Planting a Grow-Bag Garden

If you're pressed for space but want to have a garden, why not consider planting a grow-bag garden. There's no need for digging. There's no need for large space. All you need is a plastic bag filled with potting mix and a plant or two to set inside. These little gardens are perfect for small areas like decks, patios, balconies, and the like.

Another great thing about a grow-bag garden is its low cost, easy maintenance, and flexibility. It's ideal for nearly anyone. Grow as many or as few as your space pr budget allows. Most plants that grow well in a garden are suitable for growing in a grow-bag. This includes anything from vegetables and herbs to flowers and foliage plants.

Depending on your needs, you can create an easy care grow-bag garden simply by purchasing a 2-3 cubic square foot bag of potting mix and planting whatever you want directly into the bag. In lieu of soil bags, you can also make your own grow bags using a heavy-duty plastic bag. Fill the bag with your choice of growing medium-natural mixes or compost are preferable to produce a healthy, vigorous garden. Tie off the open end and lay it flat so that the soil is spread out into a 4-6 inch layer. Use a nail to punch some drainage holes around the edges and a few in the bottom.

Mark the area on top where you want the plant, or plants, to go and then cut just enough of the bag for the plant or seeds to fit through. Depending on what you're growing, you can grow more than one plant too. For instance, larger plants, like tomatoes, usually do better when grown one to a bag. However, small flowering plants (like marigolds) or veggies (such as lettuce) can be grown using more than one plant-spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. You can also sow seeds in the opening of the bag, following the recommended planting depths found on the seed packets.

Once your plants are in, you can go ahead and place any support systems, like trellising, that may be required as well as any watering apparatuses. Watering will be an important part of a successful grow-bag garden. The best way to water your garden in a bag is with some type of drip irrigation system-I like using a section of hose with small holes punched in it-which can be placed at the base of the plant and allowed to slowly trickle water into the bag.

Fertilizing and pruning methods can also be employed based on the type of plant(s) grown. Keep your grow-bag garden in a suitable location that receives at least six hours of bright light or sunlight.

Resources: personal experience