Grow Bags
Plastic grow bags, pre-filled with a peat-based compost together with a peat-based compost together with a base fertilizer, provide a simple though expensive means of growing tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, sweet peppers and other high-value, high-cropping vegetables and fruits.
Grow bags can be laid directly on a concrete or paving floor, or on uncultivated soil in the greenhouse border. The bag is sufficiently large to give a long root-run for large plants, and the growing medium is sterile — useful where soil-borne pests and diseases are known to be a major problem. Unfortunately, they can be used only for one growing season, after which the compost is suitable only for mixing with fresh soil as a texture conditioner or as a garden mulch.
Support systems must be chosen carefully. Deep rooting is not possible and the growing medium has little substance, so plants fall over easily unless they are tied in. Do not push garden canes through the bottom of the bag — you will reduce its water-holding capacity. You can insert tall canes into a grow bag, however, and prevent them from falling over by securing the top end to a fixed structure within the greenhouse, such as roof glazing bar.
Tie tall plants to wires, strings or netting secured to the framework of the greenhouse, or use proprietary support frames specially designed for use with grow bags.
Alternatively, canes may be inserted around a grow bag and strings tied between.
Grow bags can be laid directly on a concrete or paving floor, or on uncultivated soil in the greenhouse border. The bag is sufficiently large to give a long root-run for large plants, and the growing medium is sterile — useful where soil-borne pests and diseases are known to be a major problem. Unfortunately, they can be used only for one growing season, after which the compost is suitable only for mixing with fresh soil as a texture conditioner or as a garden mulch.
Support systems must be chosen carefully. Deep rooting is not possible and the growing medium has little substance, so plants fall over easily unless they are tied in. Do not push garden canes through the bottom of the bag — you will reduce its water-holding capacity. You can insert tall canes into a grow bag, however, and prevent them from falling over by securing the top end to a fixed structure within the greenhouse, such as roof glazing bar.
Tie tall plants to wires, strings or netting secured to the framework of the greenhouse, or use proprietary support frames specially designed for use with grow bags.
Alternatively, canes may be inserted around a grow bag and strings tied between.
