Whether you are a gardening newbie or a veteran grower, you should be familiar with different gardening essentials, such as grow bags. Now, some gardeners think that grow bags are some things that they can do without but make no mistake, grow bags present plenty of benefits for your plants and your garden, as a whole.

Grow bags, as the name implies, are bags designed to grow a variety of plants. Most growers use plastic or terracotta pots to grow plants and are more familiar with these planters. Grow bags are different because the material is lighter and more versatile than plastic or clay. These products come in an array of sizes and heights to choose from. Small grow bags could be used to grow petite houseplants and crops while larger, hardier grow bags can be used for bigger plants, even fruit-bearing dwarf trees, and some shrubs.

Grow bags could be used on their own or arranged in a raised bed. You can also incorporate grow bags into your planting system to create a small or large garden. Adding more plants to your garden is easier with grow bags too. Just grow the plants in a grow bag and add the grow bags into your garden whenever you need them!

Where to Use Grow Bags?

Grow bags are best used for growing a variety of crops, particularly vegetables and herbs. Since planting the crops requires no digging, grow bags are also perfect for growers with mobility issues. Terracotta pots, in particular, are hard to move around. Grow bags are made from lightweight fabric so they are much easier to move around the garden. Since these are easier to move around, you can update the layout of your garden without breaking your back!

Grow bags became popular in the late 80s when most greenhouses were damaged after a hurricane. If you live in a place that’s prone to severe weather conditions, you’ll find that grow bags yield superior crops on the cheap. Garden cleanup and maintenance is also much easier if you use grow bags. Since the bags inhibit weed growth, you can maintain a pristine garden with the littlest of effort. This makes grow bags perfect for an urban garden or a container garden.

Want to grow your own food? Grow bags are also ideal for mini vegetable patches. The bags allow you to grow several plant varieties in one bag so space is never an issue. In fact, you won’t need a yard to grow your favorite herbs and veggies.

Types of Grow Bags

There are two types of grow bags, fabric and plastic grow bags. Which type of grow bag materials are suitable for your needs? Continue reading below:

Fabric Grow Bags

Fabric grow bags, like the ones we sell on our online store, are designed for plants that hate standing water. These bags are made from lightweight, breathable material that drains water well. Fabric grow bags come in various sizes and the thickness of the material varies too.

Some materials are thinner so the grow bags cannot stand on their own unless they are filled with soil. These bags are best for smaller plants or delicate greeneries. Fabric grow bags made from heavy-duty fabric can stand on their own even when the bags are not filled with soil. These bags are best for medium to large sized plants.

There are grow bags that are made specifically for certain crops. For instance, there are potato grow bags, which are optimized for growing potatoes. Mushroom grow bags, on the other hand, are suitable for growing a variety of mushrooms.

Potatoes have their own grow bags because planting spuds requires hilling to get the potatoes to grow. A specialized grow bag is tall enough to let the spud's roots spread while also making harvesting a breeze. The same thing can be said for mushroom grows bags. These bags come with special features that improve and accelerate shroom growth.

If you are growing a variety of crops, opt for universal fabric grow bags. These bags come in simple designs and are suitable for most types of plants.

Plastic Grow Bags

Plastic grow bags are typically seen in nurseries. These bags are made from a thin plastic material that’s often black in color. Plastic grow bags are designed to grow a variety of plants although these aren’t as versatile as fabric grow bags. These bags are used the same way as fabric grow bags but the bags aren’t eco-friendly because of the plastic material used. There is also a tendency for the material to crumble over time. Plastic grow bags have to be pierced to drain the water well. Between the two types of grow bags, plastic grow bags tend to be more affordable but these products deteriorate much more quickly.

Grow Bag Sizes

Grow bags come in various sizes and the kind that is perfect for your garden will depend on the type of plants you want to grow. Small grow bags can accommodate up to 5 gallons while large grow bags could accommodate 150 gallons. Small grow bags are perfect for small plants while larger grow bags are suitable for flowerbeds. You can use multiple grow bags and arrange them in rows if your plants require different types of soil.

Where to Shop for Grow Bags?

Since using grow bags are more popular than ever before, these products have become widely available anywhere, even online. You can buy grow bags at your local gardening vendor or online at popular eMarketplaces like eBay or Amazon. If you are looking for eco-friendly fabric grow bags then you do not have to look far, you can shop at our online store for round and square grow bags. Our grow bags are made from breathable yet sturdy material so you can use and abuse these grow bags for years!

Are Grow Bags More Expensive than Regular Planters?

One might think that grow bags are more expensive than regular planters. After all, clay, terracotta, metal, and plastic planters seem cheaper at a glance compared to grow bag prices. But unlike conventional planters, grow bags are versatile, durable, and space-efficient. These products do not crack under intense heat nor do these break when dropped. You can use and reuse the grow bags from one growing season to another. When not in use, you can simply clean, fold and store the grow bags until the next growing season starts!

The material of the grow bag is also a factor that enhances its ability to enhance plant growth. Conventional planters tend to trap heat that affects the crops’ root systems. Grow bags do not conduct heat. The permeable material disperses heat evenly while improving airflow, all of which are beneficial to plant growth.