How to Use a Fabric Grow Bag for Potatoes?
Fabric grow bags are super easy to use and great for potatoes because they provide good drainage, prevent root rot, and allow air pruning, which helps plants grow healthier.
How to Use a Fabric Grow Bag for Potatoes
1. Choose the Right Size
For red potatoes, go with a 5-gallon or larger grow bag (10 gallons is ideal if you want a bigger harvest).
2. Prepare the Soil
- Use a light, well-draining mix:
✅ 60% potting soil
✅ 30% compost
✅ 10% perlite or sand (for drainage) - Avoid heavy garden soil, which compacts too much.
3. Planting the Seed Potatoes
- Fill the bag with 4-6 inches of soil.
- Place 2-4 seed potatoes (with sprouts/eyes facing up) in the bag, spaced evenly.
- Cover them with 2-4 inches of soil.
4. Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy—water when the top inch feels dry.
- Fabric bags dry out faster than plastic pots, so check daily.
5. Hilling (Adding More Soil)
- Once the plants are 6-8 inches tall, add more soil around the base, covering the lower stems.
- Repeat every 1-2 weeks until the soil reaches the top of the bag.
- This encourages more potatoes to grow along the buried stems.
6. Light & Temperature
- Place under LED grow lights, keeping them 12-18 inches above.
- Maintain 60-75°F for best growth.
7. Harvesting
- Once the plants turn yellow and die back (about 8-10 weeks in), stop watering for a week.
- Dump out the bag and collect your potatoes!
Pro Tip: Some fabric grow bags have side flaps for easy harvesting—you can check on your potatoes without disturbing the plant!
While fabric grow bags drain really well, they can leak water onto your grow tent floor. Using a plastic bin or tray underneath is a great way to keep things clean and prevent excess moisture buildup.
Best Options for Catching Water
✅ Plastic Bin – A shallow bin (like a boot tray or storage tote lid) under the bag will catch runoff.
✅ Plant Saucer – A large saucer under the grow bag can help control drainage.
✅ Wire Rack Over a Tray – Elevating the bag slightly (on bricks or a rack) over a tray keeps the bottom from sitting in water.
Avoid letting the grow bag sit in standing water—it defeats the purpose of good drainage. If water pools in the bin, dump it out after watering.