Hey everyone! I'm new to gardening and growing my first veggies (French beans and zucchini) in 5-gallon soil bags. The ground soil where I live in North Central Florida isn't suitable because of a nearby waste center, so I'm considering using in-ground soil for my other future plants (like onions, eggplants, and yellow peppers). Is it a good idea to use in-ground soil in my grow bags? If not, what would you recommend? Also, since I rent and want to keep my grass intact, any tips on building longer beds with separation between the ground and my soil would be helpful. Thanks!
4 Answers
Using in-ground soil in grow bags can make them heavy and compacted, which isn't great for plant health. I did mix in-ground garden soil with perlite in a larger bag, but it was tough to fertilize since it got dense. A good compromise is to mix the in-ground soil 50/50 with a potting mix to lighten it up. Just be cautious, as plants like squash can root through fabric bags into the ground without a solid barrier. You might want to consider that when you set things up!
Good luck with your gardening! Your plants will grow beautifully once you get the hang of it!
thank you so much😢 I'm really excited but worried because I've never been able to keep a plant alive but I'm committed this time lol.
Honestly, potting mix is the best for grow bags, but I know it can get pricey. I found some great deals on Sunshine #4 and Promix HP. They fill a lot of bags for a reasonable price, about $35 for a big pack where I live. If that fits your budget, it’s definitely worth it! Plus, an Earthbox could also be a great investment if you find one for cheap on marketplace. Your 5-gallon bags should work fine for your veggies too!
Okay cool! I guess I was under the impression potting mix was mainly for flowers and such (no reason to believe that, it was just a thought lol) so I'll definitely try to get some! I'm low on funds but $35 sounds doable, so I'll keep an eye out for those options before planting!
Potting soil is generally lighter and offers better aeration than in-ground soil, which is super important for container gardening. If you can, opting for larger bags like 7 or 10 gallons would really help your veggies thrive since 5-gallon bags can be tricky and leave little room for error. I personally use bigger bags! And here are some helpful links to get you started: [Mels Mix Soil Article](https://squarefootgardening.org/2023/04/the-magic-of-mels-mix-soil/) and [YouTube Guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q2x-UkaUNk).
that makes sense, i'll see if i can get bigger bags! I'm assuming it would be best to repot them sooner than later? is there a threshold in terms of how big they are where i shouldn't move them? and thank you for the links i'll check them out today!
Awesome, thank you! Do you think a tarp would work as a barrier? Like the plastic ones?