Growing bags are an excellent way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, especially if you have limited space. They are lightweight, portable, and come in a variety of sizes. I’ll explain what materials work best and walk through the easy process of sewing your own custom sized grow bags at home.
Why Use Grow Bags?
Grow bags provide an affordable and space-efficient way to garden. Here are some of the benefits of using grow bags
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They allow you to grow plants anywhere – patios, balconies, decks, etc. No in-ground space required.
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Bags are portable so you can move plants around to capture optimal sunlight.
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The lightweight fabric breathes well and helps prevent overwatering.
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Air prunes the roots so plants don’t become root-bound like in plastic pots.
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They fold up nice and small at the end of the season for easy storage
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You can make them any size you want. Customize length and diameter.
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Grow bags are reusable for many years.
Materials for Sewing Grow Bags
Making your own grow bags is easy You only need a few supplies
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Landscape fabric – This woven polypropylene fabric is breathable and durable. Look for fabric that will block weeds for 5-7 years.
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Outdoor thread – Use UV treated polyester thread so it doesn’t degrade in sunlight.
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Polypropylene webbing (optional) – Make handles with 1″ or 2″ polypropylene webbing.
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Scissors
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Ruler
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Pins
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Sewing machine
That’s it! Landscape fabric is inexpensive, found at most hardware stores, and perfect for sewing super lightweight grow bags.
How to Make Grow Bags – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to sew a custom sized grow bag:
1. Cut Landscape Fabric
Decide how big you want your finished grow bag to be. Cut 4 pieces of landscape fabric to this size. For example, for a 12″ bag, cut 4 squares that are 18″ x 18″.
2. Sew Side Seams
Pin 2 fabric pieces with right sides together. Sew along one side. Repeat to attach the other 2 pieces.
3. Sew Bottom Seam
Rotate the work 90 degrees. Pin the bottom seam, lining up the side seams. Sew across.
4. Shape the Bag
Rotate the side seams back to each side. Mark the bottom corners halfway between the seams. Sew new seams at these marks.
5. Finish the Top
Turn the bag right side out. Fold over the top edge twice and stitch in place.
6. Add Handles (Optional)
For handles, cut 2 lengths of polypropylene webbing. Position and pin the handles. Topstitch around the edges to secure.
And that’s it – you’ve made your own custom sized grow bag! Now just fill it with potting mix and plants.
Grow Bag Size Options
One of the great things about sewing your own grow bags is that you can make them any size you want. Here are some common sizes:
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Mini – 6″ diameter, 8″ tall – Perfect for starting seeds and transplants.
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Small – 8” diameter, 10” tall – For herbs and leafy greens.
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Medium – 12” diameter, 12” tall – Great size for peppers, tomatoes, beans.
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Large – 14” diameter, 16” tall – For larger vegetables and fruiting plants.
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Extra Large – 20” diameter, 20” tall – Similar capacity to a whiskey barrel planter.
The instructions are the same no matter what size you make. Just adjust the landscape fabric pieces accordingly. Taller bags may need long webbing handles.
Using and Storing Grow Bags
Once your grow bags are made, fill them about 2/3 full with quality potting mix, lightly moisten, and add your plants! Sit them on saucers if needed to catch drainage.
At the end of the season, empty and fold up bags for compact storage. Grow bags can be reused annually.
Variations and Tips
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Make short grow bags (6-8″ tall) and hang them on fences or railings.
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Use scrap cardboard or foam at the bottom for extra stability if needed.
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Add an extra layer of landscape fabric on the bottom to help retain moisture.
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Insert fertilizer spikes designed for containers near plant root balls for optimal nutrients.
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For hot & sunny climates, make bags 3-4 layers thick to reduce evaporation.
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Grow bags with handles allow you to move plants into shade or indoors if desired.
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Line interior with plastic for decorative designs or to hold moisture better.
Grow bags are a great way to maximize your garden space! Making your own from landscape fabric is simple and highly customizable. Follow the 6 steps, adjust the size to fit your needs, add handles if desired, and you’ll have excellent affordable containers to grow abundant flowers, herbs, and vegetables anywhere.
DIY Felt Grow Bags (with Video Tutorial)
How To Make Your Own Grow Bags
FAQ
What material is best for grow bags?
Can I make my own grow bag?
How to prepare grow bags for plants?
How do you make a grow bag?
Small and medium grow bags can also be hung on fences, gates, or the side of raised beds for decoration or to maximize growing space. At the end of the season, grow bags can be emptied and folded up, using minimal storage space. To make grow bags, landscape fabric is sown together to form a round container. Adding handles is optional.
Do DIY grow bags really work?
When you use DIY grow bags this will never happen. As grow bags are made from breathable fabric the roots will reach drier soil towards the edge of the grow bag. The roots will get the message and stop growing in that direction and instead focus energy on growing new feeder roots inside the grow bag.
What size should I make a grow bag?
To make a grow bag, you can choose any size you want, depending on what you will be growing in it. A square foot is a good size. To make a square foot grow bag, you will need 4 feet (1.22 m) plus an inch for the seam. Experts suggest using polyester thread for sewing.
Can you grow vegetables in grow bags?
You can basically grow any plant in grow bags. But grow bags are better suited for some plants and vegetables than others. You can grow all types of herbs and leafy vegetables, as well as tomatoes, eggplants, chillies, lemongrass, and cucumbers in grow bags.
How do you store grow bags?
Simply carry your grow bags into a more sheltered location. If you are short of space, cover them with fabric, wrap the grow bag in bubble wrap and raise them from the ground and let them overwinter outside. And when you are done with your grow bags for the season you simply rinse them off, fold them and store them for future use.
How do you fold a grow bag?
Fold as much or as little fabric as you want but it is easier if you use more fabric. Secure the pins all around and then sew along the top of the fabric to join the pieces together. And you are done! All you need to do now is to turn the grow bag “inside out” to get all the seams on the inside of the bag.