My whole approach to container gardening is to keep it simple, and these bags are the center of it. I only use one container: the VIVOSUN 10 gallon grow bag. Every crop I grow goes in one, and I plan each bag using square foot gardening principles, so I always know what fits before I plant.
They are fabric pots, and that fabric matters too: air reaches the roots through the sides, so when a root hits the edge it gets “air pruned” and branches out instead of circling the pot. The result is a denser, healthier root system.
Why I only use 10 gallon bags
- One size, no guesswork. I never have to figure out which pot a crop needs. Every bag is the same.
- Square foot planning. I treat each bag like one square in a square foot garden, so the planting math is already done.
- Adjustable depth. A 10 gallon bag is deep enough for tomatoes, and I can use less soil for crops that don’t need it.
- Healthier roots. No root circling like in plastic pots, and overwatering is much harder to do.
- Cheap and reusable. They fold flat for storage between seasons.
How I plan each bag
Square foot gardening spaces plants by how many fit in one square foot. I use the same idea for each bag:
- 1 plant per bag: large crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- 4 plants per bag: medium crops like lettuce, chard, and many herbs.
- 9 plants per bag: smaller crops like bush beans, spinach, and beets.
- 16 plants per bag: tiny crops like radishes, carrots, and green onions.
Spacing guides vary a little by variety, so check the seed packet, but this gets me close every time.
How I set them up
- Match the soil depth to the crop. Deep rooted crops like tomatoes get a full bag. For shallow rooted crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes, I put less soil in and fold the sides down.
- Fill with a quality mix like Happy Frog potting soil and blend in a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Plant by the square foot numbers above.
- Set them in full sun. Most vegetables want at least six hours of direct sun.
- Water deeply and check them often in summer.
Tips for best results
- Group bags together in heat waves so they shade each other’s sides.
- Add a layer of mulch on top to slow evaporation.
- Put them on bricks or a tray if they sit on a hot deck or concrete.
- On really hot days, a shade cloth helps both the plants and the bags.
Who should skip them
If you cannot water often, plastic or glazed pots hold moisture longer. Grow bags reward frequent watering, especially in hot climates.
Common questions
Why use only 10 gallon grow bags?
One size keeps everything simple. I treat each bag like a square in a square foot garden, so I always know how many plants fit, and I buy one size of bag for every crop.
Do shallow crops need a full 10 gallon bag of soil?
No. For crops with shallow roots, like lettuce, spinach, or radishes, I fill the bag partway and fold or roll down the sides. Deep rooted crops like tomatoes get the full depth.
Do grow bags dry out faster than plastic pots?
Yes. The fabric breathes, so water evaporates from the sides. Plan to water more often in hot weather, sometimes daily.
Can grow bags be reused?
Yes. Empty them at the end of the season, brush or rinse them out, let them dry completely, and store them folded.
Ready to try it in your garden?
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