Grow bags are bags used to hold soil for growing plants, just like any other pot. Most of them will last more than one season so that you can reuse them over a number of years.
Grow bags are an inexpensive, easy way to add growing space. Look for good quality grow bags that will last many seasons. Grow bags come in many different sizes and wall thickness. Some bags are very plain and utilitarian, and some are pretty. Grow bags also come with or without handles. Gardening in grow bags prevents overwatering. Excess water drains through the fabric and prevents soggy soil and roots.
Easier to use than traditional pots due to handles for moving. Grow bags are easy to store when not in use. Clean them out by spraying them off well and then let them dry and fold them up.
Plants in grow bags have healthier root systems. In traditional pots, roots will grow until they “hit the wall”. Then, they make a turn so they can keep growing into the soil. Eventually, the roots circle all the way around the perimeter of the inside of the pot and the plant is said to be “root bound”. This “root bound” effect does not happen with grow bags. Instead, when the roots hit the edge of the bag, they come in contact with the air, since the bag is breathable. This air contact causes the root to stop growing. Then, new roots begin to form on the plant. This promotes many smaller roots on a plant in a grow bag.
Grow bags are breathable, so they allow more soil to come in contact with the air than traditional pots. Better aeration prevents soil compaction, making it easier for your plants to absorb nutrients from soil.
Since grow bags are breathable, they allow excess heat to escape on warm days. When soil contains more air, water will penetrate the soil more easily. This makes it easier to keep plants hydrated with even watering.
I love using grow bags to grow potatoes. Maybe you want to use one this winter to grow broccoli or cauliflower.