6 Tips For Gardening With Grow Bags

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Grow bags! Less plastic, easy to carry, and typically made of felt or other non-woven, pressed fabrics that are more ecologically friendly! It’s a transition that just makes sense!

Your next tree, shrub, or perennial, and indeed your bareroot plants, just may well be showing up in something that looks a little different! Don’t worry! Change is a good thing!

Why We Love Love Love Grow Bags!
What to Do With Your Grow Bag Plant on Arrival!
Great Roots & Happy Plants!

Why We Love Love Love Grow Bags!

Why are Nature Hills Nursery and our growers going mad for these new plant containers?

1. Safer Shipping

Well, first of all… plants in Grow Bags ship like marshmallows inside of the box! What could be better than a soft pillowy ball of soil? You get great plants growing in the soil, safely tucked inside of the box, and ship safely anywhere across the country to take the bumps and bruises without issue. Perfection!

2. Better Roots - No Circling!

Grow Bags can be made of felt-like material, or sometimes a woven plastic-like material. So inside that bag of dirt, the roots grow so beautifully with plenty of air and moisture exchange. Never grow out to the bag's edge and circle around as they can in regular old plastic pots. Instead, those roots stay away from the light and from the outside air by branching behind and creating the most incredible mass of non-circling/strangling roots possible in traditional pots.

Roots grow towards food and water. So that means in a plastic pot they will grow round and round. Then when you plant that plant in the ground - those roots continue to grow round and round and not out in all directions like they are supposed to do.

3. Better Drainage!

Grow Bags create the most amazing set of roots in the industry that will transplant like a dream! No longer needing to worry about excess water and poor drainage. The plant's roots won’t sit in water should their drainage holes become plugged - because there aren’t any! The excess moisture is wicked and drained away for no rot!

The grow bags also drain moisture away better and can easily become rehydrated without hydrophobic soil shrinking and letting much-needed moisture just flow on past, completely missing the root system. Water penetrates easier through the soil for more even distribution.

Because nursery plants are watered frequently, there’s no need to worry about rotting roots. Fabric Grow Bags are made of breathable material to increase air circulation - deterring mold and mildew growth.

4. Handles!

Many of these larger plants are arriving with built-in handles! Easily move your plants around as needed. Especially great for container gardeners and those that need to move their plants indoors for the winter or bring them in and out during fickle spring and fall weather to avoid a freeze.

Or, easily drop them into a container of your choice! Then if you change your mind or style - pull it out and drop it into a new planter! This feature is especially popular with people who travel with their plants - motor home and RV users can easily move their plants around as much as they move around!

It’s a snap!

5. Eco-Friendly!

Grow bags are biodegradable and often made from recycled materials, but remember these bags do need to be removed before planting the root ball in the ground! They can be cut up one side with a box cutter, or if you want to reuse your Grow Bag, you can peel the bag off of the root ball turning it inside out so it can be used again.

Once you are done with your Grow Bag, reuse it! Just like pots and plastic planters, these bags can be reused over and over!

6. Save Space

Clean them, fold them up and store them without taking up lots of space that plastic planters do!

What to Do With Your Grow Bag Plant on Arrival!

1. Once you receive your delivery from Nature Hills, open it immediately and inspect your plant(s).

2. Upon arrival, plunge the entire root ball in the grow bag underwater in a tub and leave it there until it stops bubbling then take it out and allow the excess water to drain away.

3. Use a boxcutter or sharp knife and slice down the side of the bag and tear the bag from the root ball. (unless a bit of wiggling won’t allow it to slip out on its own.)

4. Inspect those gorgeous roots!

5. Set into the planting hole that is no deeper than the plant is currently planted in its soil from the Grow Bag, but a bit wider. Backfill with native topsoil and Nature Hills Root Booster.

6. Water until it pools, let it soak in, and then water again. Soaking the entire area around the plant as well.

7. Mulch with 3-4 inches of Arborist Bark Chips that cover the entire root system but not piled up against the trunk/stems.

Great Roots & Happy Plants!

You can buy Grow Bags for your own container and in-ground gardening needs right here at Nature Hills! Check out the line of Smart Pot Grow Bag containers for multi-purpose planting! Or go big with the Smart Pot Raised Bed!

Don’t fret next time your plants arrive in something a little different! You’ve just received the newest style of plant container and an incredibly healthy, mature root system! Order plants with confidence from an expert grower that’s embracing everything possible to deliver you the healthiest plants possible - NatureHills.com!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do grow bags drain well enough without drainage holes?

Yes, grow bags actually drain better than traditional plastic pots precisely because they have no drainage holes to become clogged. The breathable fabric material wicks and drains excess moisture away from the root zone continuously, preventing root rot while also allowing for better air circulation that deters mold and mildew. Unlike plastic pots where soil can become hydrophobic and cause water to run straight past the roots, grow bag fabric allows water to penetrate evenly throughout the soil. Trust the material and water your grow bag plants as you normally would, adjusting frequency based on how quickly the fabric dries out in your climate.

How do grow bags handle excess water compared to traditional pots?

Grow bags handle excess moisture far more effectively than traditional plastic pots because the breathable fabric wicks and drains water away naturally, eliminating the need for drainage holes that can become clogged. The porous material also prevents soil from becoming hydrophobic, meaning water penetrates evenly through the root zone rather than flowing past a shrunken soil mass. This improved drainage and air circulation actively deters mold, mildew, and root rot. When watering your grow bag plant, water thoroughly and consistently, knowing the fabric will manage excess moisture on its own.

Can grow bags leak water onto patios, decks, or indoor surfaces?

Grow bags are made of breathable, non-woven fabric that naturally wicks and drains excess moisture through the material, so yes, some seepage onto surfaces is possible. Unlike traditional plastic pots with drainage holes that release water in concentrated streams, grow bags distribute moisture more evenly and gradually through the fabric walls. To protect patios, decks, or indoor surfaces, place your grow bag on a waterproof saucer, tray, or elevated stand to catch any moisture that passes through.

Should you elevate grow bags off the ground for better results?

Elevating grow bags slightly off the ground can improve air circulation and drainage, which aligns with one of the key advantages of grow bag gardening. The breathable fabric naturally wicks excess moisture away from the root zone, but placing bags on a slatted surface or plant stand allows even better airflow beneath the bag and prevents the bottom from sitting in pooled water. This is especially helpful in wet climates or during heavy rain seasons. Try setting your grow bags on a wire rack, wooden pallet, or raised surface to maximize drainage and keep roots healthy.

What should you place under grow bags to protect surfaces and improve drainage?

Place a layer of gravel, sand, or a drip tray beneath your grow bags to protect patios, decks, and other surfaces from moisture stains while also improving drainage. Because grow bags are made of breathable fabric that actively wicks excess moisture, whatever sits beneath them will get wet during watering. For hard surfaces, a saucer or tray works well for containment, but empty it regularly to prevent standing water from causing issues. If placing grow bags directly on soil or grass, no additional protection is needed, as the excess moisture will simply drain naturally into the ground below.

Can you place grow bags directly on grass or soil?

Grow bags can be placed directly on soil or grass, and the breathable fabric base actually allows beneficial interaction with the ground beneath while still maintaining excellent drainage. The permeable material wicks away excess moisture and prevents the waterlogging issues common with traditional plastic pots. However, roots may eventually grow through the bottom into the soil below if left in place too long, so check periodically and reposition as needed to keep your plant contained and mobile.

Are grow bags better than plastic pots for container gardening?

Grow bags offer several meaningful advantages over traditional plastic pots, including superior drainage, better air circulation, and healthier root development since roots naturally air-prune rather than circling and becoming root-bound. The breathable fabric material also prevents overwatering issues by wicking away excess moisture while still allowing for even water distribution through the soil. For best results, choose a grow bag sized appropriately for your plant and water more frequently than you would with plastic pots, since the breathable fabric does allow moisture to escape more readily.

Can you reuse grow bags season after season?

Grow bags can often be reused for multiple seasons, though their lifespan depends on the material quality and how well you care for them between uses. After emptying a grow bag, shake out the old soil, rinse the bag thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely in the sun to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Inspect the fabric for any tears, thinning spots, or breakdown in the material before replanting, as compromised bags may not provide the same drainage and air-pruning benefits that make them so effective. Store cleaned, dry bags in a cool indoor space over winter to extend their usable life season after season.

How do you clean and store grow bags for reuse?

Grow bags can be rinsed clean with a hose after emptying out old soil, then scrubbed lightly with a mild soap and water solution to remove any residue or potential pathogens. Allow them to air dry completely in the sun before storing, as the breathable fabric dries quickly and the UV exposure helps sanitize the material. Once dry, fold or roll them flat and store in a cool, dry location away from direct light to prevent any fabric breakdown between seasons. Shake them out thoroughly before reuse and inspect for any tears or weak spots that could compromise root support.

How many growing seasons can you get out of a single grow bag?

Grow bags are primarily designed for shipping and establishing plants rather than for multi-season reuse, as their main purpose is to get your tree, shrub, or perennial safely to you with a healthy, non-circling root system ready for transplanting. Once your plant arrives, the best practice is to transplant it into the ground or a permanent container relatively soon after delivery. If you do reuse a grow bag for container gardening, expect one to two seasons of reliable performance before the fabric begins to break down, depending on your climate and watering frequency. Clean and dry the bag thoroughly between uses to extend its life and prevent mold or mildew buildup.