Grow Bags – Types and Uses

Grow Bags are Convenient!

Grow Bags provide a wonderfully easy method of growing plants, especially vegetables.  (Are they eco friendly?  See my review here ).

They’re incredibly convenient, because all the “ingredients” are in the perfect quantities for growing what you choose, and all ready-mixed – you don’t have to do a thing!

So, you want to grow your own vegetables at home, but:

• You don’t have a garden, or
• You don’t have much space, or
• You’re new to vegetable gardening

Then grow bags are perfect for you!

(By the way, if you’re in the middle of winter where you live, and thinking grow bags aren’t relevant – think again. Planning for Spring flowers as well as vegetables and herbs is a great way to overcome the winter blues!

What are Grow Bags?

Grow bags are lightweight, soft-sided fabric or plastic bags.  Many are made of polypropylene, some of hemp or burlap.  Some bags are made from plastic and look like a bag of compost; you cut them to add the plants.

They are an alternative to containers or pots.  Because their sides are soft you don’t get ‘root circling’ when the plants grow, and the soil can breathe unlike in plastic pots.

But – I’m confused!

The term “grow bags” is used for different types of plant holders.  For instance, you can buy plastic bags designed to hold plants, which don’t contain any soil or growing medium.  They’re essentially the same as plant pots, just more flexible.

Then there are the bags which do contain soil or growing medium, and these are the ones I’m concentrating on in this article.

What can I grow in Grow Bags?

Grow bags are ideal for growing tomatoes, chillis, aubergines, cucumber, sweet peppers and courgettes.

How to Plant your Grow Bags

Let’s look first at the type of grow bag which is long and thin.  You simply place it where you want to grow your vegetables, and pop your plants straight into it.  This less-than-a-minute video shows how easy it is.

http://www.youtube.com/v/8hSKa0yV304

Now, view the grow bags which have a small, foldable bag which contains a growing medium which expands when you add water. The following short video is an advertisement for one brand, but most manufacturers offer similar concepts:

Next: Grow Pillows, and how to care for your grow bags and grow pillows

Related articles:
Companion Planting
Are grow bags eco friendly?
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater and Reflections on an eco friendly lifestyle
Rainwater harvesting – super products!

Photo Credits:  Green grow bags = groworganicathome.com.  Flat grow bag with tomatoes = slamjunk.hubpages.com