You want to grow potatoes but you haven’t got a vegetable patch — just a patio, a balcony, or a small garden where every square metre is already spoken for. Grow bags are the answer. They’re cheap, they work, and they let you grow potatoes anywhere you can put a bag of compost on a flat surface. The question isn’t whether grow bags work for potatoes — they do — it’s which type to buy and how to use them properly.
In This Article
- Our Top Picks
- Why Grow Bags Work for Potatoes
- Fabric vs Plastic vs Jute
- What Size Grow Bag for Potatoes?
- Best Potato Grow Bags 2026
- Vigorun Fabric Grow Bags — Best Overall
- Rhino Fabric Pots — Best for Durability
- GardenMate Hessian Grow Bags — Best Natural Option
- Prime Garden Grow Bags — Best Budget
- Standard Plastic Grow Bags — The Classic Option
- How to Grow Potatoes in a Grow Bag
- Common Mistakes
- Harvesting from Grow Bags
- What to Do with Used Compost
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Bottom Line
Our Top Picks
- Best overall: Vigorun Fabric Grow Bags (10 gallon) — breathable, reusable, with access flap. About £12-15 for a pack of 5
- Best for durability: Rhino Fabric Pots (10 gallon) — thicker material, reinforced handles, lasts 5+ seasons. About £8-10 each
- Best natural option: GardenMate Hessian Grow Bags — biodegradable, attractive, no microplastics. About £10-14 for a pack of 3
- Best budget: Prime Garden Grow Bags — basic fabric, works fine, dirt cheap. About £8-12 for a pack of 10
- Classic option: Standard plastic grow bags from garden centres — the traditional approach at about £2-4 each
Why Grow Bags Work for Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the best crops for container growing because of how they produce tubers. Understanding this helps you get more from your bags.
How Potatoes Grow
When you plant a seed potato, shoots grow upward and roots grow downward. Tubers (the potatoes you eat) form along the buried stems — not at the roots. This is why “earthing up” works: burying more of the stem encourages more tubers to form along the newly buried section.
A grow bag exploits this perfectly. You start with a shallow layer of compost and a seed potato. As the shoots grow, you add more compost around the stems. The potato keeps producing tubers in the new compost, and by the time the bag is full, you’ve got multiple layers of potatoes from a single plant.
Why Bags Specifically?
- Drainage — fabric bags drain freely from all sides. Potatoes hate waterlogged soil. Sitting in wet compost causes rot, disease, and reduced yields. Bags dry out faster than pots, which for potatoes is an advantage
- Air pruning — when roots reach the edge of a fabric bag, exposure to air causes the root tips to stop growing. This triggers the plant to produce lateral roots instead, creating a denser, more efficient root system. Plastic pots cause roots to circle, which is less productive
- Temperature — bags warm up faster than ground soil in spring, giving potatoes an earlier start. In the UK where the growing season is short, this matters
- Portability — bags can be moved to follow the sun, brought under cover during heavy rain, or relocated if you need the patio space for a barbecue
Fabric vs Plastic vs Jute
Fabric (Geotextile)
The modern default. Woven or non-woven polypropylene that’s breathable, lightweight, and reusable.
- Drainage: Excellent — water passes through the fabric itself
- Air pruning: Yes — the primary advantage over plastic
- Durability: 3-5 seasons for standard fabric, 5-8 for premium
- Reusability: Wash, dry, fold, and store for next season
- Environmental: Polypropylene is a plastic. It sheds microplastics over time. More durable than single-use plastic bags but not biodegradable
- Cost: £2-4 per bag in bulk packs
Plastic
Traditional grow bags (the flat rectangular ones from garden centres) and rigid plastic pots.
- Drainage: Only through drainage holes. If holes are insufficient, waterlogging is a risk
- Air pruning: No — roots circle inside the pot
- Durability: 1-3 seasons for thin plastic bags, 5-10+ years for rigid pots
- Reusability: Thin bags tear and degrade. Rigid pots last
- Environmental: Petroleum-based plastic. Thin bags end up in landfill. Rigid pots are more sustainable due to longevity
- Cost: £2-4 for traditional grow bags, £3-8 for rigid pots
Jute/Hessian
Natural fibre bags that look attractive and biodegrade at end of life.
- Drainage: Good — the natural fibre is permeable
- Air pruning: Yes, similar to fabric
- Durability: 1-2 seasons. Jute degrades when wet, which is inevitable when growing potatoes
- Reusability: Limited. They weaken and tear after one season of use
- Environmental: Fully biodegradable. No microplastics. Can be composted at end of life
- Cost: £3-5 per bag. More expensive per use since they’re often single-season
The Verdict
Fabric grow bags are the best all-round choice. They provide air pruning (which plastic doesn’t), last multiple seasons (which jute doesn’t), and cost very little in bulk. If environmental impact is your priority, jute bags are the responsible choice — but plan to replace them annually.
What Size Grow Bag for Potatoes?
Size matters more than brand. Too small and the potatoes are crowded with poor yields. Too large and you’re wasting compost.
Size Guide
- 7 gallon (25-30 litres): Fits 1-2 seed potatoes. Minimum practical size for potatoes. Yields are modest
- 10 gallon (38-40 litres): Fits 2-3 seed potatoes. The sweet spot for most growers. Enough compost depth for good tuber development without excessive cost
- 15 gallon (55-60 litres): Fits 3-4 seed potatoes. Maximum practical size. Heavier when full (25-30kg) and harder to move, but gives the best yields per bag
- 20+ gallon: Overkill for potatoes. The extra volume doesn’t proportionally increase yield and the bags become unmanageably heavy
The Recommendation
10 gallon (38-40 litres) with 2-3 seed potatoes per bag. This is the standard recommendation from the RHS potato growing guide and from most UK garden centres. Four bags of this size give you a reasonable potato crop from a space the size of a small dining table.
Best Potato Grow Bags 2026
Vigorun Fabric Grow Bags — Best Overall
Price: About £12-15 for a pack of 5 (10 gallon) from Amazon UK
The Vigorun bags are the most popular potato grow bag on Amazon UK for good reason. The non-woven fabric is breathable, the reinforced handles are genuinely sturdy (not the decorative handles on cheaper bags that tear when you lift a full bag), and the access flap at the base lets you harvest potatoes without disturbing the rest of the plant.
Why They Stand Out
- Harvest window — a velcro flap near the base lets you reach in and pull out mature potatoes while leaving the plant growing. This means you can harvest new potatoes early without uprooting the whole plant
- Reinforced handles — double-stitched, wide handles that distribute weight. You can actually lift a full bag without it tearing
- Available in multiple sizes — 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 gallon options. The 10-gallon is the potato standard
- Reusable — these last 3-4 seasons with reasonable care. Rinse, dry, fold, and store over winter
The Downsides
The access flap doesn’t always reseal properly after a few uses — the velcro picks up soil and loses grip. The fabric fades in UV after a season or two, which is cosmetic but makes them look tatty. And like all polypropylene bags, they’ll eventually shed micro-fibres.
Rhino Fabric Pots — Best for Durability
Price: About £8-10 each (10 gallon) from Amazon UK or specialist garden retailers
If you want bags that last 5-8 seasons rather than 3-4, Rhino Fabric Pots use a thicker, denser geotextile that resists tearing, UV degradation, and root penetration better than standard offerings. They’re more expensive per bag but cheaper per season of use.
Why They Stand Out
- 300GSM fabric — nearly twice the weight of standard grow bags. Noticeably more robust
- No access flap — simpler design means fewer failure points. Harvest by tipping the bag
- UV-stabilised — the fabric resists sun degradation better than competitors
- Made for serious growers — designed for nurseries and allotments, not just casual garden use
The Downsides
No harvest flap means you can’t check on your potatoes without uprooting. The thicker fabric means slightly less breathability (though still far better than plastic). And at £8-10 per bag, you’re paying 2-3x more than budget options. Worth it if you plan to grow potatoes every year.
GardenMate Hessian Grow Bags — Best Natural Option
Price: About £10-14 for a pack of 3 from Amazon UK
If microplastics concern you and you want a grow bag that doesn’t contribute to plastic waste, GardenMate’s hessian bags are the answer. They look good on a patio (rustic and natural, rather than black plastic), they’re breathable, and at end of life, they go in the compost bin.
Why They Stand Out
- 100% natural jute — fully biodegradable and compostable
- Attractive appearance — the natural hessian looks deliberately chosen rather than utilitarian
- Breathable — similar air pruning benefits to fabric
- Lined interior — a thin biodegradable liner prevents soil washing through the weave while maintaining breathability
The Downsides
They last one season, maybe two at a push. The jute weakens when constantly wet, and by September, the bottom of the bag may start to give way. At £3-5 per bag compared to £2-3 for reusable fabric bags that last 3-4 seasons, they’re the most expensive option per use. The environmental benefit is the selling point.
Prime Garden Grow Bags — Best Budget
Price: About £8-12 for a pack of 10 (7-10 gallon) from Amazon UK
If you want to try potato growing without a significant investment, Prime Garden bags cost less than £1 each in bulk. The fabric is thinner than premium options and the handles are basic, but they work perfectly well for a season or two.
Why They Stand Out
- Under £1 per bag — the lowest entry cost for grow bag potato growing
- Pack of 10 — enough for a serious crop. Ten bags with 2 potatoes each gives you 20 plants
- Light and packable — thin fabric folds down to almost nothing for winter storage
The Downsides
The handles are weak — don’t try to lift a full bag by the handles alone. The fabric is thin enough that roots occasionally grow through. And they’ll last 1-2 seasons before developing holes and tears. But at £1 per bag, replacing them annually is cheaper than a single premium bag.
Standard Plastic Grow Bags — The Classic Option
Price: About £2-4 each from garden centres, B&Q, or Wilko
The traditional long, flat plastic grow bag filled with compost. You’ve seen them in every garden centre. Cut holes in the top, plant through them, and hope for the best. They work, but they’re not ideal for potatoes.
Why They’re Still Popular
- Available everywhere — every garden centre, supermarket garden section, and hardware store stocks them
- Pre-filled with compost — no need to buy compost separately. Open the bag and plant
- Cheap — £2-4 for a ready-to-use growing environment
Why They’re Not Great for Potatoes
- Too shallow — standard grow bags are only 15-20cm deep. Potatoes need at least 30cm for decent tuber development
- No air pruning — plastic means roots circle rather than branching
- Poor drainage — if you don’t cut enough drainage holes, they waterlog. If you cut too many, they dry out
- Single use — thin plastic tears after one season and ends up in landfill
Standard grow bags are fine for tomatoes and salad crops (which don’t need depth), but for potatoes, fabric bags in 10+ gallon sizes are a better choice.
How to Grow Potatoes in a Grow Bag
Step 1: Chit Your Seed Potatoes
Starting in late January or February, place seed potatoes on a tray or egg box with the “eyes” (small indentations where shoots emerge) facing up. Leave them in a cool, light spot (not in direct sunlight) for 4-6 weeks. They’ll develop short, sturdy green shoots. This head start adds 2-3 weeks to your growing season.
Step 2: Prepare the Bag (March-April)
- Fill the bag to about one-third full with multi-purpose compost
- Place 2-3 chitted seed potatoes on the compost surface, shoots pointing up, spaced evenly
- Cover with 10-15cm of compost
- Water well — the compost should be moist but not waterlogged
Step 3: Earth Up (Ongoing)
When the shoots reach 15-20cm above the compost surface, add more compost around the stems, leaving just the top few leaves exposed. This is “earthing up” and it’s where the magic happens — buried stem = more tubers.
Repeat every time the shoots grow another 15-20cm until the bag is full. This usually takes 3-4 earthing-up sessions over 6-8 weeks.
Step 4: Water and Feed
- Water when the top 3-5cm of compost is dry. In summer, this may be daily. Don’t let the compost dry out completely — inconsistent watering causes scabby, misshapen potatoes
- Feed with a general-purpose liquid fertiliser (tomato feed works well) every 2 weeks once the foliage is established
- Don’t overwater — constantly soggy compost causes rot. The bag should drain freely
Our guide to starting a vegetable garden covers the broader fundamentals if potatoes are your first crop.
Step 5: Harvest
- First earlies (planted March, harvest June-July): 10-12 weeks after planting. Harvest when flowers appear or just after
- Second earlies (planted April, harvest July-August): 13-15 weeks after planting
- Maincrop (planted April, harvest August-October): 18-20 weeks. Wait until the foliage dies back and turns yellow
For bags with a harvest flap, reach in and feel for potatoes without disturbing the plant. For bags without, tip the whole thing onto a tarp and pick through the compost.
Common Mistakes
Planting Too Deep Initially
Burying the seed potato 20cm deep in a full bag means less stem available for earthing up. Start shallow (10-15cm of compost covering the potato) so you have maximum room to earth up as the shoots grow.
Overwatering
The most common cause of potato failure in bags. Fabric bags drain well, but daily watering in cool weather is too much. Check the compost moisture before watering — stick your finger 5cm in. If it’s damp, leave it another day.
Not Earthing Up Enough
Leaving stems exposed to light means green potatoes (which contain solanine and are toxic). Every exposed stem is a wasted tuber opportunity. Earth up as soon as shoots reach 15-20cm — don’t wait.
Using Garden Soil
Garden soil in a grow bag compacts, drains poorly, and may contain disease. Use fresh multi-purpose compost every season. It costs £5-8 per bag — a small price for healthy potatoes.
Planting Too Many in One Bag
Three seed potatoes in a 10-gallon bag is the maximum. Four or more means crowding, competition for nutrients, and smaller potatoes. Two plants in a 10-gallon bag give bigger individual tubers.
Harvesting from Grow Bags
With a Harvest Flap
Open the flap, reach in near the base, and feel for potatoes. Gently pull out any that feel a good size (golf ball or larger for new potatoes, tennis ball for maincrops). Close the flap and let smaller ones continue growing. This works best with first and second earlies.
Without a Harvest Flap
Wait until the foliage has died back (or you’re ready to harvest), then tip the entire bag onto a tarp or old sheet. Spread the compost out and pick through for potatoes. Don’t rush — small ones hide in clumps of compost. A garden fork dragged gently through the compost finds stragglers.
Expected Yields
From a 10-gallon bag with 2-3 seed potatoes:
- First earlies: 1-2kg per bag
- Second earlies: 2-3kg per bag
- Maincrop: 3-5kg per bag
These are realistic UK yields from grow bags. You’ll see claims of 10kg per bag online — those are exceptional cases, not typical results.
What to Do with Used Compost
Don’t throw it away. Used potato compost still has value, though it shouldn’t be reused for potatoes (disease risk).
Reuse Options
- Spread on flower beds — it’s spent for potatoes but still provides organic matter and structure for ornamental plants
- Mix into new raised bed soil — use as part of the mix, not the whole thing. Blend with fresh compost and topsoil. Our raised beds guide covers soil mixes
- Add to compost bin — it breaks down further and contributes to your next batch of homemade compost
- Use for non-solanaceae crops — it’s safe for beans, salads, brassicas, and root vegetables next season. Just don’t grow potatoes, tomatoes, or peppers in it (they share diseases)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many potatoes can you grow in one bag? Plant 2-3 seed potatoes in a 10-gallon (38-40 litre) bag. This gives each plant enough room for root development and tuber formation. More than 3 in a 10-gallon bag causes overcrowding and smaller potatoes. A 15-gallon bag can take 3-4.
Can you reuse potato grow bags? Fabric bags: yes, for 3-5 seasons. Rinse them out, let them dry fully, and store folded over winter. Don’t reuse the compost for potatoes — use fresh compost each season to prevent blight and other soil-borne diseases carrying over.
When should I plant potatoes in grow bags? First earlies in late February to March (with frost protection). Second earlies in March to April. Maincrops in April. The advantage of grow bags is portability — you can move them under cover or indoors if a late frost is forecast, giving you an earlier start than ground planting.
Do fabric grow bags drain enough for potatoes? Yes — drainage is one of fabric bags’ main advantages. Water passes through the fabric walls as well as the base, making waterlogging almost impossible. This is a big improvement over plastic pots and traditional grow bags, where drainage depends entirely on holes in the bottom.
Why are my grow bag potatoes small? The most common causes are: too many plants per bag (overcrowding), not enough earthing up (fewer tuber layers), inconsistent watering (stresses the plant), or harvesting too early (give maincrops 18-20 weeks). Feeding with liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks from flowering also increases tuber size.
The Bottom Line
Potato grow bags are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to grow your own food. A pack of 5 fabric bags (about £12), a bag of compost (about £6), and 10 seed potatoes (about £3-4 from a garden centre) gives you everything you need for about £22. From that, you’ll harvest 5-15kg of potatoes across the season — the equivalent of £15-30 worth from a supermarket.
The Vigorun 10-gallon bags are the best starting point for most people. The harvest flap makes checking on your crop easy, the bags last multiple seasons, and they’re cheap enough that you can scale up next year without guilt.
Potatoes in grow bags aren’t just for people without gardens. Even if you’ve got a full veg plot, bags on a sunny patio give you extra growing space, an earlier start, and an excuse to check on your potatoes every morning with a cup of tea. And pulling the first new potatoes of the season out of a bag you planted yourself? That’s one of the best moments in gardening.