Potatoes Growing in Bags - Too Many Leaves?
I'm growing potatoes in a bag and the plants have already reached the top with heaps of leaves. Will they still grow potatoes, and should I remove some of the leaves?
There's no need to remove the leaves from your potato plants. In fact, all that healthy green foliage is doing an important job, using sunlight to produce the energy the plant needs to grow potatoes underground.
It's quite normal for potatoes to produce plenty of leafy growth, particularly if the growing mix is rich in nutrients, and it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get a good crop.
Caring for potatoes growing in bags
If you've been gradually adding growing mix as the plants grow and your bag is now full, there's no need to add any more. Just let the plants continue growing, keeping them in a sunny spot and watering regularly. Potato bags can dry out quickly as the weather warms up, so check the moisture often and make sure the bag has good drainage.
Avoid applying any additional fertiliser at this stage. Too much nitrogen can encourage even more lush, leafy growth at the expense of the potatoes developing underground.
When will my potatoes be ready?
There's plenty happening beneath the soil while your potato plants are growing! As the plants begin flowering, potatoes may already be developing underground, and some of the older leaves may start to turn yellow. These yellow leaves can be removed, but leave the healthy green foliage in place.
Depending on the variety, potatoes generally take around 3-4 months to mature. Once the foliage starts to yellow and die back naturally, it's a good sign that your potatoes are nearly ready to harvest.
For more advice, see our guide:
