Ever heard of growing potatoes in a garbage bag? I had read where someone used this same method using a plastic garbage container, but then I found this. It’s a great way to grow your own potatoes when you don’t have the garden space, or just want a neat, clean way to grow them.
All you need is a sturdy garbage bag, some compost or garden soil (even potting soil should work), some leaves or straw, and seed potatoes.
Be sure to get certified seed potatoes from a nursery or farm supply to ensure they are free from pests and disease. You can find many different varieties (and colors) of potatoes.
If the potatoes are large, you can cut them into pieces, but be sure they have two or three eyes each. Let potato pieces sit out to dry overnight.
When ready to plant, cut some small holes into the bottom of the garbage bag to allow for drainage, and fill garbage bag four to six inches deep with compost or potting soil. Roll down sides of bag until just above the level of the soil. Poke holes with the point of a pair of scissors around the exterior of the bag just below the soil line. Place the bag where it will get at least 6 hours of full sun every day.
Plant three seed potato chunks, with eyes pointed up, into the soil and cover shallowly. Water lightly.
When the plants have grown 6 to 8 inches tall, pour more dirt or straw on top, leaving only the very top leaves peeking through. Repeat this layering, unrolling the bag each time, until the foliage has reached the top of the bag. Continue to water until fall, or when the leaves turn yellow.
Allow the potatoes to “cure” for a couple of weeks, then cut the bag down the side and watch the potatoes fall out!
I’m told you can dig down into the soil with your hands while the potatoes are growing and pull out handfulls of new potatoes. I love new potatoes, but think I’d rather just wait for them to grow into large potatoes.
Has anyone tried this method for growing other root crops – sweet potatoes, turnips, etc.?
