Does the idea of getting (practically!) free, fresh, and nutritious fruits and vegetables sound good to you? If so, it’s definitely possible with a little time, patience, seeds and grow bags! Well, perhaps a few other elements are needed, but we're here to share that growing your own food doesn’t take too much effort if you’re ready to begin the grow bag adventure. Let's dive into how to grow delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs in small spaces using grow bags.
What are grow bags
First, let's clarify what grow bags are. They are essentially containers designed for growing a wide variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They are typically made of fabric or plastic. (Given plastic's harmful impact on human and planetary health, we recommend fabric grow bags all the way!)
Benefits of Grow Bags
Whether you are a novice or an experienced grower, grow bags can be beneficial for you! They are not only environmentally friendly and cost-effective but also contribute to better-tasting and more nutritious food due to their local production right in your very own home or yard.
Grow bags can be great for small spaces.
Just about anybody can benefit from using grow bags, particularly those who have specific gardening needs or space limitations. For those living in apartments or homes with small yards, grow bags can be a great alternative to utilizing small spaces.
You can easily shift their location based on the sun.
Grow bags can easily be moved around to optimize the sunlight exposure or if you simply find a better placement for your plant.
Grow bags can be great for beginner gardeners.
For those who are new at gardening and would really love to jumpstart this hobby, grow bags are beginner friendly, inexpensive, and don’t require significant preparation. What’s even better is that if one particular plant doesn’t grow so well, you can always reuse your grow bags and start over. (But, we're confident that you've got this with much success!)
Editor's note: I have personally achieved success in growing jalapeño peppers in grow bags on my initial attempt!
You can grow a wide variety of fruits, veggies, and herbs.
Various types of plants thrive in these specific bags, but our primary focus is on cultivating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables that we commonly consume. Grow bags are suitable for growing a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeños, leafy greens, zucchini, and more. Additionally, many herbs like basil, mint, oregano, parsley, and thyme can flourish in smaller grow bags.
Grow bags can be eco-friendly.
Another advantage of using grow bags is their eco-friendliness, especially when made from fabric-like materials. Many of these bags are crafted from recycled or natural materials like hemp or cotton, making them reusable and potentially biodegradable. This makes it convenient to transition them into in-ground soil if you decide to plant them there. Additionally, the breathable material of grow bags can enhance root development and reduce root disturbance when compared to transferring plants from conventional pots.
They provide a favorable growing environment.
Many grow bags have excellent drainage, allowing excess water to escape through holes in the material, preventing overwatering. In the summer, the fabric of grow bags can help regulate soil temperature, creating a stable environment for root development and reducing the risk of heat-related plant damage. Thanks to effective drainage and temperature control, using grow bags provides a more favorable growing environment than conventional pots. When using grow bags indoors, safeguard your floors and furniture from moisture by placing a tray beneath the grow bag.
Downsides of Grow Bags
Biodegradable bags may not be as durable.
Now that you know some of the benefits of grow bags, you may be asking, are there any downsides? Although many are eco-friendly due to their biodegradability, this can also mean they are less long-lasting depending on the material used. While these bags are usually affordable, the expenses can accumulate if they need frequent replacement. If not replaced in a timely manner, soil loss and decreased plant support can occur.
Soil and nutrients may be lost if planted in-ground.
It is advisable not to plant non-biodegradable grow bags in the ground as they need to be replaced every few seasons due to material quality and environmental factors. Additionally, soil erosion can occur over time, carrying away vital nutrients, particularly in lighter soils. This is a common issue because grow bags require more frequent watering compared to conventional pots, potentially causing nutrient imbalances that impact plant growth.
Grow bags require more watering.
The benefit is that grow bags drain really well, which helps plants thrive. The downside to that is that they need frequent watering. So, if you're a jet setter who likes to explore new places every other week, you may want to find a plant sitter or invest in some water globes.
Size of the grow bags can impact what you grow.
The sizes of grow bags can be limited and may not work for every type of plant. Some plants require certain depths or can’t be accommodated by grow bags, such as carrots or climbing beans. Not to mention, having a 20 gallon bag filled with soil can be pretty tough to transport so it would be best to have a permanent place for your big plant to avoid the hassle of finding the right tools to safely transport your large plants.
Seasonal plants to grow
To get you started, below are some beginner friendly seasonal plants that thrive in grow bags.
Spring
Lettuce: Quick to germinate and grow, perfect for salads
Radishes: Fast-growing and great for beginners; ready in just a few weeks
Spinach: A nutritious green that grows well in cooler weather
Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and parsley thrive in grow bags and can add boatloads of flavor to your dishes.
Summer
Tomatoes: Choose determinate varieties for better support in grow bags.
Peppers: Bell peppers and hot peppers thrive in warm weather.
Zucchini: A prolific plant that produces plenty of fruit in a small space
Cucumbers: They can climb, saving space and making them suitable for grow bags.
Fall
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, it can even survive light frosts.
Carrots: Plant early in the season for a fall harvest; they need deep grow bags.
Beets: Easy to grow and can be harvested at different stages
Garlic: Plant in the fall for a summer harvest. It's low-maintenance!
Winter (in mild climates)
Winter Greens and Lettuces: Some varieties, like kale, are hardy enough to survive cooler temperatures.
Chard: This leafy green can tolerate frost and continues to produce.
Herbs: Some herbs, like rosemary and thyme, can survive in mild winters.
Tips to Start Growing Delicious Fruits, Veggies, and Herbs Using Grow Bags
Now that you’re (hopefully!) excited to jump into the grow bag adventure, here are some tips to get started.
Make a plan.
Choose 1-3 herbs, fruits, or vegetables to start, perhaps based on the seasonally recommended options above.
Choose the right size and type of grow bag.
Choose a fabric-based grow bag and follow the recommended sizes below for each plant.
Herbs and leafy greens: 1–3 gallons
Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants: 5–7 gallons
Potatoes and root vegetables: 10–20 gallons
Choose a high quality potting mix.
A high quality nutrient mix will help your plant get the nutrition it needs to grow. There are plenty of great options available. Look at the potting mix label or ask one of the experts in the store which soil is most appropriate for what you plan to grow.
Maintain a proper watering schedule.
Consistency is key! A proper schedule will ensure your plant grows healthy and not become stunted.
Finally, don't overcrowd your grow bag.
Sometimes you can fit multiple plants in one bag, but this would increase the risk of your plants fighting for nutrients.
Ready to Grow?
Growing foods in grow bags has its pros and cons, but, in our humble opinion, the pros outweigh the cons and grow bags can be a fun way to start your produce growing journey. Hopefully you’re feeling inspired to grab a grow bag (or a few!) to start seeding your favorite fruit, veggie or herb. Even if you aren’t successful on your first try (it's okay, we've been there!), you will have success with patience and practice. You'll also have an endless cycle of local, nutritious, and affordable fresh food that could be ready to use within a few months!
Hello! My name is Cequoya Williams and I am a Graduate Nutrition student at Georgia State University. I love plants and doing outside activities like hiking waterfalls and camping. I am passionate about promoting healthy eating habits and also advocate for food security.