growing potatoes in an empty compost bag? (Merged Thread)

alanobrien

The cheapest container i use is an old compost bag. Make some holes in the bottom for drainage then roll the bag sides down until its about a third of its original height. Put some compost in the bottom then put in 3 seed potatoes and cover with compost. When you start to see the leaves of the spuds appear roll up the sides of the bag and add more compost. Do this until its full. When the spuds are done simply split the bag to access your spuds. One other point, i put these bags up on blocks of wood to help drainage. This is a simple, easy and very cheap way of spud growing.

takoo

Hi Nykmedia

"Chitties" are seed potatoes which are beginning to sprout - so-called when put in trays for x weeks prior to planting in the ground or in pots etc. They are planted when the type is due to be planted, eg "earlies".

Seed potatoes should be available soon. Buy them with care that they are "approved" or whatever. (Don't use greengrocer potatoes etc or you may get diseased seed stock - You may lose the seed/plants and contaminate your soil...Ugh!)

Keep the seed as chitties until the sproutings are about 1 inch to 2 inch long but follow any supplier's instructions about timing, weather conditions, etc.

Also local growers (allotmenteers) may have some tips worth following.

There are various ways of planting.

Happy harvesting in 2008

Takoo

caleyles

Thanks for the advice all - I like the ideas of the bags - I can get heavy bags at work free so will give it a go :j

Frugaldom

I like the idea of the bags too! Although we do have a veggie plot in the new garden, there is a really bad problem with slugs and also there's a neighbour with about 10 cats. There's always at least one in the garden at anytime digging in what's meant to be the veggie patch!

nickj_2

jamie oliver planted some in a compost bag in his last series , he just got a new bag , put some slits near the top and 1/2 way down and popped the seeds in ,

kingkano

Rubble sacks which can be had from b&q very cheaply also work. then just tip them over to collect your potatoes when ready. you can reuse the sacks a few times too as they are quite robust.

erewyn

Hi everyone!
I've decided to try some vegetable growing this year, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, chillies and chives starting small, but hope we can learn and add more next year.

Just want about 2-3 seed potatoes and so far only seen a bag of 30? for £6.

So, any ideas how I can do this cheaper? It is possible to use a shop brought potatoe as the seed?

Thanks,
S

clairewp

hi i work in an ironmonger's and our seed potatoes are due in any time now, we sell them loose by weight so perhaps look for a shop local to you doing the same.
claire

takoo

Hi Erewyn

Use certificated potatoes from a reliable seller. Others may be diseased and spoil your land for years!

Takoo

dancinghomer

Hi

I have an old plastic bin; is it possible to fill it full of soil/feed etc and grow potatoes in it?
I'm sure I've seen a potatoe barrel advertised somewhere and wondered how easy it would be to adapt something.


Homer