How plastic planter bags influence the growth of plants
Planter bags (aka grow bags) are a versatile, cost-effective growing solution that can be used to help mature a variety of plants from flowers and vegetables to herbs and shrubs and even small trees.
Here, we take a look at how planter bags help improve the growth rate of plants.
Temperature control
Depending on the colour and choice of materials, planter bags can help keep the root systems of your plants cooler in hot conditions and warmer in cold conditions.
Planter bags tend to stay cooler than traditional containers in hot weather, preventing the roots from overheating by allowing heat to escape. In colder weather, planter bags can help insulate the roots, protecting them from fluctuations in temperature.
Improved Drainage
When it comes to drainage, planter bags typically have greater versatility than plastic containers, giving you more control when it comes to how freely – or restricted – water is removed from the soil. The multiple drainage points in a planter bag and porous nature of the material used to manufacture them allows excess water to escape easily, reducing the risk of over watering and root rot.
Natural Root Pruning
One of the most important differences between a plant grown in a thick plastic container and one grown in a planter bag is how the roots behave.
Once roots reach the edge of a container, the rigid material forces them to grow in a circular fashion, known as root circling. Becoming ‘root bound’ in this way restricts the plant’s access to water and nutrients, which – if they are kept in the pot or container for a long period of time – can stunt their growth and eventually kill them.
However, roots typically stop growing when they reach the edge of a planter bag. This is because planter bags are porous, allowing air to get through – roots stop growing when they come in contact with air, which is known as ‘air pruning’. This encourages development of a denser, more fibrous root system, which is better at absorbing water and nutrients, directing the plant’s energy towards growth instead of root maintenance.
Soil health
Earth retains harmful impurities and will become drained of nutrients if proper crop rotation and fertilisation practices aren’t practised, which can stunt plant growth and decrease crop yields over time.
When using planter bags, you can easily replenish or replace the soil being used, which can result in healthier plants with increased yields and fewer diseases or other growth issues.
Other things to consider
Aside from improved growing conditions, there are other benefits to using planter bags:
- Planter bags make it easier to move or rotate your plants, ideal for growers who need to rearrange their plants regularly.
- Many planter bags are made from recycled or biodegradable materials, reducing their impact on the environment.
- Planter bags make harvesting root crops like sweet potatoes or carrots easier, minimising damage to the plant.
However, you should keep in mind potential drawbacks, including:
- Planter bags can dry out more quickly than plastic containers, potentially requiring more frequent watering.
- Planter bags aren’t as durable as thicker containers and may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Some growers may find planter bags less aesthetically pleasing than plastic containers.
Overall, planter bags can be a great option for growers who prefer a lightweight, breathable, and sustainable way to grow plants.
We’ve got the perfect solution to meet your unique growing needs
Botany Plastics has a huge range of high-quality, competitively-priced planter bags available. If you can’t find the sizing you need on our website, we can customise the design to meet your unique needs and even brand bags with your logo if you on-sell.
To place an order or request a sample, give David a call now on 07 5578 2907
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is based on feedback from our customers. We are not horticulturists and recommend running trials to see which planter bags work best for you before committing to one option over another.