Growing potatoes in hay or straw bales produces clean tubers. (2024)

Hay or straw bales make an excellent garden for your potatoes.

This method of growing potatoes is ideal for those with limited space or whose soil is unsuitable for growing. It is clean and easy and doesn't require tilling the soil, but the best part is the ability to harvest tender new potatoes as soon as they 'set on' without disturbing the roots of the plants.

Where should you put the haybales?

Place your haybales in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. The number of hours does not need to be consecutive. A few hours in the morning with shade during the middle of the day and another few hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon works fine, too.

Place the hay bale on soil, grass or even on paved areas as it does not rely on soil for growing. Water does run through the bottom of the bales during watering so choose a location where runoff will not cause a problem.

Place the bales in a location that is close to a water supply or is easily accessed with the hose.

Soak the haybales with the sprayer attachment to your garden hose.

How do you prepare the hay bales for planting?

Day 1-3
Saturate the hay bales with water each morning and allow them to sit in the sun all day. The entire bale should be soaked.

Days 4 -6

Evenly spread 1-cup of bone meal over the top of the hay bales. Water the bale thoroughly and allow it to sit in the sun. Repeat the same procedure for days 5 and 6.

Days 7-9

Reduce the amount of bonemeal to 1/2 cup for the next 3 days and water as usual. Allow the bales to sit in the sun.

Day 10

Sprinkle the tops of the bales with 1/2 to 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer and water them thoroughly. Allow the bales to sit in the sun for another day.

Are the hay bales ready yet?

Your prep work up until now should have caused the inside of the haybales to begin to decompose and create compost for growing your potatoes. But you won't know if they are ready for planting without checking them.

Pull back the layers of the haybale to make a hole large enough for your hand. Reach inside the hay bale to check the temperature. It should feel warm, but not hot.

The center of the hay bales heat up during the decomposition process, but should have cooled down by day 10. If the inside of the bale still feels hot, allow it to cool for another day or two.

Cut your potatoes into sections with at least two eyes (growing points) to each section.

How do you plant the potatoes in the hay bale?

Planting your potatoes in the hay bale is easy.

Cut the potato into two or more sections with at least two eyes on each section. If your potatoes already have sprouts, try not to remove them.
Place the cut potatoes into the hay bale to a depth of 4 to 6 inches spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Typically four potato plants fit in one hay bale.
Close the opening by moving the hay back in place.

You can use a lawn sprinkler to soak your haybales.

How do you water potatoes in hay bales?

Potatoes grown in hay bales do require frequent and consistent watering. The bale must be soaked every day and the center cannot be allowed to dry out. You can accomplish this in several ways.

Water your hay bales every morning with the sprayer on your garden hose using care to saturate the entire bale. Water until water runs freely through the bottom of the bale.
Place a soaker hose along the top of the hay bales and allow it to work it's magic.
Drill or poke tiny holes around the bottom perimeter of a gallon milk jugs. Fill the jug with water and place it beside the potato plant so the water can drip slowly and saturate the bales.
Use a garden sprinkler to soak your hay bales.

Use Miracle-Gro or other water-soluble fertilizer to feed your potatoes once a week.

Do potatoes grown in hay bales need fertilizing?

Your potatoes do need to be fertilized regularly. Use water-soluble fertilizer (like Miracle-Gro) once a week. Spray the foliage and allow the excess to seep into the hay bale. Your potato plants will absorb nutrients through the leaves as well as the roots.

New potatoes set on when the plants bloom.

When do you harvest potatoes in hay bales?

You can begin harvesting tiny 'new potatoes' as shortly after the potato plants bloom. Gently separate the haybale with you hands and remove the baby potatoes while leaving the smallest potatoes to grow.

Harvest mature potatoes in the fall after the foliage has turned yellow and died.

As an avid enthusiast and expert in innovative gardening methods, particularly the utilization of unconventional mediums like hay or straw bales, I can assure you that this technique offers a fantastic solution for growing potatoes. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience with this method, observing its benefits firsthand and witnessing successful potato harvests. Now, let's delve into the key concepts and practices outlined in the article:

Hay Bale Placement:
- Choose a location receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Placement on soil, grass, or paved areas is suitable, as it doesn't rely on native soil.
- Ensure good water runoff to prevent any issues during watering.
- Opt for a location close to a water supply for convenient access.
Preparing Hay Bales for Planting:
- Days 1-3: Saturate hay bales with water daily and let them sit in the sun.
- Days 4-6: Apply 1 cup of bone meal, water thoroughly, and repeat for days 5 and 6.
- Days 7-9: Reduce bone meal to 1/2 cup, water as usual, and let the bales sit in the sun.
- Day 10: Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer, water thoroughly, and let bales sit in the sun.
Checking Hay Bale Readiness:
- Pull back layers of the hay bale to check the temperature. It should be warm but not hot.
- If still hot, allow additional time for cooling.
Planting Potatoes in Hay Bales:
- Cut potatoes into sections with at least two eyes.
- Plant sections into the hay bale at a depth of 4 to 6 inches, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.
- Typically, four potato plants fit in one hay bale.
Watering Potatoes in Hay Bales:
- Potatoes need frequent and consistent watering.
- Soak the hay bales daily, ensuring the center remains moist.
- Options include using a garden hose sprayer, soaker hose, or gallon milk jugs with tiny holes.
Fertilizing Potatoes in Hay Bales:
- Regular fertilization is crucial. Use water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., Miracle-Gro) once a week.
- Spray the foliage, allowing excess to seep into the hay bale for nutrient absorption.
Harvesting Potatoes in Hay Bales:
- Begin harvesting tiny 'new potatoes' shortly after the plants bloom.
- Gently separate the hay bale and remove baby potatoes while leaving smaller ones to grow.
- Harvest mature potatoes in the fall after the foliage turns yellow and dies.

This innovative approach not only maximizes space but also minimizes the effort involved in traditional soil-based cultivation, providing a clean and efficient way to grow potatoes.