How to Plant Potatoes in Grow Bags

Growing potatoes in grow bags is a simple, space-saving way to enjoy homegrown potatoes. Grow bags are ideal for patios, balconies, small gardens, and allotments, and they work particularly well for early and second early varieties.

⭐ Recommended Products — Seed Potatoes & Planting Essentials

• Seed Potato Collection (Early, First & Second Earlies)
A mixed pack of quality seed potatoes to plant for a steady harvest from early summer through to autumn. Ideal if you want variety in size and maturity times.
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• Certified Seed Potatoes (Single Variety Packs)
Choose popular individual varieties (e.g., Maris Piper, Charlotte, King Edward) to suit your taste and growing goals — consistent results from true seed stock.
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• Potato Grow Bags / Containers
Reusable, breathable bags designed specifically for growing potatoes — great for patios, small gardens, or increasing yield in limited space.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Potato Fertiliser / Soil Booster
Specially formulated feed to support healthy tuber development and improve yields — apply at planting or as a top-dress during the season.
👉 Click here to see top options

• Potato Planting Guides & Markers
Helpful tools and guides that take you through planting depth, spacing, and care — plus reusable markers to keep track of different varieties.
👉 Click here to see top options

Why Grow Potatoes in Grow Bags?

Grow bags offer several benefits:

• Ideal for small spaces
• Good drainage, reducing risk of rot
• Easier to control soil quality
• Simple harvesting with minimal digging
• Soil warms up faster in spring

They are perfect if your garden soil is poor or limited.

Step 1: Choose the Right Grow Bag

• Size: 30–40 litres minimum
• Depth: At least 40–45 cm
• Ensure drainage holes at the base

As a guide:

• 30–40 litre bag: 2–3 seed potatoes
• 50 litre bag: 3–5 seed potatoes

Avoid overcrowding for best yields.

Step 2: Choose the Right Potatoes

Grow bags are best suited to:

• First early potatoes
• Second early potatoes
• Salad varieties

Maincrop potatoes can be grown, but yields are usually lower due to space limits.

Step 3: Prepare the Compost

• Use peat-free multipurpose compost
• Mix in a little garden compost or well-rotted organic matter
• Compost should be free-draining but moisture retentive

Do not use heavy garden soil alone.

Step 4: Add Compost to the Grow Bag

• Fill the bag with 10–15 cm of compost
• Level the surface gently

Leave plenty of space at the top for earthing up later.

Step 5: Plant the Seed Potatoes

• Place seed potatoes on the compost
• Shoots (chits) facing upwards
• Space evenly apart

Do not let potatoes touch each other or the sides of the bag.

Step 6: Cover with Compost

• Cover seed potatoes with another 10–15 cm of compost
• Water lightly if compost is dry

Do not fill the bag to the top at this stage.

Step 7: Position the Grow Bag

Place grow bags:

• In full sun
• In a sheltered position
• On bricks or feet to improve drainage

Avoid placing bags directly on cold concrete early in the season.

Step 8: Water Carefully

• Keep compost evenly moist
• Do not allow bags to dry out completely
• Avoid waterlogging

Grow bags dry out faster than garden soil, especially in warm weather.

Step 9: Earth Up as Plants Grow

When shoots reach about 10–15 cm tall:

• Add more compost around the stems
• Leave the top leaves exposed
• Repeat until the bag is almost full

This protects tubers from light and increases yield.

Step 10: Feeding During Growth

• Feed lightly once flowering begins
• Use a balanced liquid fertiliser
• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds

Overfeeding causes leafy growth with fewer potatoes.

Step 11: Protect from Frost

Early in the season:

• Move bags to shelter if frost is forecast
• Cover with fleece if needed

Grow bags cool down quickly at night.

Step 12: Harvesting Potatoes from Grow Bags

• First earlies: Harvest when flowering begins
• Second earlies: Harvest just after flowering
• Maincrop: Harvest when foliage dies back

To harvest:

• Tip the bag onto a tarp
• Gently sort through compost
• Collect potatoes by hand

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding seed potatoes
• Letting compost dry out
• Filling bags fully at planting time
• Poor drainage

Best Varieties for Grow Bags

Grow bag-friendly varieties include:

• Charlotte
• Nadine
• Kestrel
• Harmony
• Arran Pilot

Quick Summary

• Bag size: 30–40+ litres
• Plant depth: 10–15 cm
• Earth up gradually
• Water regularly
• Harvest by tipping the bag

Final Tip

Grow bags make potato growing easy and accessible. With correct spacing, steady watering, and regular earthing up, you can enjoy a surprisingly generous harvest even in the smallest spaces.