Aussie Gardener Potato Planter Bags - The easy way to grow potatoes at home

What are the bags made from?

Geotech Felt which is UV stable. This is the same type of fabric they use under roads and for drainage. Very tough and lasts for a number of years. Please note we have had these custom made with extra thick geotech felt so that they last really well as part of our ‘no junk’ policy.
Just to clear up any confusion, although these are called felt, it is not the same as crafting felt which would not last outdoors. 

What soil should I use?

Potatoes aren't too fussy, just a regular potting mix will be fine. We recommending adding an organic fertiliser when you first plant them. 

Large Potato Bag = 100L (4 bags of potting mix)

Small Potato Bag = 50L (2 bags of potting mix)
If you have several potato planters to fill, get a load of vegetable soil mix from your local soil yard will be cheaper and far less plastic waste. 

If you use garden soil, they will be very heavy to move and the handles could break. They are weight tested for potting mix.  

Do they have drainage holes?

No, the great thing about geotech felt is that water can move through it slowly. So any excess water not absorbed by the soil will drain out the bottom but no soil will leak out. 

Do you have them in orange still?

The first batches of this potato planter were in orange but we had some supply issues getting a consistent colour. Some customers also didn’t like orange so we have changed it to a dark grey colour. The product is exactly the same in every other way. 

Can these be placed on concrete?

Yes they are ideal for placing on concrete, like a balcony. 

Why does it have the flaps on the side?

This allows access to the roots where the potatoes grow which means you can harvest small potatoes as they are growing without having to dig the whole plant up.
When the potato plant has totally finished it will die back so then it is time to dig in with your hands and find all the rest of the potatoes that you haven't harvested yet. You might find it easier to tip the whole bag out. A great activity with the kids. 

Can these potato bags be used for growing other vegetables?

Absolutely! The side flaps stay shut with the velcro strips making them perfect for growing over veggies. 

Do you sell seed potatoes?

Not at this stage, but if you look in the product description above you will find the contact details of a good seed potato grower.
You can also use sprouting potatoes from your cupboard as seeds, which is what a lot of people do.
Sometimes those shop potatoes will carry disease which leads to a failed crop. This is why it can be worthwhile to purchase disease free seed potatoes from a reputable supplier. 

How many potatoes should I plant per bag

The large bag = 5 pieces of sprouting potato

Small bag = 3 pieces of sprouting potato

If you have a potato with multiple sprouts on it, you can cut it into sections to plant. It doesn't need to be a whole potato. 

How often should I water?

This depends on your area, the weather and so on.
Try and keep the soil damp but not soaking wet otherwise they will rot.
Stick your finger in the soil and if it's dry, give it a water. If damp already, leave it a few more days. 

Can I use these potato planter bags again next year?

Yes. That is the idea. With a bit of care, you will have these bags for many years and they will produce an abundant harvest of spuds.