20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags – Your Ultimate Guide To Bountiful Harvests

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever dreamt of digging up your very own fresh, earthy potatoes, but thought you didn’t have enough garden space? Or maybe you’ve tried growing them in the ground only to battle relentless pests or tough soil? You’re not alone, and I’ve got fantastic news for you: 20 gallon potato grow bags are here to revolutionize your potato growing experience!

As an experienced gardener, I’ve seen firsthand how these versatile fabric containers transform small patios, balconies, and even sunny driveways into productive potato patches. They’re a game-changer for urban gardeners and anyone looking for an easier, more controlled way to cultivate this beloved root vegetable. This comprehensive 20 gallon potato grow bags guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right bag to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you achieve a fantastic, homegrown potato harvest.

Get ready to discover all the seasoned tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years. We’ll dive deep into the benefits of 20 gallon potato grow bags, step-by-step planting instructions, and crucial care advice, so you can confidently grow delicious spuds right at home. Let’s get digging!

Why Choose 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags? The Benefits You Can’t Ignore

When I first heard about growing potatoes in bags, I was skeptical. But after years of experimenting, I’m a total convert! The advantages of using 20 gallon potato grow bags are truly compelling, especially for modern gardeners.

  • Space-Saving & Portable: This is perhaps the biggest draw. You don’t need a sprawling garden. These bags let you grow potatoes on a patio, balcony, or even a rooftop. Plus, you can move them to catch the best sun or protect them from unexpected frost.
  • Pest & Disease Control: Growing in containers helps isolate your plants from many soil-borne pests and diseases. It’s much easier to manage issues when they’re contained in a bag, rather than spreading through an entire garden bed.
  • Effortless Harvesting: Forget back-breaking digging! When your potatoes are ready, you simply tip the bag over, and your glorious harvest tumbles out. It’s incredibly satisfying and gentle on your back.
  • Superior Drainage & Aeration: Fabric grow bags naturally provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot. The breathable fabric also ensures superb aeration, crucial for healthy potato development.
  • Soil Control: You get to choose your soil! This is a huge advantage, especially if your native garden soil is poor, rocky, or heavy clay. You can create the perfect, nutrient-rich environment for your potatoes from day one.
  • Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: Many grow bags are made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable 20 gallon potato grow bags option. They’re reusable for several seasons, reducing waste compared to single-use plastic containers.

These benefits truly make growing with 20 gallon potato grow bags an appealing and highly efficient method for any gardener.

How to Choose the Best 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags

Not all grow bags are created equal, and selecting the right one is key to your success. As part of your 20 gallon potato grow bags guide, here’s what to look for:

Material Matters: Felt vs. Fabric vs. HDPE

Most grow bags are made from durable, breathable fabric, often a thick felt-like material or a woven polypropylene. This allows for excellent air circulation, preventing root circling and promoting a healthier root system. Some might be made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is also durable.

  • Breathability: Look for materials that allow air exchange. This “air-prunes” roots, encouraging a dense, fibrous root ball instead of one that spirals around the container.
  • Durability: A good bag should be sturdy enough to hold heavy, moist soil and resist tearing. Reinforced stitching is a plus.
  • UV Resistance: If your bags will be in direct sun for months, UV-resistant material will extend their lifespan.

Drainage Holes and Handles

While fabric bags inherently drain well, some models include additional reinforced drainage holes at the bottom. This isn’t strictly necessary but can be a nice feature. Sturdy handles are a must, especially for 20 gallon potato grow bags. A full bag of wet soil and potatoes can be surprisingly heavy, so strong handles make moving them much easier.

Getting Started: Your Step-by-Step 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s my proven method for how to grow potatoes in 20 gallon potato grow bags:

Selecting Your Seed Potatoes

First things first, start with high-quality seed potatoes. These are specifically grown to be disease-free and will give you the best chance for a successful harvest. Avoid using grocery store potatoes, as they might be treated with sprout inhibitors or carry diseases.

  • Chitting: About 2-4 weeks before planting, place your seed potatoes in a cool, bright spot (not direct sun). This encourages them to sprout short, stubby “chits” or eyes. This process, called chitting, gives them a head start.
  • Cutting: If your seed potatoes are large, you can cut them into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least 1-2 chits. Let the cut pieces “cure” for a day or two in a dry spot to form a protective callous, which helps prevent rot.
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Preparing Your Growing Medium

The right soil mix is paramount for a successful potato harvest. For your 20 gallon potato grow bags, I recommend a loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich blend.

  1. Mix Your Soil: Combine high-quality potting mix with some compost and a handful of balanced organic fertilizer (like bone meal or a vegetable-specific blend). A good ratio is 2 parts potting mix, 1 part compost.
  2. Avoid Garden Soil: While tempting, straight garden soil can be too heavy, compact easily, and may harbor pests or diseases that can harm your grow bag potatoes.

Planting Your Potatoes (The Layering Method)

This is where the magic happens! The layering method (often called “hilling”) is crucial for maximizing your yield in 20 gallon potato grow bags.

  1. First Layer of Soil: Fold down the sides of your grow bag to about 6-8 inches high. Fill the bottom with about 4-6 inches of your prepared soil mix.
  2. Place Seed Potatoes: Place 3-5 chitted seed potato pieces on top of the soil, sprouts facing upwards. For a 20-gallon bag, 4-5 seed potatoes are ideal for a good yield.
  3. Cover & Water: Cover the seed potatoes with another 4-6 inches of soil mix. Water thoroughly but gently.
  4. Wait for Growth: As the potato plants grow and reach about 6-8 inches tall, it’s time for the next step: hilling.

Nurturing Your Crop: 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags Care Guide

Proper care is essential for a robust harvest. Follow these 20 gallon potato grow bags best practices for healthy, productive plants.

Watering Wisely

Potatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and tuber development. However, they absolutely hate soggy feet!

  • Check Soil Moisture: Stick your finger 2-3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Water Deeply: Water until you see moisture coming out of the bottom of the bag. This ensures the entire root zone is hydrated.
  • Avoid Overwatering: While consistent, don’t let the bag sit in standing water. The breathable fabric helps prevent this, but it’s still good practice.
  • Frequency: In hot, sunny weather, you might need to water daily. In cooler, overcast conditions, every 2-3 days might suffice.

Fertilizing for Success

Potatoes are heavy feeders. Supplementing your initial soil mix with additional nutrients will promote strong growth and bigger tubers.

  • Mid-Season Boost: Once your plants are about a foot tall and you’ve completed a few hilling sessions, consider a boost.
  • Organic Options: A balanced liquid organic fertilizer (like a fish emulsion or seaweed extract) applied every 2-3 weeks is excellent. Follow package directions carefully.
  • Compost Tea: Another great option is a homemade compost tea, which provides a gentle, slow-release nutrient boost.

Hilling Up – The Secret to More Potatoes

This is arguably the most important of all 20 gallon potato grow bags tips! Hilling encourages the plant to produce more tubers along the stem.

  1. First Hilling: Once your potato plants are about 6-8 inches tall (after the initial planting), add another 4-6 inches of soil mix, covering all but the top few inches of foliage.
  2. Repeat: Continue this process every time the plant grows another 6-8 inches, until the soil level is within 2-3 inches of the top of the bag.
  3. Why it Works: Potatoes form along the stem that is covered by soil. The more stem you cover, the more potatoes you’ll get!

Pest and Disease Management

Even in grow bags, pests and diseases can sometimes appear. Early detection is key!

  • Inspect Regularly: Routinely check the tops and undersides of leaves for signs of pests (aphids, Colorado potato beetles) or disease (blight, leaf spot).
  • Organic Solutions: For aphids, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can work wonders. Handpick larger pests like potato beetles.
  • Good Airflow: Ensure your bags are spaced adequately to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Harvesting Your Bounty from 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Knowing when and how to harvest is crucial for enjoying your homegrown spuds.

  • When to Harvest: Potato plants typically take 90-120 days from planting to harvest, depending on the variety. You’ll know they’re ready when the foliage starts to yellow, wither, and die back. This usually happens a couple of weeks after flowering.
  • “New” Potatoes: If you want small “new” potatoes, you can carefully reach into the side of the bag (if it has a flap) or gently rummage through the topsoil once the plants have flowered. Just be gentle and don’t disturb the main plant too much.
  • Main Harvest: For your main harvest, wait until the foliage has completely died back. Then, simply lay the 20 gallon potato grow bag on its side and empty the contents onto a tarp or newspaper. Sift through the soil to find all your beautiful potatoes. It’s like a treasure hunt!

Curing and Storage Tips

After harvesting, don’t wash your potatoes immediately. Instead, allow them to “cure” for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. This helps toughen their skins, heal any minor scrapes, and improves their storage life. Once cured, store them in a cool (45-50°F / 7-10°C), dark place with good air circulation, like a root cellar, basement, or even a breathable mesh bag.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags

Even with the best intentions, gardeners sometimes face challenges. Here are solutions to common problems with 20 gallon potato grow bags:

Yellowing Leaves

This is a common concern. It could be:

  • Nutrient Deficiency: Potatoes are heavy feeders. If the lower leaves are yellowing, it might indicate a nitrogen deficiency. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  • Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, especially with soft stems, can signal too much water, leading to root rot. Check soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule.
  • Underwatering: Wilting and yellowing can also happen if plants are consistently too dry. Ensure deep watering.

Small Harvests

Disappointingly small potatoes or a low yield can be frustrating.

  • Insufficient Hilling: The most common culprit! Remember, hilling encourages more tubers. Ensure you’re consistently adding soil as the plant grows.
  • Poor Soil Quality: If your initial soil mix wasn’t rich enough, or you skipped fertilizing, your plants might not have had the nutrients to produce well.
  • Too Many Seed Potatoes: Planting too many seed potatoes in a 20-gallon bag can lead to competition for resources, resulting in many small potatoes instead of fewer large ones. Stick to 3-5.
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Pests and Diseases

While less common in bags, they can still occur.

  • Colorado Potato Beetles: These distinctive striped beetles and their reddish larvae can decimate foliage. Handpick them off and drop them into soapy water.
  • Early or Late Blight: Fungal diseases that cause brown spots on leaves. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and consider organic fungicides if severe.

Mold or Mildew on the Bag or Soil Surface

This usually indicates excessive moisture and poor air circulation.

  • Reduce Watering: Let the top layer of soil dry out more between waterings.
  • Improve Airflow: Ensure bags are not too close together. If mold is on the bag itself, try cleaning it gently with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution.

Advanced 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags Tips for Experienced Gardeners

For those looking to take their grow bag game to the next level, here are some 20 gallon potato grow bags tips from my own gardening journal:

  • Crop Rotation in Bags: Even though they’re containers, it’s good practice to change the soil each season. If reusing bags, thoroughly clean them. This prevents disease buildup.
  • Companion Planting: Consider planting herbs like marigolds or nasturtiums nearby (in separate small pots or the same bag if space allows) to deter pests. Some gardeners swear by planting a few beans or peas in the same bag, though I prefer dedicated potato bags.
  • Extend the Season: For an earlier crop, start chitting seed potatoes indoors. For a later harvest, you can plant a second batch in mid-summer for a fall crop.
  • Experiment with Varieties: Don’t stick to just one! Try different potato types—red, yellow, blue, fingerlings—to discover new flavors and textures. Each variety might have slightly different growing habits.
  • DIY Soil Mixes: For the truly dedicated, create your own custom soil blend with coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and compost for optimal aeration and water retention.

Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Gallon Potato Grow Bags

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I hear about these fantastic containers!

How many seed potatoes can I plant in a 20 gallon grow bag?

For optimal yield and tuber size, I recommend planting 3-5 chitted seed potato pieces in a 20 gallon potato grow bag. Any more and they’ll compete too much for resources, potentially leading to smaller potatoes.

How often should I water my potato grow bags?

Watering frequency depends on weather, humidity, and the size of your plants. In hot, sunny conditions, you might need to water daily. In cooler weather, every 2-3 days might be enough. Always check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2-3 inches deep. Water when the top few inches feel dry.

Can I reuse my 20 gallon potato grow bags?

Absolutely! Most good quality fabric grow bags are designed to be reused for several seasons. After harvesting, empty the old soil (don’t reuse it for potatoes due to potential disease buildup), rinse the bag thoroughly, and let it dry completely before storing it in a cool, dry place. Using fresh soil each season is a key 20 gallon potato grow bags best practice.

What kind of soil is best for potato grow bags?

The best soil is a loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich potting mix. I recommend a blend of high-quality potting mix (not garden soil) and compost, with a slow-release organic fertilizer mixed in. This provides the ideal environment for your potato tubers to develop.

How long does it take to grow potatoes in a 20 gallon grow bag?

Most potato varieties take between 90 to 120 days from planting to harvest. “Early” varieties can be ready in 70-90 days, while “main crop” varieties can take 100-120 days. You’ll know they’re ready when the plant’s foliage begins to yellow, wither, and die back.

Conclusion

Growing potatoes in 20 gallon potato grow bags is a truly rewarding experience, offering convenience, efficiency, and delicious homegrown flavor. Whether you’re a beginner gardener with limited space or an experienced grower looking for an easier harvest, these versatile bags are an excellent solution.

By following this comprehensive 20 gallon potato grow bags guide, you’re now equipped with all the knowledge and 20 gallon potato grow bags tips to achieve a fantastic potato crop. Remember, gardening is all about learning and enjoying the process. Don’t be afraid to experiment, observe your plants, and adjust your care as needed.

So, grab your seed potatoes, prepare your soil, and get ready to experience the joy of digging for your own delicious treasure. Go forth and grow! Your taste buds (and your back) will thank you.

Rimon Chowdhury
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