Comparison Between Grow Bag and Plastic Pots

Healthier plants roots

In pots, the roots of the plants tend to grow in circles entangling themselves. This increases the likelihood of having oxygenation or water stagnation issues, especially in larger pots that lack proper drainage. When the roots reach the edge of a plastic pot they continue growing in search more water and nutrients only to begin encircling the pot. This begins the process of structural damage to your plants. The roots become constricted leading to less water and nutrient intake. The stem of your plant will also become compressed which leads to tissue damage further restricting nutrient intake.

Non woven fabric grow bags help to alleviate this issue because as the roots come in contact with the edges of the fabric pot they sense the drier soil that is exposed to the air. At this point they know they have reached their growth limit. The roots become "air pruned" which is vital to growing healthy plants in non woven grow bag. This prevents over growth of roots eliminating girdling roots (roots that damage the structure of the plant). You will also get many more fibrous roots when air pruned. A more fibrous root system (many small root tips) allows the plants to take in more nutrients and water. Improved overall root health is one of the main grow bag advantages. Plastic potted plants encourage a few large roots to dominate and encircle the pot which constricts nutrient uptake.

Temperature control

During the heat of summer, when exposed in direct sunlight plastic pots can get quite hot. Since they are not breathable as they trap all the heat inside the pot. Non woven polypropylene grow bags regulate temperature due to their breathable quality. Excess heat is able to escape from all sides of the non woven eco grow bag.

Watering considerations

Since non woven cloth grow bags are porous they require more frequent watering. However, it is harder to over-water using a biodegradable non woven grow bag, as any excess moisture is allowed to wick out of the container. In contrast a traditional pot which may need less watering, it is not easy to over water. If you over-water a plant in a traditional pot they could drown and develop mold or fungus.

Storage

Where do you store the spare pots when not in use? Do they become empty eyesores on the back porch or stacked up in the shed in hopes they don't get crushed or broken in the off season? Traditional pots will need to be stacked for storage in the off season. However foldable non woven bags can be folded up and stored with minimal space each season.

Versatility

Non woven poly grow bags are light weight and usually come with built in handles making them easy to move to different locations. They are popular since they can be brought out with ease and they take up minimal space when storing. Eco non woven grow bag can even be planted directly in the ground as non woven bags are biodegradable.