with sand. The optimum soil pH for growing potatoes is between 5 and 6.

manual

Planting potatoes in a sack is very easy. See here:

  • pregermination
    Let the seed potatoes germinate in a bright place, for example on the windowsill, at around 10 degrees Celsius. Place the seed potatoes in fruit crates with some spacing between them. It is important that they get as much light as possible from all sides.

Tip: Make sure the crown of the potato tubers, where the sleeping eyes sit, is facing up.

  • Prepare plant bag
    Avoiding waterlogging is crucial for a good harvest. Cut a few one-inch or two-inch drainage holes in the bottom of the burlap, cloth, or rice sack. If you place the plant bag on the balcony or terrace, put a film underneath. Otherwise unsightly stains will appear. Roll the sack up to 30 centimeters.
  • Fill drainage
    Fill the bag with a two-inch layer of expanded clay or gravel.
  • Fill in the substrate
    Fill in the substrate up to a height of 20 centimetres.
  • Plant potatoes in the sack
    The seed potatoes can be used from the end of April. Lay the tubers with the sprout tips facing up. Fill in about two inches of substrate so they are lightly covered. Now you have to water the planting and wait.

maintenance

  • refill substrate
    The first green leaves appear after about 14 days. Roll up the cloth bag and put in enough substrate until the leaves can no longer be seen. Repeat this process over and over again in the following weeks as green leaves begin to show. After five to six weeks the sack will be full of soil. The leaves, which then make it through the earth, are allowed to unfold.
    
  • pour
    Water the plants regularly. Make sure the soil stays moist.

Tip: If you like, you can put the rice or jute sack in a brightly painted, old potato box. Make sure that the water drainage is unhindered.

harvest and storage

In late summer, the foliage becomes wilted and dry. Wait another two to three weeks and the tubers will be ripe. You can dump the sack and easily pick out the potatoes. Store the potato crop in a dark, dry and cool place.

frequently asked Questions

How big does the plant bag have to be?

We recommend using planting bags with a capacity of around 50 liters for growing potatoes. These offer enough space for five potato plants and can still be moved if necessary.

Can plant bags be used several times?

Jute sacks, rice sacks and commercially available plastic plant bags are stable and can be used several times. Wash the bags after use. Let them dry well to prevent mold.

How often do potato plants in the sack have to be watered?

Planting in a sack requires more moisture than ordinary soil cultivation. The water flows outwards through the coarse fabric, so that waterlogging can be avoided as far as possible. The substrate must not dry out. Water regularly.

Can potatoes be grown in solid containers on the balcony?

You can also grow the delicious tubers in tall pots and tubs. Old rain barrels or mason's tubs are suitable alternatives. The sun's rays slowly heat up the dark walls so that the plants can develop well. It is important to provide the containers with drainage holes. Otherwise, the procedure is the same as for bag cultivation.

Category:

Vegetable garden