Grow bags have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional pots. They offer many advantages such as better aeration, easy mobility, and fairly low costs.
Yet, as with any form of gardening, there are some drawbacks to utilizing grow bags that should be reflected before making the switch.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the disadvantages of using grow bags, including their shorter lifespan, the risk of mold, and the need for more careful watering.
By arming yourself with the knowledge of the possible drawbacks, you can make a well-informed decision as to whether grow bags are right for your gardening adventures.
Table of Contents
- 1) Shorter Lifespan
- 2) Big Grow Bags Are Difficult to Move When Full
- 3) They May Heat up And Cool Down Too Quickly
- 4) They Dry Out Fairly Quickly
- 5) They Are Prone To Mold
- 6) They Don’t Hold Shape Very Well
- 7) They Are Difficult To Transplant Plants From
- 8) They Are Often Ugly
- Wrapping Up
- FAQ
1) Shorter Lifespan
Grow bags tend to have a shorter lifespan than traditional pots. They are usually made of felt or other non-woven materials which makes them prone to tears and wear over time, which can compromise their ability to hold soil and water.
Bigger bags are more affected due to the volume and weight of the soil and water they need to hold.
So, if you’re using grow bags for your plants, you might need to replace them more frequently than you would with pots.
2) Big Grow Bags Are Difficult to Move When Full
Grow bags come in many sizes, but the bigger ones can be incredibly heavy when full of wet soil. This makes them difficult to move around or reposition.
Although there are often handles or straps on the bags to make them easier to carry, this can still be a challenge. Even when you manage to lift the bag, the handles may tear due to the weight.
The best solution is obviously to choose such a spot for planting that you won’t need to move the grow bag, or if that isn’t possible, opt for a smaller size.
3) They May Heat up And Cool Down Too Quickly
Good insulation is not something grow bags are known for. This means that they can heat up more quickly in the sun and cool down too fast at night, both of which can be detrimental to your plant’s health.
Especially the black-colored bags are prone to heating up very quickly. This is because the darker color bags absorb heat more quickly than lighter colors. If you’re not careful, your plant’s roots can be subject to extreme temperatures. Of course, black plastic pots and buckets suffer from the same problem.
4) They Dry Out Fairly Quickly
Grow bags are a bit trickier when it comes to watering. You see, because of breathable material, grow bags tend to dry out faster than pots, be they plastic or clay pots. So, you need to be a bit more careful and mindful of how often and how much you’re watering your plants in grow bags.
You don’t want to over-water and create a waterlogged environment for your plants that can lead to root rot, but at the same time, you usually don’t want the soil to dry out completely.
It’s a delicate balance!
It’s not only about dry and hot weather but if it’s also windy, then the soil in grow bags can dry out really quickly. Especially in the smaller ones that don’t hold that much water to start with.
5) They Are Prone To Mold
Well, you see, grow bags are made of a soft, porous material that makes them a great option for growing plants. But, the downside is that this same material can also make them more prone to mold.
Mold loves moist environments, and since grow bags hold soil and water, it’s easy for mold to take hold and spread. And once it does, it can be tough to get rid of.
It’s not a guarantee, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using grow bags for your plants.
6) They Don’t Hold Shape Very Well
On one hand, the fabric material of grow bags makes them lightweight, portable, and easy to move around. But on the other hand, it also means that they don’t hold their shape very well.
Especially as you add soil and water and your plants start to fill out inside the bag, you may find that the sides tend to collapse inwards or sag.
The round bags are probably the best. The square and rectangle-shaped grow bags usually struggle more with this issue.
7) They Are Difficult To Transplant Plants From
Transplanting plants from a smaller bag to a bigger one can definitely be a bit more challenging than from pots. The roots of the plants tend to grow into the fabric of the grow bag, and when it comes time to transplant, it can be tough to get them out. It’s like trying to untangle a stubborn knot!
Sometimes you just have to tear the roots out. Other times there’s nothing else to do but cut the bag open.
Of course, the best way to go about that is to choose the right size of the bag from the get-go. However, some plants don’t like being grown in too large containers too soon.
8) They Are Often Ugly
What else can I say? While there are some grow bags, that do look pretty good, most of them are just plain ugly. And when mold kicks in, they look even worse.
Sure, most gardeners growing tomatoes or other vegetables, don’t care too much about looks. But if you’re growing flowers or ornamental plants it’s something you’ll have to think about if the visual appeal is important to you.
If you prefer your outdoor decor to look neat and polished, then grow bags likely won’t fit that aesthetic. Instead, consider other alternatives such as terracotta pots which can help bring a more refined style to your space.
Of course, when compared to the blue plastic Lowes buckets, the bags are probably the lesser evil in terms of looks.
Wrapping Up
Despite the disadvantages that come with using grow bags, they can still be a good choice for certain situations.
They’re lightweight, easy to move around, and take up virtually no space when empty.
It’s also very difficult to overwater in grow bags, which is great for people who are new to gardening and might not know exactly how much water to give their plants.
Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and gardening goals, but don’t let the disadvantages discourage you from considering them as an option.
FAQ
Do plants grow better in grow bags?
That depends on the specific needs of the plants. Grow bags offer enhanced aeration and drainage, making them a better choice for certain plants than traditional pots. With the porous material of grow bags, your plants can thrive with increased oxygen flow while excess water drains freely away. The fabric of the grow bags helps to prevent over-watering and water-logged soil, which can be a common problem with traditional pots.
Can I use IKEA bags as grow bags?
While you technically can use the large blue Ikea FRAKTA bags as grow bags, they are certainly not the optimal choice. They are made of synthetic woven fabric (polypropylene) that is prone to tearing and does not stand up to the elements very well, especially the UV rays from the sun. Besides, they are just plain ugly.