Growing in a grow sack

Put 10-15 cms of good quality compost into the grow bag. Place up to four potatoes on the compost about 8 cms from the edge of the bag, sprouting side uppermost. Cover with compost and then add a further 10 cms so that the potatoes are well covered.

For early pototoes try Swift or Rocket (first early)these are supposed to be best suited for growing in bags. For salad potatatoes try Charlotte and for second eearly Vivaldi.

When growth has popped through about 5 cms cover the growth with compost and add a further 10 cms. Repeat this process until you near the top of the bag. Leave to grow on.

Through the growth period keep the compost moist but not wet and feed once a week with a general fertiliser.

Allow to grow on until you think your potatoes are ready for harvesting. That's the testing time!

Do not be too disappointed if you have not grown a hundredweight of potatoes. Quantity comes mostly with experience. It's about getting the mix right.

When you have harvested your new potatoes turn out the compost on a sheet. Mix in some pelleted manaure. Refill the bag.

Now try planting french beans, runner beans tomatoes or a cucumber, anything that takes your fancy.

The same rules apply, keep moist but not wet, feed weekly. Fresh vegitables, can't be beaten.

Or put small slits in the sides and slip in strawberry plants, not in the same abundance as PYO but the taste, mmm loverly.

Patio fruit trees can be grown in the bag also. Remember to mix in some John Innes number two with your compost (50-50) and feed regularly.

Best of luck (unless you have green fingers).

Comments and tips to: growing@potloads.com