I Just Discovered You Can Plant Crops Straight into a Compost Bag – It’s So Easy and Saves Space

There truly is nothing that tastes as good as homegrown veggies, which is why I've been experimenting with growing different crops over the last year. The biggest struggle I'm facing is being limited with space, but I just stumbled across a clever solution: using compost bags as grow bags.

It's exactly what you imagine, planting directly into compost bags just as you would in a grow bag. Of course, it isn't as simple as cutting a hole in a bag of compost (like this organic compost from Amazon) and chucking some seeds in. You need to add drainage holes, set it up correctly, and choose the right plants for successful growing.

It's a great solution for smaller gardens, renters, and even those growing on a balcony who can't use heavy planters and raised beds. Plus, it creates an eclectic look once shoots start to emerge out of the bags. Here's how to make this idea work in your garden.

How to Use Compost Bags as Grow Bags

If you're just starting a vegetable garden and only have a small growing space to work with, then it's worth considering using compost bags as grow bags.

It essentially involves taking a bag of nutrient-rich, organic compost (like this from Lowe's) and using it as a grow bag (like these fabric grow bags from Amazon). But, the bonus is you don't have to add compost because it's already in there.

There are just a few steps to follow:

1. Decide which side is best to plant in based on the depth requirements of your plants. For example, tomato plants tend to have shallower roots, so you can get away with the bag being horizontal. Carrots, on the other hand, need more vertical space and would benefit best from the compost bag sitting the right way up.
2. Use scissors or garden snips (like these from Amazon) to create several drainage holes on the bottom side of the bag that will sit on the ground. This is essential to prevent excess moisture becoming trapped in the bag, especially because compost bags are not typically porous.
3. Next, cut open the top side of the bag. You can either remove the top entirely to create an open planter, or cut holes with equal spacing. Again, keep in mind how much space is required for the types of vegetables you're planting. Top tip: it's a good idea to also crumble up the compost with your hands, as some of it may have compacted in storage and transit.
4. You can then plant your crops. It's best to opt for plug plants (Burpee has lots of veg plug plants, like these tomato plants) and starter plants with this method, as the high nutrient levels can burn seeds and reduce germination success.
5. Then, grow your crops as you would if they were planted in a grow bag or planter. Keep in mind your compost bag is likely to hold onto moisture much more than traditional containers, so you won't need to water so much. For extra drainage elevate the bag, for example on bricks or pot feet (like these from Amazon).

Benefits of Compost Bag Growing

There are so many reasons why some gardeners use compost bags as grow bags.

The most obvious benefit is the fact it's space-saving, lightweight, and convenient. It doesn't require additional pots or grow bags, already has enough compost to fill the bag, and it can easily fit into any spot of the yard. Plus, you can be assured the compost is packed with essential plant nutrients.

There are also some eco-friendly gardening benefits here. More often than not compost bags are made of plastic. By planting directly in them, you're giving the plastic a second use, rather than it going directly in the trash.

The fact it is a plastic vessel also provides some growing benefits. It will retain moisture and trap warmth, ideal for seed germination.

Of course, this does require some careful monitoring when it comes to watering. That's why I recommend using a soil moisture meter (from Amazon) to check how wet the compost is before picking up your watering can.

An added bonus is the look it creates. If you have multiple compost grow bags lined up, it can provide a real eclectic and quirky feel to your kitchen garden.

Downsides to Compost Grow Bags

As with any garden hack, there are a couple of things to watch out for when trying to use compost bags as grow bags.

Firstly, you can only grow certain vegetables in it. Those that require more space (like artichokes and rhubarb) may not work well, but you can use compost bag growing for any vegetables you can grow in pots.

It's also more successful for plants that can be transplanted, rather than directly sowing seeds into it (due to the high nutrient levels that may burn them).

Nevertheless, it does work as a vessel to transplant the seeds you sowed indoors into. You can use this seed starter tray with a humidity dome from Amazon to get a head start on your seeds.

As mentioned, you also have to be careful with moisture and warmth when growing in a compost bag.

If it becomes too warm, seeds may not germinate and seedlings may experience root heat stress. Ensuring the bag isn't sitting in a sun trap will help with this.

Use this compost thermometer from Amazon to monitor temperature levels.

You should also be aware that compost bags can become flimsy. Unlike structured grow bags and pots, they may not be able to hold their shape.

However, you can manage this by offering more support, for example by placing it up against a wall or putting other pots and compost bags nearby.

What to Shop

FAQs

Can I Reuse Compost?

It is possible to reuse compost and reuse potting soil, but only if the plants previously growing in it didn't experience any disease or pest problems. You should also take crop rotation into account, and not use the same compost for the same crops the following year. It risks 'replant disease' due to a build-up of pathogens that attack young roots and stunt growth.

There are quite a few crops that work well in grow bags, for example you can grow potatoes in a bag and even a bucket.

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