Vegetable Gardening
Best Grow Bags for Vegetables: Which One Is Right for You?
In recent years, the container garden trend has changed a lot. In the past, the main users were patio gardeners and those with poor soil, but now gardeners with large plots have also turned to containers. Read on as we discuss the best grow bags for vegetables.
Our Favorite
Available in a 25-pack, these bags are an excellent addition to any gardener’s arsenal, providing an eco-friendly and effective solution for nurturing plants. With their durable construction, these grow bags can be used for multiple seasons, making them a cost-effective choice for any gardener.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly – These grow bags are made from BPA-free materials, ensuring they are safe for both plants and the environment.
- Excellent drainage – The bags are equipt with plenty of drain holes preventing issues related to overwatering and root rot.
- Excellent moisture retention – Unlike fabric grow bags which dry out quickly, these plastic bags will save water and time.
- Reusable – The durable construction of these grow bags allows them to be used for multiple growing seasons, reducing waste and providing great value for money.
Cons
- May require additional support – Depending on the plants being grown, these grow bags may need extra support to prevent them from tipping over.
Why are Grow Bags so Popular?
In recent years, grow bags have experienced a surge in popularity among gardeners of all skill levels and backgrounds. This innovative gardening solution has gained widespread attention due to its numerous benefits, versatility, and adaptability to various environments.
One major contributing factor to the rise in popularity of grow bags is their suitability for small spaces. Individuals living in apartments, urban areas, or with limited outdoor spaces have embraced grow bags as a convenient way to engage in gardening.
Grow bags can be placed on balconies, patios, rooftops, or even indoors, making them an attractive option for those with spatial constraints.
Additionally, the lightweight nature of grow bags allows for easy transportation and repositioning, further enhancing their appeal to urban gardeners.
Other reasons for the increasing popularity of grow bags are that grow bags promote healthy root growth, provide better drainage, and regulate temperature more effectively. In addition, the affordability and eco-friendliness has also contributed to their widespread adoption.
Summary of the Best Grow Bags For Vegetables
Budget Friendly Plastic – Viagrow Grow Bags (25 Pack)
Best Square – Vivosun Square Fabric Bags (5 Pack)
Budget Friendly Fabric – Gardzen Fabric Grow Bags (20 Pack)
Best For Potatoes – Homyhoo Bags With Flaps (4 Pack)
Large Grow Bags – Bekith 50 Gallon Grow Bags (2-Pack)
Best For Seed Starting – Belit Growing Pouches (100 pcs)
More information about these products can be found below.
What Are The Benefits of Using Grow Bags For Vegetables?
Grow bags offer several benefits for growing vegetables, making them an attractive alternative to traditional pots or in-ground gardening.
Some of these benefits include:
- Improved aeration: Grow bags made from breathable fabric, allow for better air circulation around the roots. This promotes healthier root growth and prevents root circling, a common issue in traditional pots.
- Better drainage: The porous fabric of grow bags ensures excess water drains out quickly, reducing the risk of over-watering and root rot. This feature is particularly beneficial for plants that require well-draining soil.
- Temperature regulation: Grow bags can help regulate soil temperature as the fabric material allows for better heat dissipation compared to traditional pots. This can lead to a more consistent growing environment for your vegetables.
- Versatility: Grow bags can be used to grow various vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and more. They can be used in small spaces, such as patios, balconies, or urban gardens, and can be easily moved or repositioned as needed.
- Reusable and eco-friendly: Many grow bags are made from durable materials, which can be reused for multiple growing seasons. This reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable gardening experience.
- Cost-effective: Grow bags are generally less expensive than traditional pots and containers, making them an affordable option for gardeners looking to grow vegetables on a budget.
Overall, using grow bags for growing vegetables offers numerous advantages, including improved plant health, better soil conditions, and increased versatility for gardeners with limited space or resources.
Our Picks: The Best Grow Bags For Vegetables
Best Square Grow Bags
- Square and Sturdy: Made of 260g of thickened nonwoven fabric, these grow bags allow for gardening in square-foot raised pots, which saves space and help utilize limited space in an efficient way
Made from durable, high-quality fabric, these grow bags provide optimal conditions for plant growth, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The bags are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, offering flexibility for various gardening setups.
Pros
- High-quality materials – These grow bags are made from a non-woven, thick, and breathable fabric that promotes excellent drainage and aeration for the plants.
- Easy to transport – The bags are equipped with sturdy handles, allowing for easy relocation of the plants as needed.
- Reinforced square design – The unique square design of these grow bags provides additional stability and support, preventing the bags from tipping over.
- Suitable for a variety of plants – The 10-gallon size is perfect for growing a wide range of plants, from vegetables to flowers.
- Reusable and eco-friendly – The grow bags can be used for multiple growing seasons, reducing waste and providing excellent value for money.
Cons
- Moisture retention – Due to the fabric’s excellent drainage properties, the grow bags may require more frequent watering compared to traditional containers.
- Requires proper storage – The fabric material may be susceptible to damage if not stored correctly during the offseason.
Budget Friendly Fabric
- Premium Quality Material – Made of high quality and durable non-woven fabric, which is fluffy and has a good hand feeling. These grow bags are washable for reuse.
These 5-gallon fabric bags come in a 20-pack, making them a fantastic option for those seeking a convenient solution for growing plants. They are made from a durable, non-woven fabric that promotes excellent aeration and drainage, ensuring healthy root systems and plant growth.
Pros
- High-quality fabric – The non-woven fabric used in these grow bags is both durable and breathable, promoting healthy plant growth.
- Good capacity – The 5-gallon size is suitable for a wide variety of plants, providing ample room for root development.
- Reinforced handles – The grow bags feature strong handles, allowing for easy transportation and relocation of plants.
- Value for money – With 20 grow bags included in the pack, you’ll receive an excellent value for the investment.
Cons
- Requires regular watering – The excellent drainage properties of the fabric may necessitate more frequent watering than traditional pots.
- Susceptible to wear and tear – Although the fabric is durable, it may still be prone to damage if not handled with care or stored properly during the offseason.
Best for Potatoes
- Premium Material: Made of breathable double layer non-woven fabric, material is heavy duty felt, the bag ensures good ventilation to prevent excessive moisture, also provide more oxygen for your…
These grow bags include flaps and handles. They’re designed specifically for growing potatoes and other root vegetables, an innovative and practical solution for gardeners. The unique flap design allows for easy access to the vegetables without disturbing the plant or roots, making the harvesting process a breeze.
Pros
- Innovative flap design – The flap feature allows for easy access to harvest potatoes and other root vegetables without damaging the plants.
- High-quality fabric – The grow bags are made from a durable and breathable fabric.
- Easy to move – The sturdy handles on these grow bags make transportation and relocation simple and convenient.
- Reusable and eco-friendly – The grow bags can be used for multiple seasons.
- Versatile – While designed specifically for potatoes, these grow bags can also be used to grow other root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and onions.
Cons
- Limited size – The bags may not be large enough to accommodate the needs of gardeners who wish to grow a large number of potatoes or other root vegetables.
- May require frequent watering – The fabric’s excellent drainage properties could result in the need for more frequent watering compared to traditional pots.
Large Grow Bags
- Premium Quality Material: Made of high quality and durable non-woven fabric, which is fluffy and has a good hand feeling, and BPA-free. Bekith 2 pack black grow bags are washable for reuse
The 50-gallon fabric bags are an excellent choice. With a huge capacity and 12” depth, these fabric bags can be used in place of raised garden beds. Suitable for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even root vegetables.
Pros
- High-quality fabric – The grow bags are made from a durable and breathable non-woven fabric.
- Large capacity – The 50-gallon capacity of these grow bags makes them suitable for growing many plants.
- Sturdy – I was impressed by how well these large grow bags held their form once filled with soil.
- Value for the money – With 2 large grow bags included in the pack, you get excellent value for the investment.
Cons
- May require more frequent watering – The fabric’s excellent drainage properties might necessitate more frequent watering compared to traditional pots.
- Careful storage required – The fabric material may be susceptible to damage if not stored correctly during the offseason.
Best for Seed Starting
- 【Good Root Growth】The seedling bag has good water absorption and air permeability. The root of the seedling can easily penetrate the seedling bag to prevent root rot and tangles, which is very…
The bags offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for gardeners looking to start their plants from seeds or cuttings. They are made of biodegradable non-woven fabric that provides excellent aeration and water retention.
Pros
- Biodegradable material – The non-woven fabric bags are biodegradable.
- Optimal seedling growth – The grow bags provide excellent aeration and water retention, promoting healthy root development and seedling growth.
- Easy transplantation – The biodegradable material allows for easy transplantation without disturbing the root system, just bury the bag.
- Large quantity – With 100 grow bags included in the pack, these bags are perfect for gardeners who need to start a large number of plants.
- Cost-effective – Great solution for gardeners looking to start their plants from seeds or cuttings.
Cons
- Limited size – The small size of the grow bags may not be suitable for gardeners who wish to grow larger plants or those with extensive root systems.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Grow Bags for Vegetables
When selecting the best grow bags for vegetables, there are several key features to consider to ensure optimal plant growth and yield:
Material: Plastic vs Fabric
Grow bags come in two different varieties, plastic or fabric. Both types of grow bags should stay upright and hold their shape when filled with potting soil.
Fabric grow bags should be breathable and allow for proper oxygen exchange between the root system and the environment. High-quality fabric materials, such as non-woven fabric, felt, or canvas, not only ensure breathability but also provide durability and resistance to wear and tear over time.
Plastic grow bags should be made from BPA free, food safe plastic that’s at least 3 mil thick. They should also include plenty of drain holes and be made of thick plastic that is resistant to tearing. In our experience, the plastic grow bags need much less watering compared to the fabric bags,
Size
It is crucial to select the appropriate size for the vegetables you intend to grow. Each vegetable type has specific space requirements for optimal growth. For instance, tomatoes and peppers need larger bags (10-15 gallons) to accommodate their extensive root systems, while smaller plants like lettuce or radishes can thrive in smaller bags (3-5 gallons).
Handles
Sturdy handles make it easier to transport and reposition grow bags, especially when filled with soil and plants. Strong handles ensure that you can safely move the bags without causing damage or risking injury. This is particularly useful when rotating plants to ensure even sunlight exposure, rearranging your garden layout, or moving the bags indoors during extreme weather conditions.
UV-resistant
Grow bags made from UV-resistant materials have a longer lifespan and provide better protection for your plants. The UV-resistant feature prevents the fabric from breaking down or becoming brittle due to sun exposure, ensuring that the bags remain functional and effective for multiple growing seasons.
Reinforced stitching
Reinforced stitching adds strength to grow bags, enabling them to support the weight of the soil and plants more effectively. This feature reduces the risk of tearing or damage, especially when moving or lifting the bags. High-quality grow bags often have double or triple stitching at the seams to ensure durability and longevity.
Color and design
While not directly affecting plant growth, the color and design of grow bags can contribute to the overall aesthetic of your garden. Selecting grow bags that match your personal preferences or complement the existing design of your garden can create a visually pleasing environment. Some grow bags are available in various colors or patterns, allowing you to express your creativity and personalize your gardening space.
Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for preventing over-watering and maintaining healthy root systems. Adequate drainage ensures that excess water can escape, reducing the risk of root rot and promoting healthier plant growth.
Windows or Flaps
You may have seen grow bags with flaps or windows. These are primarily used for growing root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. The Velcro openings allow you to check on the status of the root vegetables without having to dig down from above. Another great use is the ability to pull out a couple new potatoes without disturbing the plant so it can continue producing.
Final Thoughts
We’ve tried both fabric and plastic grow bags. While both have their merits, we believe that the best grow bags for vegetables are plastic, such as the Viagrow. To start with, the cost of the plastic grow bags is much more budget friendly.
In addition, plastic bags do a much better job of retaining moisture and we’ve had excellent results with them, especially with our outdoor hydroponic drip system. If you’re opposed to the use of plastic, the fabric grow bags will produce good results as well provided you keep up with the large amount of water they require. For the price, you can’t beat the price of the Gardzen fabric grow bags.
I hope this review has been helpful in finding the best grow bags for vegetables. If you are looking for seeds to fill your garden, visit our seed store.
FAQ: Grow Bags For Vegetables
What is the best size grow bag for vegetables?
Large vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant will benefit from a 5-10 gallon grow bag, the larger the better. If you’ll be growing basil or other herbs, a 1-3 gallon grow bag per plant would suffice. For growing leafy greens, consider a large diameter bag such as the Bekith 50 gallon grow bags.
Can you overwater plants in grow bags?
You can overwater a plant in any container. However, the fabric grow bags are difficult to overwater. In fact, you’ll more likely have trouble keeping the plants watered enough with fabric grow bags since they dry out very quickly in the heat of summer.
How many years do grow bags last?
We have some fabric grow bags more than 5 years old that work as good as the day we purchased them. The plastic grow bags we purchased two years ago are still holding up strong as well.
Are grow bags better than plastic pots?
Fabric grow bags prevent plants from getting root bound by air pruning. In this regard, grow bags are better than plastic pots. Here’s a post on how to make a DIY air-pruning container.
Can you grow peppers and tomatoes in a grow bag?
Absolutely, just be sure to use at least a 5-gallon grow bag for peppers. For tomatoes, we recommend at least a 7-gallon grow bag, with a 10-gallon grow bag being optimal.
