Growing vegetables in grow bags is one of the easiest ways to start a productive home garden—even if you’re short on space. Whether you’re planting on a patio, balcony, or small backyard, many heirloom varieties thrive in grow bags or containers when given the right soil, care, and bag size. Below is a detailed list of vegetables that grow well in grow bags, along with the recommended size and top-performing heirloom varieties for each.
Table of Contents
Greens and Leafy Vegetables (Grow Bags 4 Gallons)
Kale:
‘Dwarf Blue Curled Vates’, ‘Dwarf Siberian’, ‘Lacinato’ all perform well in compact grow bags and are easy to harvest.
Lettuce:
‘Buttercrunch’, ‘Salad Bowl’, and nearly all heirloom lettuce types grow beautifully in grow bags and shallow containers.
Mustard Greens:
‘Florida Broad Leaf’, ‘Southern Giant Curled’, and ‘Tendergreen’ thrive in small grow bags and make a quick, nutritious crop.
Spinach:
‘Long Standing Bloomsdale’ grows well in cool weather and produces abundantly in 4-gallon grow bags.
Swiss Chard:
‘Rainbow Mix’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ grow vigorously in grow bags, producing over a long season.
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Root Vegetables for Grow Bags (5–10 Gallons)
Beets (7-gallon):
‘Bull’s Blood’, ‘Early Wonder’, ‘Golden Detroit’, ‘Ruby Queen’
Carrots (7-gallon):
‘Chantenay’, ‘Little Finger’—shorter carrot types are ideal for grow bags and deep containers.
Garlic (4-gallon):
Ask your supplier for advice on varieties suitable for container growing.
Onions (10-gallon):
‘Barletta Pearl’, ‘Evergreen White Bunching’, ‘Walla Walla’, ‘Crystal White Wax’
Radishes (5-gallon):
‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Watermelon’; winter radishes: ‘China Rose’
Turnips (7-gallon):
‘Purple Top White Globe’, ‘Tokyo Cross’—reliable choices for deep grow bags or wide containers.
Fruit-Bearing Vegetables (5–10 Gallon Grow Bags)
Bush Beans (5-gallon):
‘Contender’, ‘Purple Queen’, ‘Tendercrop’, ‘Topcrop’
Pole Beans (7-gallon):
‘Kentucky Wonder’—train these up a trellis in a tall grow bag.
Cucumber (7-gallon):
‘Bushcrop’, ‘Spacemaster 80’, ‘Marketmore 76’—compact types that perform well in grow bags.
Eggplant (7-gallon):
‘Black Beauty’, ‘Rosa Bianca’—great for warmer climates and deep containers.
Okra (7-gallon):
‘Dwarf Long Green Pod’—compact plants perfect for sunny grow bag setups.
Peas (7-gallon):
‘Cascadia’, ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’, ‘Super Sugar Snap’ (add support)
Peppers (7-gallon):
‘California Wonder’, ‘Cupid’, ‘Jungle Parrot’, ‘Long Red Cayenne’—all thrive in warm, well-drained grow bags.
Tomatoes (7–10-gallon):
‘Brandywine’, ‘Tumbler Cherry’, ‘Chadwick’s Cherry’, ‘Gardener’s Delight’, ‘Tiny Tim’, ‘Golden Nugget’—choose your grow bag size based on plant size and type.
Brassicas for Grow Bags (7 Gallons)
Broccoli:
‘DeCicco’—compact and reliable in medium grow bags.
Brussels Sprouts:
‘Long Island Improved’—requires more vertical room but still manageable in large containers.
Cabbage:
‘Early Jersey Wakefield’, ‘Copenhagen Market’, ‘Danish Ball-head’
Cauliflower:
‘Early Snowball’—responds well to steady moisture in 7-gallon grow bags.
Corn, Melons, and Squash (10–15 Gallons or Larger)
Corn:
‘Stowell’s Evergreen’, ‘Country Gentleman’—requires a large grow bag for best results.
Melons (10-gallon):
‘Hearts of Gold’, ‘Honey Rock’, ‘Minnesota Midget’—smaller melons are well-suited to deep grow bags.
Pumpkin (10–15 gallon):
‘Small Sugar’—a compact heirloom perfect for large containers or grow bags on the ground.
Squash Summer or Winter (15-gallon):
‘Black Beauty Zucchini’, ‘Sweet Dumpling’, ‘Delicata’, ‘Waltham Butternut’, ‘Early Prolific Straightneck’, ‘White Bush Scallop’
Watermelon (10–15 gallon):
‘Sugar Baby’—small melons that thrive with good drainage and strong sunlight.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes in Large Grow Bags
Potatoes (7-gallon):
‘All Blue’, ‘Fingerling’, ‘Kennebec’, ‘Red Norland’, ‘Yukon Gold’
Note: We do not currently carry seed potatoes. We recommend trusted sources such as Irish Eyes Garden Seeds and Maine Potato Lady.
Sweet Potatoes (25–50 gallon):
‘Beauregard’, ‘Bayou Belle’
We also do not carry sweet potato slips—see suppliers above for options.
Tips for Growing in Grow Bags and Containers
Growing in grow bags and containers is convenient and productive, but it does require slightly different care than traditional in-ground gardening. Here are some expanded tips to help you succeed and get the most from your heirloom vegetables:
1. Use High-Quality Potting Soil with Good Drainage
The foundation of a successful grow bag garden is your soil. Choose a high-quality potting mix that’s designed for container use—not regular garden soil. A good mix should be lightweight, rich in organic matter, and drain well while still holding enough moisture to keep roots hydrated. Look for ingredients like compost, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or vermiculite. You can also amend with worm castings or slow-release organic fertilizer for added nutrition. Avoid using plain topsoil or heavy clay, as these will compact in grow bags and reduce airflow to roots.
2. Water Frequently and Consistently
Because grow bags are made from breathable fabric, they allow for excellent aeration and drainage—but they also dry out faster than raised beds or plastic containers. Most crops will need to be watered daily, especially during hot weather, and possibly more often for thirsty plants like tomatoes and squash. Water deeply until you see it draining from the bottom of the bag, and consider using mulch (such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) to help retain moisture. Grouping bags together can also reduce evaporation and make watering easier.
3. Provide Strong Support for Vining or Tall Plants
Many heirloom vegetables such as tomatoes, pole beans, cucumbers, and peas will need vertical support to keep them healthy and productive. Install cages, stakes, or trellises at the time of planting, so you don’t disturb the roots later. Lightweight grow bags can sometimes tip over when plants grow tall or heavy with fruit, so placing them against a wall or tying them to a support structure can add stability. Be proactive about support—it will prevent broken stems, encourage airflow, and improve harvests.
4. Place in Full Sun for Best Results
Most vegetables need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well and produce a strong harvest. Position your grow bags in a sunny spot—such as a south-facing patio, deck, or driveway—to ensure your plants get enough light. If you’re growing on a balcony or in a shaded area, stick to leafy greens and herbs that tolerate partial sun. Remember: the more sun your plants receive, the better their flavor, growth, and yield.
5. Feed Regularly with Organic Fertilizer
Nutrients in grow bags are used up faster than in-ground gardens due to regular watering and limited soil volume. To keep your plants thriving, feed them every 1–2 weeks with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or compost tea. For longer-lasting nutrition, mix in slow-release organic fertilizer at planting time. Monitor plant health as the season progresses—pale leaves or slow growth often indicate the need for additional feeding.
Container Gardening Made Easy with Grow Bags
These open-pollinated and heirloom seed varieties are excellent for growing in grow bags, offering a practical way to garden in tight spaces. From leafy greens and root crops to tomatoes, melons, and even corn, grow bags make it easy to cultivate a full vegetable garden on porches, patios, or balconies. With the right care and the correct bag size, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest—even without a traditional garden bed.
FAQ:
What vegetables grow best in grow bags?
Many vegetables do exceptionally well in grow bags, especially those that don’t require deep root systems. Some of the best performers include leafy greens like lettuce, kale, mustard, and spinach; root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, turnips, beets, and potatoes; and fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, bush beans, cucumbers, and eggplant. Even larger crops like corn, squash, and melons can thrive in grow bags if you use the right size—typically 10–15 gallons or more. Heirloom varieties adapt well to grow bag gardening because you can customize the soil and drainage to suit each plant’s needs.
What size grow bag should I use for tomatoes?
Tomatoes are heavy feeders with deep roots, so it’s important to use a grow bag that’s large enough to support vigorous growth. For determinate (bush) tomatoes, a 7-gallon grow bag is the minimum recommended size. For indeterminate (vining) varieties that grow continuously and produce throughout the season, a 10-gallon grow bag is ideal. Larger bags provide more room for root expansion, help retain moisture, and allow for better nutrient uptake, all of which lead to stronger plants and larger harvests.
Can I reuse grow bags each season?
Yes, grow bags are reusable for multiple seasons if properly maintained. At the end of each growing season, empty out the old soil, shake off excess dirt, and wash the grow bags with mild soap and water. Let them dry completely before storing them in a dry place. Over time, fabric bags can wear down, especially if exposed to constant sunlight or moisture, but many high-quality grow bags can last 3–5 years or more. Reusing grow bags is not only economical but also reduces waste in your garden.
Are grow bags better than containers?
Grow bags and containers both have their advantages, but grow bags offer some unique benefits. The breathable fabric used in grow bags allows for air pruning of roots, which prevents root circling and promotes a healthier, more fibrous root system. They also drain excess water more effectively than many plastic containers, helping reduce the risk of root rot. On the other hand, containers—especially those made from ceramic or plastic—retain moisture longer and may be better in extremely hot or dry climates. Your choice depends on your gardening environment and crop type, but many gardeners find grow bags easier to manage and more forgiving for beginners.
How often do I need to water grow bags?
Grow bags require more frequent watering than traditional garden beds or plastic containers because the breathable fabric allows moisture to evaporate more quickly. In hot weather or during peak growing season, you may need to water once or even twice a day, depending on the crop and bag size. For best results, water slowly and thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Using a layer of mulch on top of the soil can help retain moisture. It’s also helpful to place grow bags on saucers or trays to capture any runoff and reduce watering frequency.
Do root vegetables grow well in grow bags?
Yes, many root vegetables thrive in grow bags, especially when planted in loose, well-draining soil. Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips, and potatoes are excellent choices. The key is to use a deep enough grow bag—7 to 15 gallons, depending on the crop—and to make sure the soil stays loose and free of rocks or clumps, which can cause roots to fork or grow poorly. Grow bags are especially helpful for potatoes because you can add soil gradually as the plants grow, allowing tubers to develop over time with minimal effort.
What kind of soil is best for grow bags?
The ideal soil mix for grow bags is a light, nutrient-rich potting blend that drains well but retains enough moisture to keep roots hydrated. A good basic mix includes compost, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or vermiculite. You can also add worm castings or a slow-release organic fertilizer to give plants a boost. Avoid using garden soil by itself, as it can become compacted in a grow bag and restrict airflow and drainage. A custom blend tailored to the plant you’re growing will help you get the best results from your grow bags.
Can I grow multiple plants in one grow bag?
Yes, but it depends on the plant type and the size of the grow bag. Leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach can be grown several to a bag, even in smaller sizes. Root crops like radishes and carrots can also be grown in groups with proper spacing. For larger crops like tomatoes or peppers, it’s best to plant one per bag (unless using a very large bag, such as 15–25 gallons). Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, competition for nutrients, and reduced yields, so always check spacing recommendations for each plant.
Are grow bags good for heirloom seeds?
Absolutely. Grow bags are ideal for heirloom seeds because they allow you to control the growing environment—especially soil quality, drainage, and spacing. This is particularly important with heirloom varieties, which often require more attention to detail than modern hybrids. Grow bags also make it easier to rotate crops, isolate plants for seed saving, and manage pests without disturbing the entire garden. Whether you’re growing heirloom tomatoes, beans, greens, or root vegetables, grow bags give you the flexibility to nurture each plant individually for optimal flavor and performance.
What’s the difference between grow bags and raised beds?
Grow bags are portable, breathable fabric containers designed for individual plants or small groupings. They’re excellent for renters, patio gardeners, and those with limited space. Raised beds are more permanent structures made of wood, metal, or other materials that allow for larger-scale gardening. While raised beds provide more growing volume and often support companion planting or succession sowing, they require more setup and space. Grow bags offer a flexible, low-commitment way to garden anywhere—especially for testing new heirloom varieties or growing in non-traditional locations like driveways, rooftops, or balconies.
Hello ,I would like to request Zucchini plants if you can get them.
I love Garding!
Thank You, Bobbie Jean
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J.M.J.
HI Bobbie Jean,
Thank you for your comment. We are sorry, we do not, at this time, carry plants. Hoping that as our kids grow a bit and we expand the business we may start carrying plants. Thank you for your patronage.
God bless,
John, Sarah, and Family
When ever I’ve tried to grow any carrots in my garden they taste awful. Like a turpentine flavor and no matter where, two towns now. Any ideas to why? I’d love to not have to buy them. Thanks for any help.
Hello Gardening Friend!
We’re guessing the flavor has to do with your climate. Here is a link that may help:
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=carrots+from+garden+taste+bitter
God bless!
John, Sarah, and Family