I recently got some grow bags because of all the hype around their benefits like air pruning and portability. However, I've found them really challenging to use in my hot, dry desert environment—they dry out way too quickly. I've noticed that the gardening influencers I follow often garden in different climates, so I'm curious about others' experiences. If you've used grow bags in desert areas (whether high or low elevation), how did it go for you? Any tips?
3 Answers
Honestly, I think grow bags are mainly worth it if you're growing cacti or succulents. Otherwise, they can be quite tricky in hot, dry conditions.
I've tried grow bags in Los Angeles, and honestly, it was tough during the Santa Ana winds. One thing that helped was wrapping the bags in plastic and placing them in a saucer to catch moisture. I love how flexible they are, but retaining moisture is definitely a challenge in heat like ours.
If you're in a hot climate, definitely consider using a large saucer underneath your grow bags. Switching to a slower-draining potting mix can also help. In summer, I water mine daily and use a thick layer of straw on top to keep the moisture in. Bigger bags work better too—my plants seem to thrive more that way.
Thanks for the tip! I'm just starting out and only learned about the benefits of mulch last season, so any advice is super helpful!