Garden bags....have you tried them? Let us know what you think. I have last year and good luck with them.

image from balconygardenweb

Have you used garden bags?  Let us know how they work.  I had them last year and worked well.  

​I am back to writing in the morning.  I think my gardeners like to look at the morning posting on Facebook.  I have started to move office things to the greenhouse.  Computer, printer, fiiles to hold bookwork  I have the credit card machine here, and the cash register will be today.  I have to now move from the planting organization stage to the retail garden center stage.  I am here now every day.  Monday – Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6. 
Trees, shrubs, and perennials will be delivered sometime next week.  We have been growing for you since Feb. so there are plants in the greenhouse if you are ready to plant.  We have them in all stages, ready to plant in your garden, some are still growing, and we are still planting. All stages of growing Is going on here.
History of this weekend.  For many years, this was open House weekend.  I would cook lunch for each day.  Friends would bring in bars.  Friends would help serve the meal and I would work with the gardeners.  During the Covid, I stopped having an Open House with a meal for 3 days.  Now I just don’t have the help to pull it off, and maybe the energy as I cooked all the food.  Served between 300 to 500 people.  Now when you come each will get a gift of some plants for thanking you for stopping at Becky’s Greenhouse.  I know some of you will remember those annual open houses. Larry misses them because he had a great time visiting with all.  We would have all the modes of weather, nice spring weather, warm summer weather, cold winter weather with snow. Now we will just get ready to be open. 
Our weather will be seasonable cooler than earlier this week.  High of 63F(16C) but with a clear blue sky.  Enjoy, stay warm, and with the rain we have farmers will have to wait a little bit for it to dry out.  For the farmers, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for Saturday April 25th will have a high of 76F24C) slight wind, so it seems for their Saturday a perfect fall day.  Stay cool, stay safe and enjoy.
 
I used this last year and had good luck with onions and leafy vegetables.  Tomatoes were different as didn’t get many off the plants.  But I wondered if I watered enough.  Article said you have to water a lot more.  Also, the article said 2 to 3 plants per bag.  I would not suggest that for tomatoes.  One plant is what would be enough.  How about you have used them?  Let us know how it went.
Grow Bags for Vegetables: Benefits, Best Plants, and Air Pruning Tips  Written By:
Robin Sweetser If, like me, you sometimes rely on containers to grow your vegetables, consider trying a grow bag this season. Grow bags offer several advantages over traditional plastic pots or terra cotta containers. One of the most fascinating benefits is air pruning, which promotes healthy root growth and stronger plants. In this guide, we’ll cover why and when to use grow bags, the best plants to grow in them, and tips for choosing the right bag.
What Are Grow Bags and Why Use Them?
Grow bags aren’t a modern invention. In ancient times, people used woven baskets and bags to grow plants. Ancient Egyptians created plant baskets, and the Greeks placed woven containers on rooftop gardens for easy mobility. Many British gardeners have long relied on grow bags as an alternative to planting directly in greenhouse soil.
Today, grow bags are still ideal for greenhouse gardening, but they’ve gained popularity as a convenient container for patios, balconies, and rooftop gardens. Lightweight and portable, they’re perfect for spaces where traditional pots may be cumbersome or too heavy.
Advantages of Grow Bags Over Traditional Pots
Lightweight and Portable
Unlike heavy ceramic or plastic pots, fabric grow bags weigh almost nothing when empty. This makes it easy to move plants around to catch sunlight, protect them from harsh weather, or simply rearrange your garden setup. The only weight you need to manage is the soil itself.
Better Drainage and Air Pruning
Grow bags are breathable, allowing air to circulate through the soil and prevent soggy roots. When a root reaches the side of a fabric bag, it comes in contact with drier soil and air. This stops the root from circling and encourages air pruning, which stimulates new root growth. More root tips mean the plant absorbs water and nutrients more efficiently, promoting healthier, stronger growth above ground.
Cooler Soil in Summer
Plastic pots can heat up in the sun, stressing plant roots. Grow bags’ breathable fabric allows heat to escape while providing insulation in cooler weather. Soil stays warmer in early spring and cooler during hot summer days, protecting your plants’ delicate roots.
Best Vegetables and Herbs for Grow Bags
Grow bags are ideal for vegetables that don’t have very deep roots. My favorites include:
Tomatoes
Sweet peppers & chili peppers
Zucchini and summer squash
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Potatoes
Salad greens (lettuce, endive, arugula)
Basil and other herbs
Planting Tips:
Use 2–3 plants per bag for most vegetables.
For salad greens, sow seeds in rows across the width of the bag.
Choosing the Right Grow Bag
Not all grow bags are created equal. Some inexpensive options are essentially black plastic bags, which trap heat and moisture and do not support air pruning. Look for a polypropylene felt-like fabric, which is breathable, BPA-free, and food-safe.
Tips for Growing Vegetables in Grow Bags
Soil: Keep compost loose—shake and knead it gently like a pillow.
Root Depth: Ensure the top of each root ball is just below the top of the bag.
Watering: Grow bags drain fast, so water more frequently than in plastic containers. Indoors, use a large saucer to catch excess water.
Support: Taller plants like tomatoes need stakes or canes tied to a frame.
Fertilizer: Feed flowering vegetables (aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes) with a high-potash fertilizer when flowers appear.
Longevity: High-quality grow bags can last 3–4 years. Store them folded and dry in winter.
Bonus Tip: Fabric grow bags can be repurposed for compost, mulch, or harvest baskets when not in use.
DIY Grow Bags
For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, you can make your own grow bags from heavy-duty landscape fabric. Use nylon thread instead of cotton to prevent deterioration, and ensure the bags are durable enough to hold soil and plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are grow bags and how do they work?
Grow bags are breathable containers for vegetables and herbs that promote air pruning, improve drainage, and prevent root circling.
What vegetables grow best in grow bags?
Best choices include tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplant, potatoes, salad greens, and herbs like basil.
Are fabric grow bags better than plastic pots?
Yes! They allow airflow, prevent root binding, regulate soil temperature, and are lightweight and portable.
How often should I water plants in a grow bag?
Because grow bags drain quickly, check soil daily and water more frequently than in traditional pots.
How long do grow bags last?
High-quality fabric bags can last 3–4 years with proper care and storage.
Can I make my own grow bags at home?
Yes! Use heavy-duty, durable landscape fabric and nylon thread to create custom containers for your garden.
Whether you’re growing on a balcony, patio, rooftop, or in a greenhouse, grow bags are a versatile, affordable, and effective solution for container gardening. Lightweight, breathable, and supportive of healthy roots, they allow you to grow flavorful vegetables that thrive all season long. Try them this year and see the difference for yourself!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/grow-bags-vegetables
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse