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Written by R.P. R., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County
Grow bags aren’t a new concept. Ancient Egyptians would weave plant baskets and the Greeks used woven containers on their rooftop gardens as they could be easily moved. Many British gardeners have long used grow bags as an alternative to planting directly into greenhouse soil. Recently there has been growing interest in using them as an alternative container for growing plants on balconies, decks, patios and in the garden.
Grow bags are a great solution where space is limited. Because grow bags are lightweight, they are easy to move to the best location based on the amount of sunlight a plant needs. Look for a sunny spot in cool climates or give them shade in hot climates. They are also easy to store when not in use.
Happy Roots
Grow bags are made of breathable material, so the fabric allows air to reach plant roots and prevent plants from becoming rootbound. As a root reaches the side of the container it encounters drier soil and more air. As a result, the root stops growing. Called “air pruning,” the plant is encouraged to grow new roots, giving it a robust root system with many small root hairs that take in water and nutrients. The plant puts more energy into top growth as well. They also drain well. It is hard to overwater a grow bag, but they do require more water than some traditional containers, and the soil can dry out quickly. Finally, as with other containers, grow bags require more frequent fertilization than raised or in-ground beds.
Crop Rotation
Even in large vegetable gardens, successful crop rotation can be a challenge. Grow bags allow gardeners to avoid the problems of soil-borne pathogens by using clean soil.
Right Plant Right Bag
Grow bags come in a variety of sizes. It’s important to consider how large the plant will grow as well as how much root space it will need. Wide and shallow bags work well with crops such as lettuce, onions and garlic. Taller bags are best for more deep- rooted plants such as carrots, tomatoes and peppers. As a rule of thumb, start with, at a minimum, a 5-gallon bag for one plant.
Right Bag Right Soil
Typical garden soil is very heavy and will become compacted, so the most appropriate soil for a grow bag is a combination of compost, vermiculite, coconut coir, or peat moss. When using this mix, the soil remains light and airy; it does not get crusted or compacted. It is important to fill bags all the way up with soil to take advantage of the room inside the grow bag.
References:
Grow Bag Gardening: Tips Tо Ѕtаrt Grоwіng Уоur Оwn Hеrbѕ, Vеgеtаblеѕ, And Flоwеrѕ Іn Containers, Hank Stiebel.
The Can’t Live Without Beginners Guide to Grow Bag Gardening: Grow Show -Stopping Flowers, Fruits, Herbs and Vegetables in Eco-Friendly Small Spaces, Harper Fields.
Grow Bag Gardening: Complete Guide to Grow Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Flowers in Lightweight, Eco-friendly Fabric Pots or Bags – Perfect … Gardens, Balconies, Backyard, Patio or Rooftop, Mark Nuel, Ph.D.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/grow-bags
https://www.almanac.com/discover-grow-bags-alternative-plant-container
https://growinginthegarden.com/gardening-in-grow-bags-5-tips-for-success