Alan Titchmarsh has expressed astonishment after a gardening experiment with potato grow bags yielded impressive results. The 76-year-old television presenter decided to test the bags last year by planting seed potatoes in three grow bags placed in his raised beds.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Titchmarsh admitted he was surprised by the quantity of potatoes harvested. 'I have to say, I was quite surprised with how many potatoes came out of those bags with so few put in there,' he said. He noted that each bag produced a 'good amount of foliage', indicating a substantial crop below.
Titchmarsh revealed he planted just five seed potatoes in each bag and added compost as shoots grew. He emphasised that the bags require regular watering to prevent drying out. The seed potatoes cost only £1.50, and the bags are reusable for future crops.
The gardener, who has been growing potatoes for over 60 years, described the thrill of harvesting as 'childlike'. He said: 'I still get exactly the same thrill as I did when I was 10 from uprooting my first crop of potatoes.' He encouraged gardeners with limited space to consider using potato bags, stating: 'In future, if I'm ever strapped for space, I'll be growing a few spuds in these potato bags.'
Titchmarsh returns to television on January 25 at 9.30am with 'Love Your Weekend', featuring guests Maureen Lipman, Al Weaver, and Trevor Dion Nicholas.
