How to Plant Potatoes in Garbage Bags
Potatoes are a starchy underground tuber. The plant uses the plump tuber for reproduction purposes. When harvested at the immature stage, these tender morsels are firm and sweet. When allowed to grow to maturity, they can be cooked and mashed for fluffy mashed potatoes, cut and deep-fried for french fries or added to soups and casseroles to enhance flavor. This versatile vegetable can be grown in nearly any sunny location, as long you provide adequate room for tubers to form. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Seed potatoes
- Garbage bag, heavy duty
- Large bin or bucket
- Peat moss
- Garden loam
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- 5-10-10 Fertilizer
- Superphosphate
- Lime
- Trowel
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the garbage bag in an area that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. The bag can be placed on a deck, but it should be placed in its permanent location as it will be nearly impossible to move later.
-
2
Mix equal parts peat moss, garden loam and compost or well-rotted mature in a large bucket or bin. The Texas A&M University Extension Service recommends adding 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer, 2 to 3 tbsp. of superphosphate and 5 tbsp. of lime for each bushel of soil mix.
-
-
3
Fill the garbage bag 1/2 to 3/4 full with soil mixture. Roll the top of the bag down to 2 inches above the soil level. This creates a stable rim to the container and allows room for watering.
-
4
Puncture four to six drainage holes evenly spaced around the base of the bag. Holes should be no more than 2 inches from the bottom of the bag. The tip of a pencil works well for punching holes, but any sharp object can be used.
-
5
Cut seed potatoes into sections that contain at least two eyes. You may notice tiny buds beginning to form.
-
6
Plant the cut potato pieces to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, with the eyes facing upward. Cover with soil and tamp down with your hands.
-
7
Water thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes. Water again when soil dries 1 to 2 inches below the soil level. Although containers dry quickly, plastic bags tend to hold in moisture. Check the moisture level often to determine the needs of your plants.
-
8
Check for "new potatoes" once blooms have appeared. Dig beneath the plant with your hands, using care not to disrupt roots. New potatoes can be removed from the plant without pulling up the entire plant. For mature potatoes, allow foliage to die back naturally in the fall and harvest by pulling the plant free of the soil. Use a trowel or your hands to dig for potatoes.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ursula Alter/Photodisc/Getty Images
