Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Wahid
Would you like to grow anything in your garden but can’t since you don’t have one? Then again, even if you enjoy gardening, your garden is just too small for all the vegetables, flowers, orchids, and exotic plants that you wish to grow. Well, grow bags let you do that.
What are the best grow bags? In addition, what should you consider when choosing the best grow bag? For your convenience, we’ve reviewed the 10 best fabric for grow bags you can buy. Additionally, we have provided a buying guide to help you identify the features that are essential for a good plant grow bag.
Best Grow Bags Reviews
When compared to pots & planters, plant bags are inexpensive, convenient, and lightweight. Our team tested a variety of grow bags on the market before shortlisting the best ones.
1. 247Garden 5-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags
Despite grow bags’ average price not being staggering, less expensive products with good quality still feel good. Therefore, 247Garden 5-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags is our top budget pick. Besides saving you money, they provide quality materials and a wide array of sizes, as well as careful attention to every detail.
Plants of all sizes & dimensions can be grown in bags. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, from one-gallon bags to 40-gallon bags big enough to hang rose bushes or tomato vines. When empty, the bags weigh just about one ounce.
Although the bags are lightweight, they are sturdy nonetheless. Strong stitching and reinforced handles make them easy to carry. Despite its fabric, the bag is able to breathe freely. In addition, this makes it easier for you to adjust the soil’s temperature. Using a fan can cool the soil down if it becomes excessively hot.
Plants can also benefit from keeping their soil warm during the winter. This product has the unfortunate disadvantage that it usually comes in a smaller size than advertised. It would require less soil per gallon to fill a one-gallon bag. Size selection for your plants will require some creativity.
Pros
- Breathable material.
- A variety of sizes and dimensions are available.
- Stitching that is sturdy.
- Affordable price.
- Temperature adjustment is easier for you.
Cons
- The bags are of a smaller size than advertised.
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2. VIVOSUN 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags
VIVOSUN 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags are distinguished from other products in this list by their reliability, durability, & permeability. Since the bags are made of sturdy material and can pass through air and water, they are well-drained and breathable. They are also reasonably priced.
This grow bag’s popularity and success are attributed to its thick nonwoven fabric. Durability and ruggedness are enhanced by the thickening of the material. Although the bags are odorless and free of BPA, they are healthy for use indoors or outdoors.
Additionally, the nonwoven fabric has good drainage qualities. The bag will drain any excess water. With signs of saturation on the walls of the bag indicating how moist the soil is, plants will be less likely to be overwatered. Carrying the bag is easy since the handle is sturdy and reinforced.
Your sun-sensitive plants will likely need to be moved around a lot, so this is important. Gardening projects require bags that can withstand some rough handling. For better drainage, stack the bags on small rocks or pebbles. A saturated bottom could lead to fungal and mold growth if the bag is not closed securely. Despite that, VIVOSUN 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags are a top pick and make our Editor’s Choice list.
Pros
- Fabric made of thickened nonwovens.
- BPA-free and odorless.
- Root circling is prevented by breathing bags.
- Handles that are rugged and easy to carry.
- A durable & sturdy product.
Cons
- Better drainage can be achieved by placing them on rocks.
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3. OPULENT SYSTEMS 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags
While some products emphasize design & shape, others emphasize performance. With OPULENT SYSTEMS 5-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags, you get both in a sturdy, heavy-duty grow bag. Potato plants, which are notoriously hard to grow, can also be grown here.
What is so special about these grow bags? Craftsmanship is the answer. Regardless of the fabric and the design, the quality of craftsmanship matters most. In addition to being durable, the nonwoven fabric is breathable and resilient. It drains out excess water well and allows the soil to be oxygenated by air entering and leaving the bag.
It will keep the soil warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Rather than diminishing the landscape, the bags add to it with their elegant design. Handles built into the bags increase their durability. Additionally, the bags can be washed and reused. Once the annuals are finished, take the bag out, clean it, then store it for next year.
In contrast, tomatoes or plants sensitive to heat should not touch the fabric in these bags. Hot fabric can cause fruit to rot. To protect crops in bags, extra precautions must be taken.
Pros
- Good-quality bags that are heavy-duty.
- A high level of craftsmanship ensures durability.
- The handles make transporting the bag easy.
- Elegantly designed bags add to it.
- The clothes can be washed, folded, and stored easily.
Cons
- Temperature-sensitive plants, for example, tomatoes, should not be grown with this product.
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4. Winner Outfitters 6-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags
If you’re looking for a premium grow bag and aren’t afraid to spend more for one that will last for years, the Winner Outfitters 6-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags is a great choice. Quality, design, & functionality are all present in this product.
It’s all about the functionality of the Winner Outfitters 6-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags. The roots of the plants grew faster when we had them growing in the bag. Circular roots were no longer a problem. The nonwoven fabric that makes up the bag is of high quality. Air pruning promotes root growth. Due to the material’s resilience, roots are able to grow steadily without getting cramped up or entangled in each other.
There was another pleasant surprise with two stitches on the handles. Grow bags with large handles are especially prone to flimsy handles. Even still, wet soil can be carried safely in the double X stitching here. Felt bags made of nonwoven fabric are BPA-free. Since they are not harmful to pets or children, they make a good choice for keeping indoors.
Despite the bag’s 3 gallon capacity as advertised, the bags had shorter walls than expected. Therefore, taller plants couldn’t be grown in them. With its extra width, the Winner Outfitters 6-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags was able to carry more plants compared to what is typical in this size bag.
Pros
- Fabric made of high-quality nonwoven materials.
- Extra strength is provided by double X stitching.
- Even when filled, the round design keeps its shape.
- Carrying capacity is greater than a typical planter
- Structure of the roots of air prunes.
Cons
- The walls of the bag are shorter than usual which is not ideal for tall plants.
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5. Gardzen 6 pack 7 gallon grow bags
Whatever you call them fabric pots or grow bags, the main question is whether they will enhance plant health and the root system. Gardzen 6-Pack 7 Gallon Grow Bags answer yes to that question.
Gardzen 6-Pack 7 Gallon Grow Bags was used to test the effectiveness of the root treatment. The roots grew quickly, which surprised us. Due to the bag’s ample space and flexible walls, roots are able to move freely inside. The Knock Out roses looked healthy with robust roots after a few months. Due to the material’s wonderful drainage, that was possible. Since water saturation can be tracked on the bag walls, watering the roses was a breeze.
There is a fluffy feel to the bags. They blended in well with the rest of the furniture in a corner of the patio. Even without gloves, they are BPA- & AZO-free, reducing the risk of contamination. Additionally, the bags’ dimensions match what was advertised, making it easy to grow tall plants. Additionally, the double handles make moving the bags much easier, and double stitching ensures more reliability.
As a whole, the bags are ideal for planting plants of large size with thick rhizomes. Unfortunately, over the summer, the soil in these bags dries out more quickly. Because of the material’s high permeability, this could be the case. The soil would need to be watered much more frequently on hot days in either case.
Pros
- Bags that are durable and sturdy.
- It is lightweight and reusable.
- A double-stitched handle adds extra durability.
- Enhances the growth of healthy roots.
- Suitable for planting large plants with thick rhizomes
Cons
- During the summer, the fabric’s high breathability causes soil to dry out faster.
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6. MELONFARM 5-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags
With the MELONFARM 5-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags, you get a unique design and quality material to ensure higher yields & healthier plants. Here, the Oxford handles actually stick out, but it’s a good thing. In place of handle flaps that fold into the bag’s sides, handles resemble those of an urn. Even when it is full, you can handle the bag easily.
Thick nonwoven materials are both sturdy & resilient. Water is retained in the plant, & excess moisture is drained out. In addition, the bags tend to be highly breathable, which helps to control the soil temperature. Despite this breathability, soil dries more quickly when grown in a paper pot or plastic container. As a result, your plants will need to be watered more often.
Bag walls are thick enough not to hinder roots. In particular, plants with deep roots will benefit from this. We liked the 3-gallon grow bags because of their simplicity. Even plants with bloated rhizomes can be accommodated in them. The perennials were replanted in the same bag when we repotted them.
Despite these bags being sturdy, we found the bottom thin compared to the walls. This is definitely a feature rather than a flaw in the design aimed at improving drainage. In spite of that, the bag’s bottom quickly wears off, making its longevity uncertain.
Pros
- Simplicity is one of the reasons people like 3-gallon grow bags.
- Nonwoven material with a thick pile.
- Transport is easy with Oxford handles.
- Containers made of paper or plastic dry out soil faster.
- Healthy roots and higher yields.
Cons
- Bags have thinner bottoms than walls.
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7. JERIA 12-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags
The JERIA 12-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags were eagerly awaited when they first came out. Even now, we are still using it without any problems. Several species of plants can be grown simultaneously in spacious grow bags. Feeding and watering the plants won’t be a problem if they are compatible.
These nonwoven bags are good for removing excess water, providing soil to breathe, & keeping plants cool in summer and warm in winter. Compared to planters and pots, grow bags generally have this advantage. In terms of permeability, this JERIA 12-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags product excels because of its high walls. The bottom also contains similar material; it’s thick & sturdy like the walls. This is satisfactory to us.
It contains 12 3-gallon pieces, which, I think, will provide plenty of space to start a small garden. Each bag measures 9 inches high & 10 inches in diameter, as advertised. Herbs, jasmine, and sweet potatoes are all suitable for growing in them.
There is only one downside to these large bags: the handles are a bit too small. While the handles are sturdy, they could be taller to make handling easier. A smaller and cuter handle might be more aesthetic, but it’s not as convenient for everyday use.
Pros
- Multiple plants can be accommodated.
- Nonwoven bags are useful for removing excess water.
- Winterize the plants and keep them cool in the summer.
- Bags with plenty of space and durability.
- The bottom also contains thick & sturdy material
Cons
- Large bags do not fit the handles.
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8. Garden4Ever 10-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags
Garden4Ever 10-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags feature an almost circular shape, almost but not quite. Instead of square or round bags bulging after filling with soil, this bag maintains its elegant design without losing its integrity.
Under pressure, the firm walls bend, allowing the roots to expand & grow. Nonwoven fabrics air prune roots and prevent root circling buildup on plastic containers that are typically encountered.
A Garden4Ever 10-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags measures 7.5 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide. Because of that, they are suitable for growing small plants & annuals. Plants with heavy roots or perennials should not be grown in these.
Generally, these grow bags are small, usually placed on your deck or porch, and have no aesthetic value. Bags with green lines around the top are shabbier due to the two lines. Aside from that, Garden4Ever 10-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags are practical for growing small plants.
Pros
- When full, a solid form does not bulge.
- Air prunes roots more effectively.
- Small plants and annuals can be grown in this container.
- It maintains its elegant design without sacrificing integrity.
- Best for growing small plants.
Cons
- Usually rots and rips apart at the bottom due to dry rot.
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9. Nicheo 3 Pcs 7 Gallon Garden Bags
The Nicheo 3 Pcs 7 Gallon Garden Bags feature a window that enables gardeners to monitor the progress of their root vegetables. There is a hook & loop closure on the window’s cover, which opens so gardeners can harvest vegetables from inside. Grow bags come in three-packs and feature nonwoven fabric that aerates the soil.
The sides of the bags are reinforced with handles, which are not very protruding, giving them a seamless appearance. The Nicheo 3 Pcs 7 Gallon Garden Bags are available in 3 colors: brown, black, and green. Use Nicheo’s bags for a range of plants & vegetables; root vegetables are particularly well suited to the window.
Pros
- 3 growing bags are included in the package.
- An airflow fabric for roots made of nonwoven fabric.
- Opening the window flap reveals root vegetables.
- Sturdy reinforced handles.
- Having a seamless appearance is not very protruding.
Cons
- It might not withstand all plants due to its thinness.
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10. JERIA 12-Pack 7 Gallon Vegetable/Flower/Plant Bags
JERIA’s 7-gallon grow bags have reinforced handles, measuring 13 by 12 inches each. The nonwoven fabric of the bags allows the soil to drain & aerate. In addition to having handles and being made of high-quality material, they can be moved relatively easily, even when they are filled with dirt. Plant tags are also included with this 12-pack of bags.
Reusable and washable bags are available with JERIA. However, JERIA 12-Pack 7 Gallon containers are ideal for plants that require a great deal of space at the root. For instance, melons, tomatoes, indeterminate squash, and even small fruit trees.
Pros
- There are 12 bags in this set, enough to build an entire garden.
- 13 x 13 x 12 inches is the size of each 7-gallon bag.
- Each bag has 2 reinforced handles.
- Plant tags are included for labeling every bag’s contents.
- There is not much difficulty in moving them.
Cons
- Drains too easily, thus use caution when placing.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using Grow Bags?
When pots or planters are easily available, why would you bother with grow bags? Discover the advantages of inexpensive gardening containers in the following paragraphs.
- The root circling problem can be prevented with grow bags. In terracotta or plastic pots, the roots tend to circle around the walls when hitting the walls. On the other hand, resilient bags allow roots to expand and grow.
- Despite its nonwoven composition, the soil has the ability to breathe. By reducing the breakdown of organic materials, the bag will have better air circulation & heat build-up will be reduced.
- When using grow bags, make sure you do not overwater your plants. Water levels can be determined by the walls of the bag, as well as if the plant requires more water.
- Maintaining your grow bags hygienic and odor-free is easy. A terracotta pot or plastic planter can do more than that.
- The grow bags can be folded and stored compactly.
- The soil temperature and humidity can be controlled more easily using grow bags than in any other container. Plant health & yield are positively affected by this.
- Their portability and ease of use make them ideal for transportation.
Buying Guide For Growing Bags
There’s probably still a lot you don’t know about grow bags and what makes them worthwhile. Growing bags provide a wide range of benefits and this buying guide highlights the characteristics of the products listed above.
Finding the right fabric grow bag can be a challenge, particularly since there are so many choices available. You should also consider a few features.
Size
All grow bags are not designed for all plants due to their various sizes. As you can use them for houseplants, indoor plants, and outdoor plants, making sure the grow bag you buy fits your plants properly is important, particularly for indoor plants.
A too-large pot can harm your ficus or plant in the long run. Fabric grows bags of the incorrect size will hamper their growth. Oversized grow bags force plants to focus their energy on roots rather than foliage. Due to the added weight of soil on the roots, you also run a greater risk of root rot. Outdoor plants grow well in grow bags, so this isn’t an issue.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Plants
If your plant lives inside or outside, you will need a different grow bag. Choose a stylish bag or one with a woven pattern for your indoor plants, as it won’t need to be exposed to the weather.
Conversely, if it’s not durable, after one season you’ll need to buy another. Choose an outdoor plant that is durable or biodegradable. Whenever you want to change your landscape or plant crops, make sure to select a long-lasting grow bag. In addition, biodegradable options are available if you prefer a simpler, safer way to install your landscaping.
Material
Grow bags are made from a variety of materials, which differ in quality. Felt-like polypropylene is the best material for fabric grow bags. The material is breathable, durable, and long-lasting, even outside. Plastic fabrics are appropriate for outdoor use, but indoor plants may not find them as attractive.
If you are growing houseplants, it is better to focus on aesthetics than durability since the environment is controlled. Because of this, cloth grow bags are an investment, just like pots. As with ceramic or terracotta pots, grow bags can be re-used, so keep your design aesthetic in mind.
Handles
Adding handles to a grow bag is a great idea. Since this container is made from pliable – though sturdy – fabric, you can easily move your plants to the sink or move them to a different room.
Pliable material
The ability to conform to the soil is an essential function the fabric grow bag plays. Consequently, the roots are more flexible as they grow. Due to this, pliable bags are essential. Roots can be allowed to grow more naturally in a fabric grow bag compared to a rigid pot because they are still contained.
Drainage
There is a growing number of houseplant and garden enthusiasts using fabric containers because they are more difficult to overwater. By using breathable materials, excess water can be drained & better airflow can be provided. However, grow bags are made of various materials.
Color
You can affect your plants’ growth by choosing the right to grow bag. Depending on your region’s climate, choose a black or dark colored fabric to grow bag. Heat and light will be absorbed by this, allowing roots to stay at a constant temperature. Additionally, the reverse is true. Fabric grow bags that are light in color will prevent your roots from cooking in a warmer climate.
Durability
Even though fabric grow bags are relatively affordable, they can become costly over time if you purchase new ones every year. You can reduce that cost by purchasing fabric grow bags that won’t need to be replaced every year.
Transplanting
Plants & seeds should be grown in grow bags for transplantation later. Choose bags that have a hook-and-loop closure on one side. Plants can be removed much easier by unfastening these closures than by flipping the bag over and pulling them out.
There is no need to worry about container gardening for any herbs, flowers, or vegetables that won’t live through the whole gardening season. To bring the plants indoors, they can easily be removed.
Portability
Another important factor to consider is portability. Handles are common on grow bags so they are convenient to carry & move. Make sure you don’t purchase grows bags that are too big to fit the flower and vegetable you plan to plant. Because smaller grow bags hold less soil, they are lighter, but they can be less hospitable to certain plants, for example, indeterminate tomato varieties.
What You Should Expect To Spend When Buying A Fabric Grow Bag?
- When it comes to one-season fabric grows bags, the price range is between $5 and $10.
- They are not as durable & are designed to last for just 1 or 2 seasons.
- However, this price range does include some smaller, more durable fabric grow bags suitable for indoor cultivation.
- By spending more than $20, you will get a collection of high-quality fabric to grow bags that you can reuse for several seasons.
Grow Bags FAQs
Should you have any questions about grow bags or what to do with them, these answers are here to help.
01. Are grow bags capable of growing anything?
Yes, of course. Almost any plant can be grown in a grow bag. In case you can plant it in a pot or a planter, grow bags are certainly an option. Grow bags are ideal for growing plants with heavy roots, including sweet potatoes. Don’t forget that the bag’s dimensions are important. The bag would need to be large for roots that are heavy.
One-gallon bags are more suitable for annuals & small blooming plants, for example petunias. However, rose bushes, tomato vines, and sprawling plants should be grown in 5-gallon bags and larger.
02. What about washing? Grow bags can be washed?
In most cases, felt or nonwoven grow bags are washable. These bags come with this feature, on top of being able to fold up and keep them until they are needed again. VivoSUN 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags can be washed easily and are mold- and fungus-resistant. Keeping them clean between uses will be no problem. Also, make sure your grow bags are washed regularly, whether they are being repotted for perennials or being used between annuals. As a result, the fabric’s permeability continues to improve.
03. Are the grow bags well drained?
They are true. Excess water is probably the biggest problem you’ve experienced when gardening with plastic containers. Depending on how much water is present in the containers, it may or may not drain through the drainage holes. When it comes to grow bags, excess water drains from the entire bag, including its walls & bottom.
These bags also have the advantage that their walls are always saturated with moisture, which means you can always tell how much water is retained by the soil. By doing so, you can control your irrigation system and water your plants only during dry periods.
04. What size grow bag do I use?
- In a 3-gallon fabric pot, you can grow a single plant, such as pepper, as well as lettuce and peas.
- The 5-gallon grow bags are ideal for growing almost anything, including tomatoes, peppers, herbs, potatoes, flowers, fruiting trees, and stevia plants as well.
- In one 10-gallon grow bag, you can grow a whole garden. Basil surrounds tomatoes and potatoes, making it easy to grow them. Salad greens and spinach are also popular choices.
- The best thing about grow bags is that if properly stored during the off-season, they will outlast plastic containers.
- The 100 gallon grow bags are also a great option for larger planting areas, much like raised beds. With such a large grow bag, you can cultivate many plants simultaneously.
05. What material is best for growing bags?
Ideally, grow bags should be made from polypropylene felt in order to allow air to pass through while pruning. “BPA-Free” & “Food-Safe” fabrics are required.
06. Can you use any fabric for growing bags?
There is no need to worry about figuring out how to make your own grow bags. You will only need some basic sewing supplies and some fabric. Fabrics can be of any kind, though we recommend “canvas” or “nylon” for heavy duty applications.
07. Which fabric is suitable for grow bags?
As it is more breathable, you should choose a polypropylene fabric that looks like felt. Ensure that the container you choose is BPA-free & food-safe before you use it for growing produce.
08. How long does fabric grow bags last?
Growing bags made of fabric can last for many months or years depending on the materials used and the environment they are placed in. A fabric grow bag used indoors is likely to last longer, when compared to an outdoor bag. Although many outdoor products are meant to last several seasons, there are also many that are designed for indoor use. Prior to purchasing the fabric grow bag, ask the manufacturer how long it will last.
09. Are fabric grow bags better than pots?
Gardening has been done with pots since ancient times. However, fabric grow bags have certain advantages, such as better drainage and increased airflow for healthier roots. Roots can grow in a more natural way, which results in happier, healthier, and more robust plants.
The Last Word
Even though a majority of grow bags share similar qualities & are made with similar materials, there are still a few that stand out & are more unique than others. Thus, VIVOSUN 5-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags were voted our editor’s choice. As odorless & BPA-free bags, they are environmentally friendly options too. With their nonwoven fabric and rugged handles, they are effective at removing excess water, preventing circling root buildup, and enhancing plant health & growth. Besides their good quality, they are available in a variety of sizes.
As part of our budget value selection, you can choose 247Garden 5-Pack 1 Gallon Grow Bags. There is a common misconception that low prices always mean low quality. Since they are made of nonwoven material, the roots have plenty of room to expand while oxygenating the soil. It is easy to transport the bags around because they have sturdy handles that will not shock the plants.
Our premium pick is also the Winner Outfitters 6-Pack 3 Gallon Grow Bags. In spite of their lack of success, they deserve their position 3rd because they combine quality, design, and functionality well. This high-quality material prevents mold and fungus from growing and promotes better root-air pruning.
