Updated at: 14-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

You may want to know how long grow bags last before you invest in them. Because I was curious about the same thing, I did some investigating of my own.

So, how long are grow bags good for? One to ten years or perhaps longer is not out of the question for grow bags. The quality of the material used to manufacture a grow bag affects its lifespan. If a grow bag is properly cleaned, relocated, and stored, it will survive longer.

When it comes to grow bags, the longer they last isn’t necessarily a good thing. There are a variety of grow bags out there, so let’s see how long they last. After that, we’ll discuss ways to extend the life of your grow bags.

How Long Do Grow Bags Last?

Depending on the material, grow bags can last anywhere from one year to ten years.

Cardboard grow bags won’t survive more than a year if you manufacture them yourself. It is recommended that these grow bags be used only to cultivate annual crops or plants that will not be moved from their original location.

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Recycled plastic or fabric-made grow bags, on the other hand, can survive for five years or more with good care.

Annuals can be planted in them year after year, and they can be cleaned and reused, or perennials (or even young trees) can be stored in them until they are ready to be moved to a permanent place.

You should keep in mind that biodegradable materials are better for the environment, but they will not last as long because of the natural wear and tear (they are made to decompose over time, after all).

Fabric grow bags, according to grassrootsfabricpots.com, can endure between three and five years.

Fabric grow bags, on the other hand, according to kellogggarden.com, can last up to 8 years with careful care.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the many types of grow bags on the market and see how they compare.

Plastic Grow Bags

Fabric grow bags are more airy, but plastic bags retain moisture better in the soil. Those who don’t like their plants to dry out will find this excellent.

However, plastic bags are more resistant to environmental conditions than fabric bags, but they are much easier to open than their fabric alternatives.

Some options for plastic grow bags include the following:

  • Grow bags made of plastic are called Vivosun Plastic Grow Bags by Vivosun. Because of the holes on the bottom, they can be used to drain water. They come in a pack of 50 and come in capacities ranging from 1 to 5 gallons. If you want, you can get a set of 100, in either 2 or 5 gallon sizes. Please visit the Vivosun website to learn more about their plastic grow bags.
  • These grow bags are manufactured of black plastic from Gro Pro. Drainage holes are incorporated into their design. There are 25 1-gallon bags in a set for sale. Gro Pro Plastic Grow Bags can be found on Amazon if you want to learn more.

Fabric Grow Bags

A thick, non-woven fabric is used in the construction of fabric grow bags, which are more breathable than clay or plastic. Aeration and drainage improve, and root encroachment is prevented by this method.

Here are a few options for fabric grow bags:

  • 350G Vivosun Tan Grow Bags are used to create these circular grow bags. They’re tough and come with straps to let you move them around. They come in five-packs, with capacities ranging from 3 gallons to 30 gallons. Check out Vivosun Tan Grow Bags on the Vivosun website for more details.
  • Using a 300G material, Vivosun makes these black grow bags. They’re tough and come with straps to let you move them around. They are covered by a three-year guarantee. ‘ It’s possible to get them in quantities ranging from one to thirty gallons in sets of five in various sizes ranging from one to thirty gallons. Single 45, 50, and 100 gallon bags are also available for purchase. Visit the Vivosun website for more information about Vivosun Black Grow Bags.
  • A 260G material is used to make Vivosun Square Grow Bags. They’re tough and come with straps to let you move them around. Loop straps on the sides allow you to attach stakes to support tall plants, such as tomatoes or peppers. They come in three, five, seven, and ten-gallon containers. Check out Vivosun Square Grow Bags on the Vivosun website for more details.
  • Grow bags made of black cloth that is both soft and strong are called Smart Pot Soft-Sided Containers. Many gardeners say that they can last for five or more years before needing to be replaced. They were originally designed for commercial tree growers, but they can also be utilized in small-scale gardens. They are available in a variety of sizes, including 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 15 gallons. Individual pots or 5-packs are available for purchase. Check out the Smart Pot Soft-Sided Container on Amazon for more information.
  • Recycled plastic is used to make Hydrofarm 3 Gallon Fabric Planters, which are circular grow bags. They’ll last longer than conventional grow bags because they’re non-degradable. It’s a good idea to set these on a wheeled dolly before you begin filling them with dirt and plants. You may wash these pots in between seasons to keep them fresh. Check out the Hydrofarm Fabric Planter on the Ace Hardware website for additional details.

Grow Bag Care

Grow bags’ lifespan is determined by how well they’re made, and we already know this. However, if you take excellent care of your grow bags, they will last longer and produce greater results, saving you both time and money.

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Moving Grow Bags

Avoid dragging your grow bags through rough and rocky surfaces, such as textured concrete or bare soil with rocks in it, when transporting them.

Since the bottom of a grow bag contains the greatest weight and gets scraped when you move it across rough surfaces, it is the most important part of the bag to keep in good condition.

Put a flat piece of plastic or wood under the bottom of the grow bag to protect it when moving.

Put the grow bag on a small dolly with wheels if you can’t find anything that will readily move across the ground. Your back will be happier as a result of this method!

Cleaning Grow Bags

After using fertilizer, manure, or other soil additives to nurture your plants, it’s a good idea to clean off your grow bags every season.

This will not only help preserve the bag, but it will also keep the soil in your garden for the next year healthier for your plants.

Wash your grow bags first with a hose to remove any accumulated dirt. Get rid of the biggest particles of dirt and plant matter by simply spraying and rinsing (roots, leaves, etc.)

After that, allow the grow bags to air dry completely before removing any dried soil or plant detritus.

To clean the grow bags, place them in a washing machine (don’t overfill it!). Baking soda and white vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent.

It is now time to thoroughly clean and rinse the grow bags. (Washing more than once may be necessary.)

Before storing your grow bags, allow them to air-dry for as long as necessary. By storing them damp, your grow bags run the risk of mold growth.

For additional information on how to clean fabric grow bags, see this article from grassrootsfabricpots.com.

Storing Grow Bags

Before storing your grow bags, it is crucial to ensure that they are clean and dry. You could end up with mold if you don’t.

A cold, dry location is best for keeping the grow bags from gathering moisture. As a final precaution, keep them out of direct sunlight, as the rays of the sun can degrade them more quickly.

During the off-season, you can store your grow bags in a container or fold them up if they are clean and dry.

Repairing Grow Bags

If you’re prepared to perform some small repairs on your grow bags on a regular basis, you can extend their useful life even further.

If you drag your grow bags over hard, rocky surfaces to relocate them, they’re more likely to acquire holes in the bottom.

Regardless of where the holes are, you can quickly patch them. To make a patch, all you need is a sewing needle, some strong thread, and a small amount of cloth.

You can use the same material as the grow bag to make the patch. You can also use pieces from your most damaged grow bag to fix other bags.

Using a patch that is slightly larger than the hole, stitch it in place over the hole. The patch can be double or triple-layered if you are using a thinner material (such as landscape cloth).

Keep any spare materials on hand for use in the future if possible. You can potentially maintain your grow bags for a decade or more if you stay on top of any holes.

Why Use Fabric Pots?

In general, container gardening is preferable since it is easier to tailor the needs of each plant to the specifics of its environment. People with limited room can cultivate plants and choose where they want to place them. Fabric pots, on the other hand, provide a number of advantages over conventional containers.

Use for any plants

Fabric pots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you may find them for a variety of plant varieties or to start young plants or mature plants. In this approach, even plants with shallow root systems might benefit from the material. In addition, fabric pots are available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to tailor your greenhouse or garden to your needs.

Makes maintenance easier

By using cloth pots, you may avoid frequent issues like overwatering. In order to reduce soil erosion, rot, and other illnesses caused by excess moisture, these containers feature greater drainage. The fabric pot’s material is also permeable, allowing you to maintain a constant temperature for your plants.

Reusable and eco-friendly

Because fabric pots are environmentally friendly and BPA-free, they have a third benefit over plastic pots. The fact that these containers can be reused is obvious to anyone who’s read this far. By not having to buy new seeds every growing season, you save money and contribute less waste to the environment at the same time.

How To Use Fabric Pots

Learning how to correctly use your fabric pots will also help them last longer. The first step is to figure out the correct pot size for your plants, as well as the medium you’ll use. If you want to increase the drainage of your medium, for example, you should set aside area for pebbles.

Using the right mix or medium, fill the cloth pot to the top with two inches of room. Your crop can then be sown according to the depth at which it is suited. It’s important to keep in mind that the root ball should be completely buried in the soil. How do you water your plants in fabric pots once they’ve been established?

However, some gardeners prefer to install holes at the bottom of their pots for drainage, but this isn’t necessary in all circumstances. In the greenhouse, a drip irrigation system would be more convenient than using a watering can. When the growth season is through, wipe down the pots and store them flat in a cool, dry location until the following year.

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Conclusion

A greater understanding of how long grow bags can endure has been gained now. You’re also aware of some of the aspects that influence the longevity of grow bags and how to best take care of your grow bags to get the most use out of them.

The advantages and downsides of grow bags may be found in this article, as well as some of the considerations to keep in mind.

Check out my article on what to plant in a grow bag for more ideas.

It’s my hope that you found this post useful, and if so, please share it with someone else who might benefit from it.