Potato Bag Soil

mumtosix

I am after some advice from you great gardeners; I have planted my potatoes in bags and I am just wondering what to do with the soil after I have picked my crop. Would it be ok to use as general compost, using it to plant up my toms etc or could I re-use it to plant out more potatoes? This is the first year I have used bags for potatoes and any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

valk_scot

No, you don't want to be using it for any more potatoes or their close cousins the tomatoes. Not only will the compost be completely depleted of all nutrients that potatoes and tomatoes need the compost will also be harbouring pests and disease micro-organisms that affect these crops.

It makes a fine soil conditioner though. Spread it on your flower beds away from the veg patch.

mumtosix

Thanks for that - I will use it on my front garden - I have solid clay soil so hopefully it will do it some good! :beer:

rabidbun

I have a raised bed for other types of veggies, all mine goes on that. It's still fairly good for growing, especially if you mix it in with some manure or something.

Antispam

Reuse it or mix with other compost to reuse. Potatoes are greedy plants so probably best mixing some blood and bonemeal in mix too

s4lvatore

Can it not be used for other crops like lettuce, spinache, carrots and onions. May have thought a bit of blood fish and bone would be nice. Pepper and aubergine need some clarification.

mumtosix

Thanks for all your help. So, without me sounding dim does this mean I could add some fish, blood & bone to the soil and use it in my newly built empty raised beds, which I was hoping to grow some sprouts and brocolli, and for next year grow some beans, runners or french?

Again your help is much appreciated.

valk_scot

Oh, it will be fine to add in to next years raised beds. I wouldn't use it anywhere you were going to grow potatoes or tomatoes next year though. If you're mixing it in with topsoil, garden compost and manure then I would think the blood fish and bone was a bit surplus to requirement.