Why not make use of the growing-bag to grow some great crops. The growing-bag is the perfect self contained veg-growing kit and a very cost effective method of container growing.
Growing-bags have long been used in greenhouses to grow tomatoes and cucumbers, so avoiding the use of border soil which can be asource of disease; but they are much more versatile. The growing-bag can also be placed anywhere in the garden, on the patio, a balcony or even by the back door.The uses are infinite and you can add flowers too to make them more attractive.
Planting up
Plump before you plant. Growing-bags are always squashed flat when you buy them, so the first thing to do is plump them up like you would a pillow. Don’t be gentle with them, just give them a good bashing and toss them about. Great therapy if you need to take out some frustration!
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Lay the bag on the ground and just shake it from side to side to get the compost evenly spaced along the bag. You can now position the bag wherever you intend to use it.
The next job is to make some holes in the bottom of the bag. This is most important, as excess water has to be able to drain away. Many growing-bags come with patterns on one side, showing you where to cut out holes for planting.
If growing tomatoes, you may want to cut out three squares, if cucumbers, just two. (see panel below for planting densities).
Young tomatoes, cucumbers or other vegetables can now be planted in the holes you have cut out. If you want to sow some carrots or salad leaves in agrowing-bag, you could cut out alarge panel in the top rather than individual holes.
Use another way
The growing-bag can also be used on its end, by shaking the compost down to one end and then standing it upright. This is useful to create agreat depth of compost and ideal to grow potatoes in or just one tomato or aubergine.
What to grow
It is possible to grow arange of fruit and veg in agrowing-bag, below are afew examples. Don’t be afraid to pack in plants but remember ahigher density of planting will require more frequent watering and feeding.
