How to Make a Vertical Grow Bag

A vertical grow bag supports a garden in an upright position. A creative method of using limited space, the grow bag holds potting soil and allows plants to grow out of holes on the sides. This method easily supports a dozen small plants in a small space that would normally take up four times the space if the garden was horizontal. Perfect for people in urban settings or apartments, the grow bag is a low-cost, space-saving alternative to a sprawling garden.

Heavy-duty plastic lawn and leaf bag with handles
Scissors
Potting soil
Seedlings

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out a heavy-duty plastic bag. Use the type that is made for yard work -- they're normally called "lawn and leaf bags." It can be any color, but darker colors are usually more attractive for a vertical planter.
- 2
  Cut six small holes using scissors in the bottom of the bag for drainage. Cut six 2-by-2-inch "T"-shaped holes going down the front of the bag to put the plants in and repeat for the back of the bag. If you plan to hang the bag against the house, you can put 12 holes on one side of the bag, with six going down the left side and six going down the right side.
- 3
  Fill the bag with potting soil. Hang it outside, using the drawstrings on the bag, and thoroughly water the soil, allowing the water to drain until it stops running out.
- 4
  Place your seedlings in the holes in the bag. Dig a small indentation for one, then place it in the hole and push the soil around the roots of the plant. The plant should stick out of the hole.
- 5
  Hang your plants in an area that gets sun in the morning, but is shaded from the afternoon sun. The bag will get hot and keep the plants warm throughout the afternoon.

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