Will Using Grow Bags Make Gardening Easier?

History Of Grow Bags

During the 1970s, grow bags took the gardening world by storm. These bags were invented in order to solve a single problem. People who liked to grow tomatoes were tired of having to replace the soil around their greenhouse borders each year.

To many people this may seem like it is not a big deal. However, at that time many avid gardeners had greenhouses and they typically grew tomatoes.

Since you had to grow your plants in the same space each year, diseases and root pests would build up and each year your tomato plants would not do as well.

This is when the grow bag was first introduced. Each spring you could place your tomato plants into the root pouch. The roots of the plants no longer could get to the soil that was infected.

Each year simply restock your greenhouse with a new set of tomato grow bags. No digging is necessary.

The bags were cheap to use and provided superior crops. Sales of grow bags skyrocketed during this time. What stopped the popularity of grow bags was the Hurricane in 1987. Most of the nation’s greenhouses were destroyed during this time and during the cleanup process most were not replaced.

Currently, the grow your own food craze has given growing bag systems a new found popularity. These grow bags have a great potential when it comes to creating mini veg patches on properties where space is an issue.

Grow bags offer the perfect solution for growing your own food. With more and more people looking to create a healthier lifestyle, it is important to know where your food is coming from.

How To Use Grow Bags

Grow bags work really well with tomato plants, after all this is what they were designed for. However, it is possible to grow all sorts of things in a grow bag.

The compost that is used in grow bags is specially designed to work without any type of drainage holes for the bottom. Simply plant your vegetables like you normally would in regular soil.

Some vegetables that do well in grow bags besides tomatoes are, lettuce, kohlrabi, courgettes, and french or green beans.

Short root crops such as potatoes, radishes, stump rooted carrots, and spring onions do well in garden grow bags as well. You can also create an herb garden using a grow bag. If you are not into growing vegetables and herbs, you can also use grow bags for flowers.

Each grow bag should be treated like a large container. You can place several grow bags in a row in order to create the effect of a continuous garden bed or flower garden.

Growing flowers or vegetables in a growing bag is not much different than growing them in other container types. You do need to keep in mind that there are no drainage holes, so be careful with watering or you could end up with a mushy mess.

When you first plant your garden in your fabric grow bags you will want to water them sparingly. As your plants start to grow you will need to provide them with more water, especially if the weather is fairly hot and sunny. If you let your tomato plants dry out the tomatoes may start to show signs of end rot.

On the same note, if you are having a rainy summer it is important to make sure that your grow bags are draining properly. Proper drainage is important because if the soil becomes too wet your plants can get root rot. When this develops in your plant it will stop producing fruit and becomes relatively useless.

It is also important to feed your plants regularly. Since a growing bag only holds a small amount of compost, when the plants have used up these original nutrients they will need more.

Giving your plants a general purpose feed like phostrogen weekly will help provide them with the nutrients they need to grow.

If you use the right type of grow bag combined with the right type of soil, you will quickly discover that your plants will grow at a fairly fast rate. Grow bags promote growth and production.

Why Use Grow Bags?

There are several distinct advantages of using grow bags over other types of growing methods. A plant that is grown in a plastic pot will become root bound as the roots will simply circle around the pot. A plant that is grown in a grow bag will receive oxygen through the walls of the pot.

This is important as a plant that has access to more oxygen will grow roots that are stronger and more fibrous. Plants that have a larger mass will have more surface area to absorb the water and minerals that it needs in order to grow.

Grow bags also let water out, which prevents issues with overwatering. These are just some of the reasons that many hydroponic farms and commercial nurseries have started to use grow bags more and more.

However, the real reason that you should consider using grow bags for your garden is quite simple, they work. Grow bags are perfect for growing vegetables and fruits, and even flowers.

You can quickly set them up and place them just about anywhere, from in your yard to on your patio or deck. They are even great for people who live in apartments and have a balcony.

One of the biggest problems people have when they are starting a garden in their yard is aerating the ground in their yard to create a suitable growing environment. Planter bags take away this frustration as you will simply add soil to the bag and then plant your seeds. No digging is necessary.

The soil found in most back yards is simply not suitable for growing plants. The grow bag will solve this problem as you can choose the type of soil that you use. In addition, when you are not using the grow bags they can be rolled up and put away.

Some people think that they can use any type of pot to grow their vegetables in. However, this is not the case. Grow bags are designed with production and growth in mind, which is why they are breathable and provide a way for the soil to drain.

This is different than growing plants in a commercial planter or other type of hard pot as these do not allow proper aeration and because of this it is difficult for the roots of the plant to become stronger.

Economic Value Of Using Grow Bags

Grow bags are more economical than you may think. Once you have used the grow bag for your spring crops you can remove the remains of the spring plants and there will be enough compost left to grow some of your favorite autumn crops such as spinach and other lettuces.

When you have cut your fall crops you can use what is left of the compost as a spread on your garden between perennials and shrubs or brush it onto your lawn as a fertilizer of sorts.

In addition, there are grow bags available that are reusable. You simply empty them out at the end of the season, clean them, and then store them until you are ready to use them again in the spring.

Types Of Grow Bags

When you are planning to use grow bags for your garden it is important to know that there are different types of grow bags available that work well with different crops.

While almost every type of grow bag will work well with tomato plants and other similar style plants, there are some grow bags that are specified for certain crops. There are also grow bags made from different materials.

Grow bags also come in many different sizes. The size that you choose will depend on the type of crop that you plan on growing as well as how much space that you have.

Potato Grow Bags

Potatoes are a favorite food among many and they are inexpensive and rather easy to grow. However, the problem with growing potatoes is that they take a lot of space as “hilling” is the best method to get your potatoes to grow.

Potato grow bags are great for growing potatoes as it provides the tall amount of dirt needed for the roots to spread out and it keeps all of the potatoes in one place. Using a potato grow bag will allow you to control the area that the potatoes grow in.

While potatoes can be grown in any type of grow bag, there are several specialty potato grow bags that make the process simpler. These special bags have doors that open on the side so that you can easily reach in and grab the potatoes when they are ready for picking.

Mushroom Grow Bags

Growing mushrooms can be a fun project for the family. One of the best ways to grow mushrooms is by using grow bags.

These speciality grow bags are simple to use and many have an injector port that can be used in order to add grain and other nutrients that your mushrooms need in order to grow.

There are different types of materials that these grow bags are made from that make them better for growing mushrooms than other vegetables. However, you can grow mushrooms in any type of grow bag on the market.

Sizes Of Grow Bags

There are many different sizes of grow bags available. You can choose the size of grow bag based on your particular gardening needs. Sizes range from as small as 5 gallons up to larger 150 gallon bags.

The size of grow bag that you need will really depend on what you are planning to grow. A larger 100 or 150 gallon grow bag is great for a nice flower bed. It can also be used to plant several of the same type of plant together.

Lining up smaller grow bags is another option. This will provide you with separate soil for each of your plants, but will still give you the look and feel of having a regular garden. Below you will find more information about several types and sizes of grow bags available.

3 Grow Bag Choices

Here are our top 3 grow bag choices!

Grow Bags Fabric Planter 150 Or 100 Gallon Raised Bed Aeration Container.

Specifications:

Overview

If you are looking for a way to have a garden and do not have a lot of space or if the soil in your area is not ideal for growing healthy plants, a large 100 or 150 grow bag is a great alternative.

This grow bag allows oxygen to get through the walls of the pot, unlike some of the other hard pots that are often used to grow plants. Extra oxygen helps the roots of the plants grow stronger and more fibrous.

An increase in root mass increases the surface area that is used to absorb minerals and water, which results in plants that grow faster and are much healthier.

Additionally, this large grow bag will also let water drain out, which prevents the soil from becoming mushy. Overwatering can also cause root rot and other damage to your plants.

Overall, this large 100 or 150 gallon grow bag will work great for even the beginning gardener. It allows you to plant a small vegetable garden or flower garden in a small amount of space.

The design is not only functional, but is stylish as well. In addition, this grow bag can be washed and used year after year unlike some of the other grow bags on the market.

Grow Bags Fabric Planter Raised Bed Aeration Container 5 Pack Black (5 Gallon With Handles)

Specifications:

Overview

When considering grow bags for your gardening needs there are several features to consider. Some grow bags are made out of non-porous materials, which makes aeration difficult.

This set of 5 gallon grow bags will provide you with room enough to plant several different types of plants and know that they are all getting the oxygen they need in order to stay healthy and strong.

Another problem with some types of grow bags is that they do not allow proper drainage to occur. This set of grow bags has a drainage system in place so that your plants do not suffer from overwatering, which can lead to many different types of problems including root rot.

All 5 of these grow bags can be washed and reused year after year. Simply remove the plants and soil, clean out the container and you are ready to start your garden again next spring.

For those who are looking for a simpler way to garden without having to worry about tilling up soil and having enough room, grow bags are a perfect choice.

These bags can be set up anywhere that you have the space. One nice feature of this particular grow bag is the handles that are on the sides as these allow the bags to easily be moved from one place to another.

Not only is this set of 5 grow bags reusable, they are also completely functional and stylish. The all black fabric is sturdy enough to hold up to 5 gallons of dirt, which is a good amount for growing almost any type of vegetable, herb, or flower that you have in mind.

Grow Bags Square Foot Fabric Planter Raised Bed Aeration Container (Pack Of 4)

Specifications:

Overview

This four pack of square foot grow bags is the perfect choice for those who have small spaces, but still want to grow their own herbs, vegetables, and fruits. These pots are made from a felt like fabric that is both functional and stylish.

The pots can quickly be set up anywhere that you would like. They can also be easily moved into different spots if desired. In addition, these four pots are reusable. Simply wash them out, fold them up and put them away until you need to use them again.

These are a smaller size grow bag, which means that you will only be able to plant one plant inside of them. They are ideal for pepper and tomato plants as they will allow these plants to get the oxygen and water that they need to grow tall and produce large amounts of vegetables for you to enjoy.

Smaller grow bags such as this are also perfect flower planters and make great herb gardens. Simply fill with dirt and plant your favorite flowers or herbs and they will grow to be healthy and vibrant.

Conclusion

When it comes to growing fruits and vegetables many people become frustrated with their backyard garden. The main reason for this is because most backyards are simply not suitable for growing organic plants.

The soil is compact and has to be properly aerated. In addition, the soil in a backyard simply does not have the right nutrients to promote healthy growth of many vegetables.

A grow pot takes the guess work out of gardening. You will fill these bags with soil that is designed to promote the growth of fruit and vegetable or flowering plants.

The entire process is quite simple and the best part is that these bags can be set up anywhere around your house. No matter how big or small your space may be, you can find a set of grow bags to use that will work for your needs.

Grow bags come in many shapes and sizes and can be used to grow just about anything that you desire. If you have been thinking about starting a garden, consider using grow bags as they are going to give you good results from the start. As long as you are attentive and water your plants regularly, you will be amazed at how well they will grow in these stylish planter alternatives.