What are Grow Bags ?
Gardening in grow bags is an alternative as well as an easy solution for newbie green thumbs who don’t have enough garden space or who rent their home. Moreover, they are also good for starting seeds indoors when the weather is harsh, later on they can be transplanted outside. Grow bags also make a good replacement for terracotta planters when it comes to terrace farming as they are light weight. These garden teammates are planting pots made of fabric or plastic. Gardening in these “pots” minimizes the growth of weeds or use of gardening tools.
Grow bags are helpful in cultivating a majority of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Because of above-ground cultivation of crops in them, root system of plants get better air circulation than in-ground plants. This results in healthier and bigger plants as compared to that of field grown plants. Whether you’re looking for ways to expand your garden or you need lightweight pots that you can move easily, a grow bag can make it work for you.
Things to consider while choosing grow bags :
Before looking for the best grow bag, firstly, consider what you plan to grow in them (the right soil and fertilizer are separate issues). Secondly, consider the primary issues while picking the right grow bag for your needs.
Here’s the list of these primary issues –
Material
Most grow bags are made of nonwoven fabric, which is typically bonded by using heat or chemicals. Nonwoven fabric makes an ideal material for grow bag construction because it’s usually more breathable than woven fabric. Proper air circulation helps in inhibiting mold growth. The best grow bags are made of a nonwoven material that’s breathable yet sturdy enough to support the weight of the soil and the plant. But plastic ones are also trending because of their durability, availability in different sizes and cost effectiveness.
Size
Size is a key consideration when shopping for the best grow bag. They vary in size from 7 inches to more than 15 inches. The grow bags of 7-8 inches are large enough to accommodate one pepper or tomato plant. The best grow bag for your needs depends on what you want to grow. For example, a tomato plant needs at least 8 inches of soil, while radishes need only half that amount.
Windows
Some grow bags come with plastic “windows” so gardeners can see the roots of the plant to help determine if the plant is ready for harvest. These are mainly useful for root vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, turnips and potatoes etc. A window that opens can also make harvesting vegetables much easier.
Aeration and Drainage
The best grow bag should drain water efficiently and allow the soil to aerate, which helps keep the roots healthy. In fact, one of the best things about them is their ability to provide better air circulation and drainage than the same plant could receive in the ground. Those that don’t drain well are prone to bacteria and mold growth. If you’re keeping your grow bags on a deck or terrace, make sure to put them on a saucer or plate to collect excess water.
Transplanting
If growing plants or seeds in grow bags to transplant later look for small grow bags that are easily movable. It also helps in protecting the plant from harsh weather as young seedlings can be kept indoors.
Portability
Portability is another important factor. Many grow bag have handles to make them easier to carry and move around. Don’t try to solve portability issues by buying grow bags that are too small for the flower or vegetables . Though smaller ones are light weight because they hold less soil, the size makes them less hospitable to some plants.
To conclude, both plastic as well as fabric grow bags acts as a way better alternative to terracotta or ceramic planters.