MOST tack rooms have at least a corner full of old feed bags by the time the horses go out.

The most important thing to do is resist any urge to burn them and recycle them instead. Your local council website will provide the details for your nearest recycling facility. However, there’s more than one way to skin a cat and, as the winter season ends, the growing season begins.

Feed bags make excellent grow bags no matter how green-fingered you may or may not be. You can grow pretty much any vegetables, herbs or annuals in them. They make fantastic potato growing sacks too.

Feed bag gardening

Find a level surface to sit the bags on so they don’t topple over and get them in as sunny a spot as you can. A few bags together can lend support to each other too. Fold the top edge of the bag down over itself two or three times to help hold the bag open when you fill it with compost.

Once the compost is in (fill to a couple of inches below the folded top) you’ll need to cut two or three small crosses near the bottom of the bag. These cuts allow for drainage and ensure the bags don’t become waterlogged.

Plant one to three plants per bag, depending on the estimated size of the full-grown plant. If you’re planting from pots, gently shake out any pot-bound roots before planting. If you’re planting potatoes then two seed potatoes nice and deep in the soil will work best. Water your feed bag garden really well and don’t let them dry out on hotter days. Tomatoes (patio or dwarf-type work best) may need a little cane support and feeding.

Carrots

With care and attention you should be able to produce plenty of carrots for the horses or harvest your five-a day until winter rolls around again. Even then you can grow winter veg such as the hardy Savoy cabbage in your feed bags. It’s win-win!