Bags
7 Gallon Grow Bags Shopping Guide: Types, Materials & Uses
Looking to boost your gardening success? 7 gallon grow bags are the perfect solution for home growers craving convenience and healthy plant growth. These versatile containers offer optimal space, promote strong root systems, and are ideal for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our shopping guide will help you choose the best 7 gallon grow bags for your needs.
Comparison Table: Common Types and Variations of 7 Gallon Grow Bags
| Bag Type | Material | Shape | Color Options | Handles | Reusable | Target Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Fabric Grow Bag | Non-woven Fabric | Round | Black, Tan | Yes | Yes | General vegetables, flowers |
| Colored Fabric Grow Bag | Non-woven Fabric | Round | Blue, Pink, Green | Yes | Yes | Decorative, market gardening |
| Heavy-Duty Fabric Grow Bag | Thick Fabric | Tall/Round | Black | Reinforced | Yes | Tomatoes, potatoes, small trees |
| Aeration Grow Bag | Aerated Fabric | Round | Black/Varies | Yes | Yes | Root pruning, hydroponics |
| Plastic “Grow Bag” | Polypropylene | Tubular/Flat | White, Black | Some | Sometimes | Short season/annuals, one-time use |
| Lined Moisture-Retaining Grow Bag | Lined Fabric | Round | Black | Yes | Yes | Moisture-sensitive crops |
Types of 7 Gallon Grow Bags
When selecting a 7 gallon grow bag, understanding the different types available can help you find the best fit for your garden, balcony, or patio setup. Here are the main categories:
1. Standard Non-Woven Fabric Grow Bags
These classic bags are crafted from breathable, non-woven geotextile fabrics. Their purpose is to balance soil moisture and airflow, encouraging healthy root development. The standard black or tan color blends seamlessly into most garden designs and is ideal for vegetables, herbs, or annual flowers.
2. Colored Fabric Grow Bags
Colored options are becoming popular for those who care about garden aesthetics. These come in various colors—such as blue, green, or pink—and are perfect for gardeners looking to coordinate their planting areas or attract attention at farmers’ markets. Despite their vibrant look, colored bags retain all the functional benefits of standard fabric bags.
3. Heavy-Duty and Extra-Thick Grow Bags
If you need maximum durability or intend to move your plants frequently, heavy-duty bags are ideal. Made from thick, dense fabric (up to 600g/m²), these bags offer reinforced stitching, stronger handles, and sometimes additional features like double-thick walls for prolonged use and protection against root penetration.
4. Aeration and “Air Pruning” Grow Bags
Certain grow bags are specifically designed to maximize airflow to the root zone. These bags may offer a looser weave, extra depth, or features to promote air pruning—an effect where root tips dry when they reach the bag’s edge, encouraging more fibrous, healthier root systems instead of circling or girdling roots.
5. Plastic Polypropylene Grow Bags
Though less durable and often single-use, these bags are commonly seen in commercial operations. They come in white or black, are typically more affordable, and are useful for short-term crops or gardeners who want a budget solution with minimal maintenance.
6. Lined or Moisture-Retaining Grow Bags
These bags add a moisture-retaining liner to the standard fabric shell. Ideal for hot climates or for plants that are sensitive to drying out (like cucumbers or basil), these keep soil consistently moist while still preventing waterlogging through built-in drainage.
Material Choices for 7 Gallon Grow Bags
Choosing the right material determines how durable, reusable, and effective your grow bag will be.
Non-Woven Fabric
- Pros: Breathable, promotes airflow, supports air pruning, washable, reusable.
- Cons: May not retain water as well in arid conditions, varies in thickness and durability.
- Best For: General use, most vegetables, annuals, and small fruit trees.
Heavy-Duty Fabric (Thickened/High GSM)
- Pros: Extremely durable, stands up well to repeated handling or transplanting, better insulation.
- Cons: Heavier, slightly more expensive.
- Best For: Perennials, plants needing frequent relocation, root crops, and overwintering.
Lined/BPA-Free Materials
- Pros: Extra moisture retention, some offer food-safe certification.
- Cons: May require closer monitoring for overwatering.
- Best For: Thirsty crops, gardeners who water less frequently, hot climates.
Recycled Plastic or Polypropylene
- Pros: Lightweight, low-cost, easy to store.
- Cons: Often one-season use, less breathable, not as durable.
- Best For: Short-term planting, annual crops, or experimental gardens.
Usage Occasions and Ideal Plants for 7 Gallon Grow Bags
The versatility of a 7 gallon grow bag means it can suit almost any setting—from home balconies to backyard gardens or urban rooftop plots.
Most Common Uses
- Balcony or Patio Gardening: Perfect for maximizing plant yield in small spaces.
- Vegetable and Herb Growing: Ideal for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and most herbs.
- Seasonal and Succession Planting: Easily swap crops as the seasons change. Bags can be relocated to better sun or shade as needed.
- Flower Gardening: Display annuals or perennials without permanent landscaping changes.
- Starting Fruit Trees or Shrubs: Great for young figs, dwarf citrus, bay trees, or small berry bushes before transplanting or permanent potting.
- Hydroponic and Indoor Applications: Suitable for soil or soilless growing systems thanks to their breathability and drainage.
When to Choose a 7 Gallon Size
A 7 gallon grow bag is spacious enough for most medium- to large-sized vegetable plants, deep-rooted perennials, and compact fruit trees, but still manageable for moving and storage. For context:
– Fits 1-2 medium-sized vegetable plants (tomato, pepper, eggplant)
– Can accommodate several herb species or flowers
– Suitable for potatoes, ginger, garlic, onions, carrots, or beets
How to Match Grow Bags to Your Garden Setup
- Color & Aesthetics: Choose colored bags for visual interest or to designate crops. Standard bags suit traditional or subtle gardens.
- Space Considerations: Use cylindrical or tall bags for tight spots, spread-out or stackable styles for patios.
- Functional Features: Select bags with extra-strong handles, metal grommets (for low-stress training or trellising), and reinforced stitching if you plan to move the bags often.
- Seasonal Needs: Lined bags or those with thicker walls are best for areas with extreme summer heat or water restrictions.
- Crop Types: Deep-rooted or sprawling plants appreciate taller, thicker bags. Root crops benefit from enhanced aeration bags.
Practical Tips and Best Practices for Choosing and Using 7 Gallon Grow Bags
- Double-Check Real Capacity: Not all 7-gallon bags are the same—some companies use “trade” gallons (less than true gallons). Look for “true gallon” sizes if root room matters.
- Examine Fabric Density: Higher GSM (grams per square meter) offers more durability. For heavy crops or frequent reuse, opt for 350g/m² or higher; premium options reach 600g/m².
- Assess Handles: Handles should be sewn into the base or wrapped under the bag for strength, not just stitched at the rim.
- Air Pruning and Drainage: Look for bags with good breathability to prevent root rot and encourage strong root systems.
- Maintenance: Wash bags between uses (hand wash or machine gentle cycle). Disinfect with diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for reuse.
- Watering Needs: Fabric bags dry out faster than solid pots; monitor soil moisture closely, water more frequently in hot or windy weather, and consider trays underneath to catch runoff and retain moisture.
- Soil Choices: Lightweight potting mix is best. Mix with compost, coco coir, or vermiculite for moisture retention and aeration.
- Placement: Place bags on surfaces that allow for drainage. Use saucers or trays if on a patio or deck to prevent staining or runoff.
- Reuse and Storage: Let bags dry before stuffing or storing flat to prevent mildew or damage.
Technical Comparison Table: Features of Popular 7 Gallon Grow Bag Models
| Brand/Model | Material | Thickness | Handles | Color Options | Grommets/Tie-Points | Dimensions (inches) | Washable | Reusable | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Grow Bag | Non-Woven Fabric | 600g/m² | Extended Base | Black | Yes (metal) | Tall (True 7 gal.) | Yes | Yes | Double thick, “true gallon”, LST |
| Bootstrap Farmer | Non-Woven Fabric | 350g/m² | Strong | Multi-color, Black | No | 12×13 (DxH) | Yes | Yes | Aesthetic options, machine wash |
| Farm Plastic Supply | Non-Woven Fabric | Unspecified | Reinforced | Black | No | 14x14x12 | Yes | Yes | Durability focus |
| Epic Gardening | Lined Fabric | Double Stitch | Sturdy | Black or Tan | No | Multiple | Yes | Yes | Moisture-retaining liner |
| Jeria | Non-Woven Fabric | General Use | Reinforced | Black | No | 12×13 | Yes | Yes | Comes w/ plant tags, budget pack |
| Commercial Poly Bag | Polypropylene | Thin (1-2mm) | Some/None | White, Black | No | Variable | Sometimes | No/Once | Light, cheap, less durable |
| 247Garden | Aeration Fabric | Not Specified | Standard | Black | No | Varies | Yes | Yes | Focused on aeration, root health |
Related Video
Conclusion
7 gallon grow bags are a versatile and practical solution for gardeners in any setting—from patios to expansive backyard beds. With options ranging from classic black fabric to decorative colored models and heavy-duty, double-thick variants, there’s a bag for every plant, style, and budget.
When choosing, focus on material thickness, sturdiness of the handles, and special features suited to your gardening style. Grow bags offer tangible benefits over traditional pots: enhanced root health, easy portability, and reusable, eco-friendly design. By matching your choices to your specific crops, space, and local climate, you’ll maximize your plants’ growth potential and garden enjoyment.
FAQ
What fits in a 7 gallon grow bag?
A 7 gallon grow bag can hold one large tomato or pepper plant, two to four smaller vegetable plants, or a mix of herbs, flowers, or root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
How much soil do I need for a 7 gallon grow bag?
You’ll need approximately 0.9 to 1 cubic foot of soil to fill a 7 gallon grow bag (roughly 21-28 dry quarts of potting mix).
Are fabric grow bags better than plastic pots?
Fabric bags provide superior aeration and drainage, encouraging healthy root systems. They also reduce root circling and help prevent overwatering or root rot, making them a favorite among many gardeners.
Can I reuse my grow bags every season?
Yes, high-quality grow bags are designed for reuse. At the end of each season, empty the soil, wash, and disinfect the bags thoroughly before storage.
Do 7 gallon grow bags need drainage holes?
Most fabric grow bags naturally provide excellent drainage through their permeable material. Traditional plastic or lined bags may have built-in holes; always check and add some if necessary.
How do I water plants in grow bags?
Because grow bags dry out faster than solid pots, monitor soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry. Consider using drip irrigation, mulch, or a tray under the bag to keep moisture consistent.
Are handles on grow bags strong enough to carry when filled?
Quality bags have reinforced or extended-base handles that make it safe to move even when full. Avoid lifting weak-handled bags with wet soil, as this adds weight and stress.
Can I machine wash my grow bags?
Most fabric grow bags are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Always let them air dry thoroughly to avoid mold.
Do colors or thickness make a difference?
Colored bags are mainly aesthetic, but thickness matters: thicker fabrics resist tearing, last longer, and offer better insulation for roots.
What plants grow best in a 7 gallon grow bag?
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, carrots, beets, large herbs (like rosemary), small fruit trees (dwarf fig, bay laurel), and even mixed salad greens perform exceptionally well in 7 gallon bags.
