Has anyone tried growing potatoes in a bag?

[April’s Zoo]

Any of the (non-organic) garden pest products should work. Choose something granular so that you can apply it to the soil and it will dissolve and get to the termites down in the bag. The product label will tell you the application to harvest time.

 

[LittleMissCountry]

Neem oil or borax will get rid of them at the surface, but they will still be throughout the bag. My grandpa always used cardboard traps when he found them at his house. He would set out a folded piece of cardboard or a small box and moisten it. For some reason they would flock to it...probably the moisture which wouldn't do much good if the wood chip soil is moist.

 

[oregonkat]

I am also currently growing my potatoes in a big grow bag and they seem to be doing fine. I am a fan (I know not everyone is) of diatomaceous earth for bug prevention. It has saved me from the dreaded flea beetle this year on my tomatoes and I sprinkled it on my potatoes and got rid of the earwigs. Works for me!

 

[Pater est Pullis]

I wound up going the chemical route, I'll give it a few doses of Sevin, and hope for the best come harvest time.

 

[April’s Zoo]

I think that’s a good plan....
You could always “give a firkle” (yes that’s a real word— it means to feel around under the surface for small/new potatoes) for a tater or two in a few weeks.... slice one open and look to see if there’s any damage from the termites. It might put your mind at ease. Chances are that the termites aren’t gonna bug (pun intended ) your taters.

 

[Taliasun]

I do not grow potatoes. Only flowers. My neighbor does grow potatoes, and uses automobile tires. Has great success that way, and potatoes grow above ground, well drained.

I'd be interested to see that set up. We just changed out some motorcycle tires and I've been itching to repurpose them in some way.

 

[cavemanrich]

I'd be interested to see that set up. We just changed out some motorcycle tires and I've been itching to repurpose them in some way.

Neighbor uses wide tires to make a higher mound. Keeps the soil from falling away and keeps the growing potatoes covered in soil. It also holds the moisture as well. The soil in the tires is also soft, and porous with organic matter and peat moss. Potatoes easily expand/grow in that medium. Planting in heavy soil will not give good harvest results.
On potato farms, the rows are plowed in such a way to create PEAKS/RIDGES, and VALLEYS. The potatoes grow out of the peaks. The valleys allow the potato tubers to grow and expand the surrounding soil easily.

 

[Pater est Pullis]

Well, the termites won, no potatoes, some remnants, but pretty much nothing left. I definitely like the potato bag concept, I'll be a bit more careful with my growing media next year, and run with it.

 

[oregonkat]

The other thing to keep in mind is that the potatoes in the bags need water, lots of water. As soon as those greens start showing and you start the layering process, water, water and water again. The bags dry out very quickly and I found that during this hot cycle we are in, I have to water the bag twice a day.

 

[deepbluesea]

I grow potatoes in a big metal garbage can with holes drilled in it. I used potting soil, layering it as the plants grew. To harvest, I just dump the can into a raised bed and sift through. Last year's harvest was pretty good.

This year, my EE pulled out all of the plants and made a secret nest in the can.